Eric Wade - District Manager

palmerswcd@alaska.com

907-745-1441

Eric Wade moved to Alaska 33 years ago hoping to catch lots of big fish–and he’s still trying.  When he was not thrashing about on a stream bank,  he worked for more than 20 years as a teacher and principal.  In 2000, he went to work in conservation program management.  Eric has a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon, a SPHR Certificate in Human Resource Management, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Foraker and the University of Alaska.

Dave Ianson - Environmental Scientist, Certified Crop Advisor

oplopanax@gci.net

907 745-1638

 Dr. David Ianson came to Alaska with the USDA-ARS to grow and study arctic plants. He has a BS in Botany, A MS in Crop Physiology and a PhD in Plant Pathology. His academic and professional interest is in plant-microbe interactions and enhancing plant growth especially in efforts at revegetation and restoration of disturbed areas.  He has jumpstarted plant growth on volcanoes, gold, silver, and coal mines, road cuts and other disturbed areas. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and holds numerous certifications from the USDA.  His hobbies are outdoors and singing with the Back Acres band.

Kelly Strawn - Natural Resource Manager

kellystrawn@gci.net

907 745-1647

 After pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kelly Strawn began working in the natural sciences field.  In 2007, Kelly signed on with the local Conservation District as a Natural Resource Manager.  Her scope of work includes invasive plant management, salmon conservation, water quality monitoring, pollinator conservation, and environmental restoration.  Additionally, Kelly is a certified wind site assessor.  She enjoys spending time rafting, camping, and gardening with her family.

Sierra Doherty - Natural Resource Manager, Envirothon Director

palmersalmon@gmail.com

907-745-1662

Sierra Rose Doherty is originally from Colorado but moved to Alaska ten years ago to live, play and study. She earned a BS in Environmental Science and an MS in Outdoor Environmental Education from Alaska Pacific University. Soon after graduating, Sierra came to work for the Palmer District. She is a Natural Resource Manager, currently working on the Mat-Su Salmon Habitat Restoration project. This project includes surveying and controlling invasive plants in or adjacent to anadromous streams. Sierra also works as the Envirothon Director, a statewide environmental education program for junior high and high school students. Her favorite hobbies include back-country skiing, mountain biking and singing in the Back Acres band.

AJ Hoffman -  Natural Resource Manager, Certified Weed Free Forage Inspectors

palmerakssf@gmail.com
907-745-1662

AJ Hoffman, is from Grand Ledge, Michigan. AJ Served in the Army overseas for four years with the 1st Infantry Division as well as serving 17 months in Iraq where he earned his combat veteran status. Once his tour was done he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Ashford University, and moved to Alaska with his wife Erin Hoffman in 2008. AJ has worked as an Invasive Plant Coordinator for the Upper Susitna Soil and Water Conservation District. AJ received funding in April 0f 2011 for a project based out of Palmer, AK at the Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District. AJ is now currently working under the Mat-Su Salmon Habitat Restoration Project as a Natural Resource Manager funded by the Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund. AJ also works with the Weed Free Forage program to help farmers in the community receive the weed free forage status. AJ loves the outdoors and all activities related to spending time outside to include fly fishing, hunting, and hiking in many of Alaska’s wonderful destinations.

Erin Hoffman -Project Coordinator

palmerswcd@gmail.com

907-745-1647

 Erin Hoffman is the Project Director developing environmental projects, coordinating Palmer staff, researching and writing grants, and connecting individuals, state, private, and federal entities as partners with PSWCD. Erin earned a Masters in Non-Profit Management (MSW) from the University of Michigan. She enjoys the great outdoors of Alaska with her husband and animals, hiking, gardening, skiing, and fishing.