Michael joined Benton SWCD in April 2021 and will oversee conservation programs as well as coordinate the Willamette Mainstem Cooperative and the Invasive Species Program. Before coming to Benton SWCD, he worked as the Forest Conservationist at West Multnomah SWCD for 11 years assisting woodland owners in developing and implementing management plans for their properties. Forest restoration projects included thinning, habitat enhancements such as native pollinator work, invasive species control, and erosion prevention.
Michael also worked for two years in Olympia, Washington as the Outreach Specialist in the Small Forest Landowner Office at the Washington Department of Natural Resources. While at DNR, he also worked with the Natural Areas Program to identify and eradicate invasive species, survey prairie habitats to collect seed from native habitats for sensitive butterflies and assisted with an Oregon white oak release project. He has also worked on streamside restoration projects with the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District and presented education programs with the Tillamook State Forest.

He has a B.S. in Natural Resources & Wildlife Management from Ohio State University and a M.S. in Forest Resources at Oregon State University with a focus on Natural Resources Education & Extension and a minor in Adult Education. Michael grew up in Colorado and Ohio and enjoys visiting the mountains and Oregon Coast with his wife and 2 boys.

Contact Michael about:

• Willamette Mainstem Cooperative
• Benton County Cooperative Weed Management Area
• Willamette River and watersheds
• Invasive plants and aquatic weeds
• ODA Grants