Water Resources Center



2020 Minnesota Climate Adaptation ConferencePresenter BiosAhlering, Marissa – The Nature ConservancyDr. Marissa Ahlering has a passion for prairies and prairie conservation. As an undergraduate she studied prairie butterflies on tallgrass prairies in Nebraska. Her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri focused on grassland birds in the mixed grass prairies of North Dakota and Saskatchewan along the Missouri Coteau. She then worked with a non-profit in Kenya, the University of Missouri, and the Smithsonian, studying the coexistence of the Maasai people and elephants in the Rift Valley. In 2010 she returned to the northern Great Plains, and is currently the Lead Prairie Ecologist for TNC’s Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota chapter.Arika, Jessica – Hennepin County I am an education outreach specialist/ planning analyst in the Department of Environment and Energy at Hennepin County. I have a Master’s Degree in Environment Economics and am currently pursuing Masters in Public Policy at the Hubert Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota.I am passionate about the environment, especially as relates to our day to day lives. I enjoy connecting with residents and empowering them to make positive choices as relates to their own environment. I currently manage the residential organics program, which is poised to expand as it helps reduce the amount of trash that goes to landfills reducing the release of methane into the environment. I enjoy going out in nature and with my elementary school daughter ensure that we take walks; enjoy the parks while learning and go camping where we enjoy sleeping under the stars.Barnes, Brandon – Barr EngineeringBrandon is a water resources engineer with Barr Engineering company and has 12 years of experience providing water resources services to water management organizations, cities, and state and federal agencies. At Barr, he creates detailed H&H models, designs water-quality BMPs, develops plans and specifications, observes construction, conducts interior drainage analyses, and assists with stormwater permitting. Brandon has created one- and two-dimensional XP-SWMM models for dozens of stormwater-management, drainage, flood-protection, floodplain, and watershed-improvement projects. He enjoys evaluating existing systems and identifying modifications and management strategies to improve system performance.Barrientos, Jennyfer – Growing up Healthy, Northfield, MNJennyfer Barrientos is long-time Northfield resident whose family immigrated to Rice County almost two decades ago. In addition to working part-time in healthcare, Jennyffer has a history of management roles in the restaurant industry that started with her parents’ family-owned restaurant business. Jennyffer is now our lead Coordinator for Growing Up Healthy in Northfield, MN, where she manages outreach and programs in the Northfield communityBelfiori, Phil – MN Environmental Quality BoardPhil Belfiori is a Water Planner with the MN Environmental Quality Board (EQB).? His main focus with EQB is to coordinate development of the 2020 State Water Plan which will focus on the intersection of water management and climate change /resiliency. Phil has more than 25 years of experience in the field of water resource /water quality and environmental management at the watershed, municipal, county, regional and statewide level.Bigalke, Siiri – University of MinnesotaSiiri Bigalke is a MA student in Geography with interests in climate system dynamics and human-environment interactions. Her research focuses on understanding earth systems and examining how humans influence our global environment. Specifically she is interested in how Minnesota's local landscape will respond to future climatic change. She received her BA in Environmental Science & Policy from Smith College.Bleser, Claire – Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed DistrictClaire Bleser is the District Administrator for the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District. She has over 15 years experience in water resource management. Prior to her time at Riley, Claire was the Education and Outreach Coordinator at Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. Her past degrees include a bachelor’s degrees in International Integrated Studies with Honors, and International Economics; a master’s degree in Middle East Studies focusing on water conflicts in the Middle East, and a doctorate in Water Resources with a minor in conflict management. Her work in both social sciences and natural sciences allows Claire to reach multiple audiences.Blumenfeld, Kenny – MN State Climatology OfficeDr. Kenneth (“Kenny”) Blumenfeld is a climate scientist with the Minnesota State Climatology Office, where he provides the state’s agencies, communities, and citizens with up-to-date and scientifically accurate information about Minnesota’s changing and variable climate, and also oversees a network of weather monitoring stations. Kenny enjoys talking to Minnesotans about their weather, and often does it long after the work day is done.Bordeau, Terese – Ramsey CountyTerese Bordeau works for Ramsey County Environmental Health in the Outreach & Engagement Unit. She coordinates the Fix-it Clinic program, manages several communication outlets, and advocates to reduce, reuse, and recycle.Brandt, Leslie – USDA Forest ServiceLeslie Brandt is a climate change specialist with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science and the USDA Forest Service. She serves as the regional climate change coordinator for the National Forest System Eastern Region and coordinates adaptation projects in urban and rural forests across the Midwest and Northeast. She has a PhD in ecology, evolution, and behavior from the University of Minnesota and a BA