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.

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.

ELISE WEILAND

Executive Director

Elise Weiland is the Executive Director of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy. Before joining the CRWC, Elise demonstrated her dedication to protecting the Russian River Watershed, spearheading initiatives at the Russian River Confluence. Her ability to forge coalitions of government, nonprofit, and tribal organizations has propelled critical restoration projects forward. She created the Respect Russian River campaign, fostering collaboration among Sonoma and Mendocino counties and engaging stakeholders from individuals to businesses to agencies to work together for the health of the river. As Project Manager for Supervisor Hopkins in the County of Sonoma, she has led community outreach and political advocacy for a diverse array of projects from water systems to public infrastructure. Elise brings over 15 years experience in leading environmentally focused nonprofits such as the Colorado Maker Hub and the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado.

Erin Lawrence

Watershed Fellow

Erin Lawrence is the Watershed Fellow 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 is currently pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Management at 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 spending time on Monterey County’s beautiful beaches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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