ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy (CRWC) is to protect and improve the health of the Carmel River Watershed for the benefit of its natural environment and the public.
25 YEARS OF PROGRESS
Click a date below to see what progress was made that year.
Abbie Beane
Board Liaison
CRWC TEAM
Our small but powerful team has been with the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy for many years with combined experience in conversation and non-profit efforts.
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Abbie Beane has over 15 years of environmental experience. She is the Development Director at Blue Strike Environmental, focusing on sustainability within sports and entertainment. Abbie has led significant recycling and zero-waste programs, including efforts for the Mattress Recycling Council and the California Carpet Stewardship Program. She is a recognized leader in resource recovery, evidenced by her role in the award-winning sustainability initiatives at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Erin Lawrence
Lead Project Manager
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Erin Lawrence is the Lead Project Manager at the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, beginning her role in 2024. At CRWC, she focuses on coordinating educational events, community outreach and engagement, and initiatives that enhance watershed resilience for the Carmel River. Passionate about environmental conservation, Erin graduated with a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Before moving to Monterey, she grew up in Vermont and attended the University of Denver for her undergraduate degree in art, sustainability, and biology. In her free time, Erin enjoys hiking with her dog, photography, and diving in Monterey County’s beautiful kelp forests.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CRWC’s Board of Directors has between 7 and 11 members, all of whom volunteer their time to serve our mission. Each Director brings a wealth of experience to help the organization thrive. The Board meets every other month, with program focused committees meeting in between full Board meetings.
Abbie Beane
Chair
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Abbie Beane has over 15 years of environmental experience. She is the Development Director at Blue Strike Environmental, focusing on sustainability within sports and entertainment. Abbie has led significant recycling and zero-waste programs, including efforts for the Mattress Recycling Council and the California Carpet Stewardship Program. She is a recognized leader in resource recovery, evidenced by her role in the award-winning sustainability initiatives at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Bart Bohn
Vice Chair
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Bart Bohn grew up on the Mokelumne River near the Delta and has appreciated the opportunity to explore many major rivers across the US and in foreign countries. While serving a 30-year career as an engineer officer in the Corps of Engineers, he was involved in projects that addressed navigation, water treatment, hydropower, salmon restoration, and environmental cleanup. He has extensive experience coordinating projects with Native American tribal leaders in the Pacific Northwest and archeologists in Panama. Bohn subsequently served as the Caltrans District 6 Director and the Fresno County Administrative Officer. He completed his engineering work as a consultant for the California High-Speed Rail Project.
LORIN LETENDRE
Emeritus Board member
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Lorin Letendre, a past President and Executive Director of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, brings a rich background in environmental advocacy and education. He has taught at three community colleges and held various leadership roles, including executive positions at McGraw-Hill and The Myers-Briggs Company. Lorin has also authored influential books on corporate governance and leadership.
ANDY MAGNASCO
Treasurer
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As Treasurer of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, Andy Magnasco manages the financial strategies of the organization. He is also the Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Grounds at Carmel Valley Ranch, where he integrates environmental sustainability into his management practices.
SCOTT HENNESSY
Secretary
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Scott Hennessy, a board member at the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, offers a deep understanding of county planning and environmental restoration. His extensive experience includes directing the Monterey County Planning and Building Department and founding a native plant nursery to aid local restoration efforts. Scott's leadership extends to various conservation groups, including the California Mountain Lion Foundation and the Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society.
MICHAEL WAXER
Director
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Michael Waxer contributes his architectural expertise to the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy as a board member and past President. Michael is past chair of the Carmel River Advisory Committee, and currently co-manages a small water utility in Carmel Valley. He is Vice President of Carmel Development Company, where he oversees projects that emphasize sustainable design and construction.
Kristen Lovell
Board member
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With more than a decade of experience leading projects in economic development, brand strategy, and community engagement, Kristen Lovell has worked across the globe on initiatives that promote stewardship, cultural diversity, and social equity. Kristen has produced events in dozens of countries and partnered with diverse stakeholders to bring creative solutions to complex challenges. She is the Strategic Partnerships Manager at Beacon Economics, LLC, where she builds meaningful collaborations with businesses, governments, and nonprofits to drive positive community impact. She serves on the board of the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County and is an active member of the Monterey County Business Council. Kristen holds dual B.A. degrees in Communications and Theatre Arts from Trinity University and a Design Thinking and Innovation Certificate from Harvard Business School.
JOHN GAGLIOTI
Director and Fundraising Chair
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John Gaglioti actively addresses water supply issues on the Monterey Peninsula as a board member of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy. He is the founding developer of the California Flats Solar Project and the Dry Lake Wind Project, pioneering sustainable energy solutions in both Monterey County and Arizona. Additionally, John serves as Senior Director of Business Operations at Triple Oak Power, where he focuses on advancing the operational strategies of renewable energy projects, further enriching his leadership and expertise in sustainable development.
PHYLLIS MEURER
Director
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Phyllis Meurer joined the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy Board in January 2025, bringing extensive experience in water resource management and public service. Her dedication to water issues began during her nine years on the Salinas City Council and continued with her tenure as a Director on the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board. Phyllis is passionate about educating the public on water issues and fostering cooperative relationships among water agencies and communities across Monterey County, making her a valuable advocate for sustainable water resource management.
PETER LOewY
Director and Finance Chair
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Peter Loewy brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy Board, having served as a Global Law Firm Managing Partner, Corporate General Counsel, Corporate CEO, and Law Professor. His diverse professional background spans industries such as legal, agriculture, real estate, venture capital, and hospitality. A Carmel Valley community member and passionate advocate for the environment, Peter combines his expertise with a deep personal commitment to conservation. An avid fitness and sports enthusiast, he brings energy and strategic insight to the CRWC’s mission.