in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College.Brauman, Kate – University of Minnesota Kate Brauman is the Lead Scientist for the Global Water Initiative at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment. She also leads IonE’s impact goal on achieving safe water. Kate’s research integrates hydrology and land use with economics and policy to better understand how water use by people affects the environment and our ability to live well in it. Through projects as diverse as payments for watershed services, global variation in “crop per drop”, and worldwide trends in water consumption and availability, Kate works with the Global Water Initiative to find sustainable solutions to pressing water issues. Kate received her doctorate from Stanford University and her undergraduate degree from Columbia University. She is a Coordinating Lead Author for the global assessment of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.Ciborowski, Peter – MN Pollution Control AgencyPeter Ciborowski is an Environmental Research Scientist at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) with 39 years’ experience working on climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation issues. At the MPCA he developed the statewide greenhouse gas emissions inventory used to evaluate and report on the state’s progress in meeting its GHG reduction targets under Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act. He acted as principal MPCA technical staff to the 2007-2008 Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group and the 2014-2015 Climate and Economic Opportunities project. Most recently, he authored the MCA report “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potential of Agricultural Best Management Practices.” Cornett, Meredith – The Nature ConservancyMeredith Cornett is the Science Director for The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. In addition to her position with The Nature Conservancy, Cornett is an adjunct member of the graduate faculty at the University of Minnesota’s Conservation Sciences Program. Cornett’s expertise lies in climate change, forest ecology, restoration and science communications. Her current work at the Conservancy is focused on Natural Climate Solutions and Resilient and Connected Lands and Waters.Correll, Camilla – EOR Inc.Camilla Correll, PE, MS, is a partner of EOR, a multi-disciplinary firm specializing in sustainable water issues and design. Ms. Correll has a diverse background that started with the application of her graduate work, which focused on stormwater infiltration. Ms. Correll was active in the promotion of Low Impact Development and green infrastructure practices 20 years ago and has continued to incorporate this approach in the development of watershed management practices, programs and plans. Ms. Correll has been involved in the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership since its inception and currently serves on the awards committee.Croll, Rob – Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife ComissionRob Croll joined the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) in June of 2018 as a Policy Analyst in the Division of Intergovernmental Affairs. His duties include coordination of GLIFWC’s Climate Change Program and providing policy analysis and operational experience to the Enforcement Division. Prior to GLIFWC Rob served for eighteen years as a Waterways Conservation Officer with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, specializing in environmental enforcement and natural resource criminal investigations. Rob has a Masters in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School and did his undergraduate work in Environmental Studies at Northland College. Davenport, Mae – University of MinnesotaMae Davenport is a Professor in the Department of Forest Resources and Director of the Center for Changing Landscapes at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. Her teaching and research focuses on (1) human environmental values, beliefs and behaviors and (2) community engagement in environmental decision making. Her research program is particularly centered on community-centered planning and policy for water protection, climate resilience, and environmental justice.?Dayton, Megan – MN State Demographic CenterMegan Dayton is a Senior Demographer at Minnesota’s State Demographic Center. Since 2012, she continuously monitors, analyzes, and translates population trends. Megan’s research interests include improving upon existing data modeling techniques used for state and sub-state areas, as well as social stratification and more general demographic trends. Megan has hands-on knowledge of social and economic realities brought about by recent demographic shifts. Her work engages an attentive approach to relating current demographic trends with the resulting likelihoods.Delaney, John - USGSJohn Delaney is a biologist with the US Geological Survey in La Crosse, WI, studying the impacts of climate change in the Upper Midwest and developing tools to assist land managers in adaptation and resiliency planning.Demorest, Shanda – Practice GreenhealthShanda Demorest, DNP, RN-BC, PHN is a Member Engagement Manager with Practice Greenhealth, an Affiliate Faculty member at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, and a practicing cardiovascular nurse at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She is an active member of Minnesota-based Health Professionals for a Healthy climate, as well as the lead of the Nurses Climate Challenge: A national campaign to educate 50,000 health professionals about the health impacts of climate change by 2022. She has published works on environmental sustainability in health care and the health impacts of climate change in local, state, and national journals. Doheny, Brenna – University of Minnesota, Duluth/Health Professionals