As a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, Little River Wetlands Project works through its board and committees to ensure fulfillment of its mission. All of LRWP's committees report directly to the board. LRWP members are welcome to attend meetings of any committee (except the Executive and Land Acquisition Committees), but are asked to inform the committee chair in advance that they will be coming. If you are interested in joining a committee or would like more information, please contact the committee chair (see below) by sending an inquiry to execdir@lrwp.org
Committees, Charges, and Members:
*designates board member, ** designates staff member.Education
Charge: develop and oversee educational programs that fulfill LRWP's mission of inspiring individuals to be good stewards of wetlands and other natural ecosystems, with a special focus on wetlands and related nature topics.
- Cathy Kelker* (Chair)
- Julie Kistler
- Laurie Proctor
- Rachel Rossiter Smith**
Executive:
Charge: This elected committee proposes matters for board attention and carries functions related to personnel, administration, and community relations (including member and nonmember concerns). It oversees all personnel matters, functioning of the LRWP office, and the volunteer program.
- Thom Maher* (Chair)
- Barry Ellis*
- Betsy Huguenard*
- Judy Nelsen*
Finance:
Charge: develop, implement, and oversee LRWP's accounting procedures, financial standard practices and procedures, and long-term financial planning; to complete tax reports and audits.
- Barry Ellis* (Chair)
- Betsy Huguenard*
- Judy Nelsen*
- Tom Russell*
Fundraising:
Charge: develop relationships and support for LRWP to raise funds for general operating expenses and special projects. Activities: grants, large donor relations, member relations, marketing, publicity, and special events to expand support for LRWP.
- Judy Nelsen* (Chair)
- Dwight Ericsson*
- Tiffany Holmes
- Betsy Huguenard*
- Thom Maher*
- Tom Russell*
- Karen Surguine*
- Renee Wright*
- Betsy Yankowiak**
Land Acquisition:
Charge: investigate possible land acquisitions or conservation easements, develop budgets, and guide the acquisition process of any projects considered. The committee also establishes relationships with local landowners and provides information about land management practices as appropriate. The committee is responsible for developing an overall plan for restoration in the Little River watershed.
- Dennis White* (Chair)
- Betsy Huguenard*
- Thom Maher*
- Betsy Yankowiak**
Land Use and Research:
Charge: recommend rules and regulations for general use of LRWP properties by scientists, our membership and the public. The committee also receives and evaluates proposals for wetland-related research at our sites and, if these are approved, facilitates and monitors the research. It serves as a repository for all cultural, physical, and biological data collected on LRWP properties. The Land Use committee is in charge of monitoring conservation easements held by LRWP on an annual basis, and for maintaining records of such monitoring.
- John Schutt* (Chair)
- George Manning*
- Dennis White*
Property Stewardship:
Charge: plan, oversee and assist with ongoing stewardship of LRWP properties, including aiding establishment of native plants and trees, dealing with invasives, clean-up, planning and maintenance of the built environment (e.g. buildings, bridges, trails), security, and monitoring of cultural, physical, and biological data. Also assists with fund-raising, in-kind donations of materials and labor, and field work on behalf of the sites.
- Don Cunningham**
- Thom Maher* (Chair)
- Betsy Huguenard*
- George Manning*
- Paul McAfee
- John Schutt*
- Tim Skiver
- Dennis White*
- Betsy Yankowiak**
Standards and Practices:
Charge: review existing standards and practices of the organization and recommend formalizing, changing, or developing guidelines where needed. Develop a handbook of standards and practices for all aspects of LRWP.
- Judy Nelsen* (Chair)
- Betsy Yankowiak**