New Stewardship Manager; Projects Coordinator
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) names Nathan Schoelier as new Stewardship and Conservation Lands Manager
Former stewardship manager Kate Monk is now ABCA’s Projects Coordinator
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) has announced its new Stewardship and Conservation Lands Manager is Nathan Schoelier. He has been Stewardship Technician with ABCA since 2018. He assumed his new position in September 2021.
“We are extremely pleased to have Nathan take on more responsibility in management of our important stewardship and conservation lands programs,” said Brian Horner, ABCA General Manager and Secretary-Treasurer. “Nathan has excelled in delivery of stewardship in our local watershed communities over the past four years. He has proven his abilities and we will benefit greatly from his stepping into this leadership role.”
The organization’s former department manager, Kate Monk, has taken on the role of Projects Coordinator with ABCA. This year (2021) is the 75th anniversary of Ausable Bayfield Conservation and conservation authorities in Ontario. She will work on organizational strategies and land management plans as the conservation authority looks towards the next quarter century of watershed management in this part of Ontario. She will play an important role, working closely with municipalities and the Province of Ontario, following recent changes to regulations and legislation including the Conservation Authorities Act.
“ABCA and the entire watershed is extremely fortunate to have someone with Kate’s skills, experience, and personality to take on this key role as we look to the future of the local work needed to protect our watershed resources,” Brian said. “It will be a real asset to have both Kate and Nathan as cornerstones in our local watershed management future.”
Prior to working at Ausable Bayfield Conservation, Nathan Schoelier worked as a Land Management Technician with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority between 2015 and 2017. He completed the Ecosystem Restoration program at Niagara College between 2016 and 2017 and prior to that he completed the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Technician program at Sault College between 2014 and 2016.
Nathan is a resident of the Township of Perth South and he said having been raised in a rural community has been a real asset in his work with Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
“I am honoured to be named as the new Stewardship and Conservation Lands Manager and I look forward to continuing our close partnership with rural landowners and municipalities on projects that make improvements in our watershed communities,” Nathan said. “I look forward to managing our conservation areas and forests as we balance the needs of the environment and citizens.”
Kate Monk has a 30-year record of service with ABCA. She has worked in education and communications and most recently on private land stewardship programs and conservation land management.
“I would like to congratulate Nate on his hiring as the new Stewardship and Conservation Lands Manager and I know he will do well in his new position just as he did in his previous role,” Kate said. “I am excited to take on the new challenge of Projects Coordinator at an important crossroads in watershed management.”