for a Healthy ClimateBrenna Doheny, PhD, MPH, CPH earned her PhD at the Medical University of South Carolina in Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences, studying the effects of environmental endocrine disrupting contaminants on female reproductive tract development in a sentinel species, the American alligator. Her interest in communicating environmental health science to the public then led her to pursue a Master of Public Health degree in maternal and child health at the University of Minnesota. Brenna interned with Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate during her MPH program, and now leads the executive committee. She is currently focused on communicating the health impacts of climate change to the public and policymakers and fostering community-based strategies to promote mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Dorothy, Olivia – American RiversOlivia joined American Rivers in 2014 and directs their Upper Mississippi River Program. She facilitates the Nicollet Island Coalition, a group of environmental, taxpayer, and conservation organizations focused on restoring a sustainable Upper Mississippi River. Prior Olivia worked on similar issues at the Izaak Walton League of America. Before entering the non-profit sector, Olivia worked in Illinois government as a rivers and water policy advisor for Governor Pat Quinn and Lt. Governor Sheila Simon. Olivia has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and a Master of Art in Environmental Studies from the University of Illinois. Dubuque, Paul – MN Department of Natural ResourcesPaul Dubuque is a program consultant with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources responsible for reforestation activities on 4.2 million acres of state forest land. He serves on interdisciplinary forest management teams including the Division of Forestry Climate Change Advisory Team. Paul provides strategic direction and program leadership to ensure forest management and silvicultural research activities are cost effective, rooted in scientific principles, and align with division and department goals. Emmons, Brett – EOR Inc. Mr. Emmons, PE, P.Eng., MS, ENV SP, is CEO and co-founder of EOR, a multi-disciplinary firm, specializing in sustainable water issues and design. Mr. Emmons has a diverse background, with a degree in Forestry and a Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering. His work has pushed the bounds of convention by introducing Green Infrastructure practices 20 years ago, before they were well known. With a reputation for innovation, EOR has been invited to many areas outside of MN to bring new thinking and won many awards for their work. Mr. Emmons’ work on sustainable communities has reflected his focus on a changing world that needs new ideas. Etterson, Julie – University of Minnesota, DuluthJulie Etterson has undergraduate degrees in International Studies and Biology and a Ph.D. in Ecology. Her lab studies plant evolution in response to anthropogenic factors like climate change, using the toolkit of ecological genetics. One powerful method for this work is the "resurrection approach," where ancestral populations are revived (e.g. using old seed) and grown side-by-side with descendant populations, for direct comparison of changes that have occurred over time. Because the ancestral seed for such experiments is rarely available, Etterson led a team to establish a new seed bank, Project Baseline (), to provide old seed for resurrection ecology research.Gilthvedt, Elizabeth – small business owner and volunteer leader, Bee Friendly Environmental Alliance of Steele CountyElizabeth, "Dr. Beth", Gilthvedt has practiced optometry in Owatonna since 1985 and been a small business owner of Horizon EyeCare Professionals since 1988. She has been an active member of numerous community organizations such as the Steele County United Way, the Allina/Owatonna Hospital and Hospital Foundation Boards, Owatonna Rotary and Children's Remedial Fund. She has been an environmentalist her entire life and supports all efforts to address the current climate crisis. ?Gosak, Ben – MN Department of Natural ResourcesBen Gosack is a GIS Analyst and Data Manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, working on the Watershed Health Assessment Framework. Ben’s role at the DNR includes equal parts spatial data analysis, cartography, and computer programming. Ben received a Bachelor’s of Science in Environment and Natural Resources from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and later returned for a Masters of Geographic Information Science.Gruidl, Bryan – City of BloomingtonBryan is the senior Water Resources Manager for the City of Blomington and is the executive director of the Richfield Bloomington Water Management Organization. He has over 13 years experience in water resource management. Bryan holds a bachelor of science in Hydrology and Water Resources Science from Colorado State University and master of science in Infrastructure Systems Engineering from the University of Minnesota.Hammes, Mary – Mississippi Park ConnectionMary Hammes is an Environmental Stewardship and Volunteer Manager with Mississippi Park Connection. Mary coordinates land stewardship projects with the twenty five cities, five counties, two state agencies, and three federal agencies in Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. She has a master's degree from the University of Minnesota in Natural Resource Management.Hellmann, Jessica – University of MinnesotaJessica Hellmann is the director of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment and the Ecolab Chair in Environmental Leadership. Hellmann also is the Russell M. and Elizabeth M. Bennett Chair in Excellence in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences. Hellmann’s research focuses on global change