Board and Staff

Richard E. Gauger, Executive Director: Rick has been the Executive Director of West Wisconsin Land Trust since November 1999. He received his B.S. in agronomy from the University of Minnesota, and M.S. in soil science from North Carolina State University, with course work towards a professional doctorate (Ed.D.) from the University of St. Thomas. Before joining the Land Trust, Rick spent ten years as the owner-operator of a grass-based organic dairy farm. Prior to farming, Rick held positions at the State Department of Agriculture, and with the Minnesota Extension Service. Rick resides on a farm near Menomonie, with his wife, Marilyn, and their youngest children, Susanna and John.

Edith Kadlec, Associate Director: Edith began her second season of service to West Wisconsin Land Trust in June 2007 as Associate Director in charge of organizational effectiveness. Her responsibilities presently include organizational development, human resource management, fundraising, communications, membership and marketing. Edith enjoys outdoor recreation, spending time with her daughters, and reading for personal and professional development.

Rick Remington, Land Program Coordinator:Rick joined West Wisconsin Land Trust in September of 2002. He assists the Executive Director with all aspects of the land program. Prior to joining the land trust, Rick served as regional resource specialist for the Minnesota DNR. Rick has worked for 20 years throughout the upper Midwest, Maine, and Kentucky for federal, state, county, and nonprofit conservation organizations. In his spare time, Rick enjoys "silent sports", gardening, and spending time outdoors with his wife Heather, and daughter Amber.

Jane Anklam, Northwoods Land Protection Coordinator: Jane joined West Wisconsin Land Trust in July 2004, and serves the northwoods region. She concentrates her efforts on lakes, wetlands and forestland that drain to Lake Superior and the St. Croix River. Jane has worked throughout Wisconsin as a resource conservationist with the USDA. She is a registered soil scientist in Wisconsin, and a certified crop advisor with the American Society of Agronomy. Along with her family, Jane enjoys all the silent sports that the north has to offer.

Britta Kelly, Conservation Coordinator: Britta joined West Wisconsin Land Trust in May of 2004. She has a baccalaureate degree in Land Use Planning from UW- River Falls. Britta assists in implementation of Land Trust Standards and Practices, land protection project coordination, report and document drafting, grant applications, and GIS administration. In her spare time, Britta enjoys home improvement projects, gardening, and is very busy being a new mother.

Michelle Copley, Executive Assistant: Michelle came to West Wisconsin Land Trust in January 2008 with a solid background in title work and property real estate. Depending on the season, Michelle can be found writing, gardening, hunting, or cheering on her favorite sports team. She enjoys spoiling her three grandchildren, and fishing on the Mississippi River with her husband, Rocky.

Zippy, Non-Native Species Ambassador: Zippy, an Australian Zebra Finch, joined West Wisconsin Land Trust in May 2009, after having been abandoned by his previous owner on the streets of Menomonie. After settling into his safe and comfortable environment in the WWLT office, Zippy is now a happy bird. Although Zippy's schedule as an Ambassador is very hectic, he takes time out to enjoy his favorite activities: singing to the staff, cuddling with his stuffed Pelican, and cavorting with crows on weekend outings in the bluff country.

West Wisconsin Land Trust 2009 Board of Directors