I am currently the board chair of C&NN. I have a long track record of work in the environmental arena as a board member and adviser to many organizations. I have overseen the growth of the Belwin Conservancy just 15 miles from downtown St. Paul for many years having grown it from 225 acres to 1,500 with multiple programs including a unique partnership with St. Paul public schools that is approaching 50 years, extensive land restoration work, a bison herd with observation platforms, a 50 acre athletic complex, public hiking trails, observatory and public programs. I started and led a coalition in Minnesota in 2000 that resulted in the 2008 passage of a constitutional amendment that increased the sales tax 3/8th of 1% for habitat, clean water, parks and the arts which will fund over $7.5B in its 25 year existence. Additionally I have done lots of land protection work around the country having done my first conservation easement in 1986 in Montana. I am currently also the vice chair of the National Audubon Society