ecology, climate adaptation and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. She received her Ph.D. in Biology from Stanford University.Isbell, Forest – University of MinnesotaForest Isbell is an ecologist investigating how human activities are altering biodiversity and how these changes, in turn, influence ecosystem functioning, stability, and services. He studies the consequences of biodiversity loss and the societal benefits of diversifying recovering ecosystems and agroecosystems. He is the associate director of Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, an assistant professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, and an associate at the Institute on the Environment at UMN Twin Cities. His research bridges and extends previous studies of biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships, biodiversity–stability relationships, nutrient enrichment, land use changes, climate extremes, and economic valuation of ecosystem services.Jameton, Andrew – University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics/Health Professionals for a Healthy ClimateAndrew Jameton, PhD, Affiliate Faculty, Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota, and Professor Emeritus, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center. His main work from 1973 until his retirement in 2013 has been as faculty in medical centers—teaching, clinical consulting, administration, and research on ethics and philosophy in health care. He was a co-founder in 1995 and from 2000 to 2010 board chair of City Sprouts, an Omaha community gardening project. He serves on the coordinating committee of Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate. He conducts a semi-monthly “Climate & Health Study Group” at UMN. With his wife Marsha, he moved to Saint Paul in 2013 to be near grandchildren. He currently volunteers as a librarian at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He has published several articles on philosophy and climate change.Johnson, Lucinda – University of Minnesota, DuluthDr. Lucinda B. Johnson is an aquatic and landscape ecologist focused on the impacts of multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems, with emphasis on human activities (e.g., land use) and climate change. She is an associate director at the Natural Resources Research Institute of UMN Duluth and also leads the Water Initiative there. She co-authored “An Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on the Great Lakes”, released in March 2019 by the Environmental Law & Policy Center. Johnson currently serves on the International Joint Commission’s Science Advisory Board and is vice chair of the Executive Committee for EPA’s Board of Scientific Counselors.Kallestad, Beth – City of NorthfieldBeth Kallestad is a Program Coordinator for the City of Northfield focusing on implementation of their Climate Action Plan and work around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She has worked in the environmental field and community engagement for the past 20 years. Kne, Len – University of MinnesotaLen Kne brings extensive experience with GIS and Information Technologies in higher education, construction, government, and non-profit organizations to his work at U-Spatial, a center at the University of Minnesota providing support for spatial research. He is on the faculty of the Master of Geographic Information Science program and teaches a variety of graduate classes focusing on the use of technology in GIS. He is looking forward to the day when everyone is thinking spatially.Knudsen, Beth – MN Department of Natural ResourcesBeth Knudsen is the Coordinator for the Watershed Health Assessment Framework (WHAF) project, for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Beth has led the effort to develop a suite of ecological health scores and to deliver health scores, data and tools in an interactive online map. Beth has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Science from St. Olaf College; and a Masters of Science in Geographic Information Science (GIS) from St. Mary’s University.Krueger, Jill, J.D. – Network for Public Health Law.Jill Krueger uses legal skills to promote physical, mental, and community health and well-being. She is the director of the Northern Region of The Network for Public Health Law, based in Minnesota. The Network creates legal resources and provides legal technical assistance to public health practitioners, attorneys, advocates, policy-makers, researchers, and community groups to build their capacity to use law to improve public health. Jill’s interests include climate adaptation and mitigation, rural health equity, agricultural and food policy, and mental health promotion. Before joining the Network in 2010, Jill was a senior staff attorney at Farmers’ Legal Action Group and was an assistant attorney general in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. She graduated with high distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law. Kueper, Amanda – MN Department of Natural ResourcesAmanda Kueper is a Principal Planner for the Forestry Division at the Department of Natural Resources.Lawton, Betsy, J.D., Senior Attorney, Network for Public Health LawBetsy Lawton is a senior staff attorney at the Northern Region of the Network for Public Health Law, where she works on a variety of public health law issues, including climate change, mental health, and rural public health. Before joining the Network, Betsy spent over a decade working to improve water quality, focusing on Clean Water Act implementation and enforcement, reducing agricultural pollution, and preventing drinking water contamination, and representing a broad range of individuals and communities facing water pollution problems. Betsy received her JD, and a Certificate of Environmental Law, from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Ledee, Olivia – US Department of the InteriorFor the past 10 years, Dr. Olivia LeDee has worked closely with state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations to understand emerging conservation issues and prepare for change. Her research has focused on qualitatively and quantitatively assessing the vulnerability of wildlife to the direct and indirect impacts of climate change. Since 2016, as Deputy Director of the Department of Interior, Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, she had provided support and leadership in the areas of program administration, inter-agency coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Lijewski, Stacey – Hennepin CountyI administer the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) on behalf of Hennepin County. I also coordinate the Natural Resources Partnership Forum and lead or co-lead several environmental education programs within Hennepin County. I more recently have been trained in the Hennepin County equity framework and have led several partner agencies through equity and environmental justice planning efforts. Climate change and environmental justice work goes hand in hand in many ways.Lonning, CarolynI am a Montessori teacher and ran my own school, Gentle Winds Montessori, for 5 years before retiring. I attended the International Montessori Congresses, "Montessori; Guided by Nature" in Portland in 2013 and "Pathways to Peace" in Prague in 2017. These experiences helped to reinforce the urgent need to help educate our children to the joys of the natural world and to nurture their desire to care for it. I now develop and share stories including nature themes in my neighborhood. As a member of the Baha'i Faith I am inspired by the Baha'i International Community's interest and action in the area of environmental and climate issues.MacKenzie, Leslie – Transition Twin CitiesLeslie MacKenzie was a founding member and organizer for Transition Longfellow, a neighborhood sustainability group using the Transition Town model. For nine years the group has engaged its community in food, energy, and preparedness activities. In 2017, the group hosted a 6-part speaker series focused on climate impacts and preparedness strategies. In 2018 the group produced a weekly preparedness email series. Leslie is the organizer of Transition Twin Cities, a communications hub for Transition groups across the state. She also serves on the Design Council (board) of Transition US.Malecha, Sandy – Growing up Healthy, Northfield, MNSandy Malecha provides behind-the-scenes support to the Growing Up Healthy team to ensure they have the resources they need to serve families in Faribault and Northfield, MN.?Mastel, Kristen – University of MinnesotaKristen Mastel is an outreach and instruction librarian at the University of Minnesota. She is the liaison to the College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Extension, Agricultural Education, and the Institute on the Environment.Her research areas of interest include instruction, information literacy, outreach and instructional design. Kristen is a Past President of the Minnesota Library Association and Past President of the United States Agricultural Information Network. McGovern, Drew – Hennepin CountyDrew McGovern is a Water Resources Engineer for Hennepin County in the Transportation Design Division.Meek, Jeff – MN Department of TransporationJeff Meek is the Sustainability Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.Millberg, Laura – MN Pollution Control AgencyLaura Millberg is the Climate Change Resilience Coordinator for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Montgomery, Rebecca – University of MinnesotaRebecca Montgomery is a Professor in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota, where she studies the ecology of forest ecosystems with foci on response of trees to a changing climate and forest restoration. She also conducts scholarly work and community engagement at the interface of art and science.Morris, Michelle – Duluth Superior Area Community FoundationMichelle Morris is Director of Community Philanthropy at the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. She advances the Foundation’s mission of private giving for the public good by partnering with nonprofit organizations and community leaders to create positive outcomes through grants, scholarships and collaboration. In addition, Michelle coordinates grantmaking for three initiatives: 1. Increasing communities’ abilities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters - focusing on community members who are most vulnerable; 2. Closing the opportunity gap by building a community that embraces diversity and inclusivity, where all children have abundant opportunities, and feel respected, safe and secure; 3. Attracting and retaining young adults through civic engagement, entrepreneurship and high quality of life. Michelle earned her Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University, focusing on social determinants of health and health equity within health promotion. Michelle brings experience in program design and management, evaluation, and community-based participatory research. Nelson, Jen – MN Department of Public SafetyJen Nelson is the State Hazard Mitigation Officer for Homeland Security and Emergency Management at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.Neprash, Randy - StantecRandy Neprash is a civil engineer and stormwater regulatory specialist with Stantec. Randy is the staff for the Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition, an organization of about 130 cities regulated under the MPCA’s MS4 stormwater permitting program. Randy is a founder and the current Vice-Chair (former Chair) of the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA) (). Randy was named the 2014 Professional Manager of the Year for Water Resources by the American Public Works Association. In the July 2015 issue, Stormwater Solutions magazine named Randy as one of the “Movers & Shakers: individuals who have shaped the stormwater & erosion control industry”Palik, Brian – USDA Forest ServiceBrian Palik is Science Leader for Applied Forest Ecology, USDA Forest Service-Northern Research Station. He works broadly on questions related to the ecological sustainability of managed forests through use of operational-scale and long-term silviculture research.Patton, Bob – MN Department of AgricultureBob Patton is the Supervisor of the Energy and Environment Section for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.Raab, Kristin – MN Department of HealthKristin Raab has directed the Minnesota Climate & Health Program at the Minnesota Department of Health since its inception in 2009. She has presented on the health impacts of climate change at numerous venues and published articles, including in Minnesota Medicine and Healthy Generations. In 2017, she received the Harvey G. Rogers Memorial Award from the MN Public Health Association for her work on climate change. Kristin is passionate about creating healthy, resilient communities through Health Impact Assessments, informed design, and policy changes.Redlin, Brad Jordahl – MN Department of AgricultureBrad Jordahl Redlin is the Program Manager for the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, leading the program with public and private sector partners including USDA-NRCS, Minnesota state agencies, Minnesota’s SWCDs, Land O’Lakes, Inc., and others. Brad’s previous professional experience includes Agricultural Programs Director for the Izaak Walton League of America; Chairman of the Washington, DC-based National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition; Communications Director for the Center for Rural Affairs; and advisory roles to The McKnight Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, and others. Brad was raised on the family farm near Sidney, Montana, and maintains ownership and operation with his six siblings.Reinikainen, Mike – MN Department of Natural ResourcesMike Reinikainen coordinates statewide reforestation operations for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. He works with the organization’s silviculturists to ensure they have the financial and technical support needed to manage state forest land sustainably to meet multiple objectives. He facilitates creation and sharing of forest science amongst the organization’s foresters and strives to improve data collection practices to better inform silvicultural decisions, reforestation practices, and management guidelines.Rhees, Suzanne – MN Board of Water and Soil ResourcesSuzanne Rhees, AICP, is Conservation Projects Coordinator for the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). Her work focuses on the intersection of agricultural conservation practices, water quality, and climate resilience. She works on interagency initiatives to promote land use change to protect groundwater/drinking water, improve pollinator habitat, and to support watershed-scale planning efforts. Before coming to BWSR, Ms. Rhees worked as a planning consultant and project manager in land use and resource protection, with an emphasis on green infrastructure and innovative land use controls. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Regional Planning.Schaufler, Tiffany – Minnehaha Creek Watershed DistrictTiffany Schaufler is a Project & Land Manager and has been with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) for over 9 years. She currently oversees the operation of the Gray’s Bay Dam and also manages MCWD’s internal and external coordination during high water events. She also plans and implements MCWD’s most visible and complex capital projects and assists in overseeing MCWD’s capital project planning program. She also oversees the ongoing management and maintenance of MCWD’s land and project infrastructure and manages the MCWD’s land conservation strategies. Schmitt, Kristen – USDA Forest ServiceKristen Schmitt, Climate Adaptation Specialist, Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science: Kristen works in support of the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub to help natural resource professionals integrate climate change considerations into planning. She works with partners in different parts of the country to develop new climate adaptation tools and help people apply these tools to their work. Kristen grew up exploring the forests and lakes of Michigan and upstate New York, and enjoys hiking with her dog, biking, and exploring places near and far.Schomberg, Jesse – MN Sea GrantJesse Schomberg is the Associate Director of Outreach and Extension Educator for the University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program, with expertise in stream ecology, stormwater runoff, and connections between land use and water quality. Mr. Schomberg has conducted stormwater and land use planning outreach for Sea Grant since 2002. He has a B.S. degree in biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth and an M.S. in biology from Idaho State University.Shekleton, Brian – Hennepin CountyBrian Shekleton, a senior environmentalist in Hennepin County's Environment and Energy department, is coordinating the county's work to create a plan that helps adapt to and mitigate the shocks and stresses of climate change.Skikne, Sara – University of Minnesota/The Nature ConservancySarah Skikne is a TNC NatureNet Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment. Her research focuses on conservation strategies in response to climate change. Her NatureNet research assesses TNC’s strategy for identifying climate resilient sites using forestry data. Other projects examine early climate adaptation projects in the US conservation sector, the feasibility of assisted colonization, and species’ range shifts. She received her Ph.D. in Environmental Studies form the University of California Santa Cruz.Smith, Sara – College of the Menominee NationSara Smith is the Midwest Tribal Resilience Liaison with the College of Menominee Nation - Sustainable Development Institute and in association with the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. She is a direct descendant of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and holds a B.S. in Biology and First Nation Studies as well as a M.S. in Ecology. As the liaison for this region, she works on facilitating stronger relationships between Tribes, climate researchers, organizations, and the NE CASC. In addition, she works with Tribes to build capacity and provides support by helping identify gaps and assisting with resilience efforts.Snyder, Bruce – Health Professionals for a Healthy ClimateDr. Bruce Snyder is a graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He served as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Chair of Neurology at St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center, and as Associate Professor of Neurology. Dr. Snyder practiced with the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology and was Chair of the HealthPartners Department of Neurology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and of the American Neurologic Association. He is a member of the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA), Twin Cities Medical Society (TCMS), American Public Health Association, Minnesota Public Health Association, and the TCMS Environmental Health Task Force. Dr. Snyder co-founded Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, an organization of Minnesota health care professionals. Dr. Snyder is directing his efforts toward building awareness of the Climate Crisis as a major threat to public health.Sobiech, Scott – Barr EngineeringScott is a senior water resources engineer and vice president with Barr Engineering Co and has 21 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering as a project manager and technical expert for watershed districts, watershed management organizations, and federal, state, and municipal clients. His expertise encompasses both urban and rural areas and includes watershed and water resource planning and engineering, flood risk reduction projects, watershed and lake water quality modeling and analyses (including TMDLs), H&H modeling, BMP design and performance assessments, alum treatments, engineering feasibility studies, evaluation and construction of flood control projects, construction management, and permitting and regional, state, and federal regulation compliance. Scott has performed, managed, or provided technical guidance on multi-million dollar flood risk management projects, dozens of lake diagnostic/feasibility studies, designed and overseen construction of numerous lake and watershed management recommendations, and is a skilled communicator with diverse stakeholder groups.Sorenson, Hilarie – 1854 Treaty AuthorityHilarie Sorensen: Climate Specialist, 1854 Treaty Authority: Hilarie grew up in Chicago on Lake Michigan and as an adolescent moved to Duluth where she spends most of her time in, on, and around Lake Superior. Hilarie has a background in international relations, language, environmental science, natural hazard preparedness, climate science, environmental policy and outreach, and marine biology. In her spare time, Hilarie enjoy music, board games, being on the water as much as possible and skiing with her dog Yeti.Sprague, Tiffany – MN Sea GrantIn her role as resilience educator with Minnesota Sea Grant, Tiffany Sprague engages with North Shore communities, residents, agencies and foundations to enhance community resilience to a changing climate through green infrastructure-based stormwater management. She helps facilitate a watershed group in the Duluth Urban-area focused on improved practices in surface water management, and is an active participant in organizations focused on stormwater outreach and education for the Duluth-Superior area. A scientist by training, Tiffany holds a dual appointment with the Natural Resources Research Institute as a stormwater research coordinator (and sustainability manager, but let’s not get into that).Todey, Dennis – Midwest Climate HubDennis Todey is the Director of the Midwest Climate Hub in Ames, Iowa. He is a native Iowan with his BS and PhD from Iowa State in Meteorology and Agricultural Meteorology. He has spent two stints in South Dakota, first completing his MS at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and most recently as Associate Professor and State Climatologist for South Dakota at South Dakota State University. He is well known regionally as a speaker and media source on various climate issues and is the former president of the American Association of State Climatologists. Tupper, Nissa – MN Department of HealthNissa Tupper works as a Climate & Health Program Manager at the Minnesota Department of Health. She engages across disciplines and organizations to develop knowledge-based tools and processes that build capacity throughout the State to build more climate resilient communities. Nissa’s work is informed by a professional background in communications and landscape architecture, as well as a personal passion for environmental stewardship.Windmuller-Campione, Marcella – University of MinnesotaMarcella Windmuller-Campione is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota where she focuses on silviculture and adaptive management for changing conditions in multiple forest ecosystems. She is interested in exploring management trade-offs and understanding how the forest ecosystem will respond to shifts in disturbances. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download