RCD Welcomes New AmeriCorps Members
The RCD is pleased to welcome Erica Spohn and Tom Dey as the most recent members of the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project to join the District. Each has a strong appreciation of natural resources and a record of doing good works, so they should fit in well in Trinity County.
Erica Spohn arrived in Trinity County eight months ago from Colorado, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with a concentration in Environmental Resources from Colorado State University. “It involves more about water and soils than a regular geology degree,” she explains. “I like big earth processes and I liked the idea of working outside.” Erica enjoys running, hiking, biking, rock climbing, fast horseback trail riding, telemark skiing, rafting and is learning to kayak, so had an instant affinity for Trinity. Plus, as a central Oregon native, she’s now several hours closer to her family.
Erica learned about Watershed Stewards Project (WSP) after moving here and liked the idea of joining a program where she could benefit her community and its wonderful natural surroundings. She plans to use her knowledge of geomorphic processes to increase public awareness about ways to reduce erosion and sediment in the Trinity River and its tributary streams. Erica especially wants to share her enthusiasm for science and the outdoors with children through classroom educational programs and the RCD’s Summer Day Camp. Before becoming a member of WSP, Erica spent eight seasons working as a trail crew leader and a wilderness ranger for the US Forest Service in Colorado and Oregon, so she’s also looking forward to helping with trail building projects here in the Community Forest.
When Erica moved to Weaverville last July, she brought her two Arabian horses she raised and trained. Endurance horse racing has been a hobby of Erica’s since she was a teenager, and she hopes to compete in some Northern California races this spring and summer. She’s also looking forward to exploring Trinity Alps Wilderness Area and hopes to build confidence as a kayaker this summer on Trinity River. She’s been having a great time this winter playing in snow and finding backcountry ski adventures around Trinity County. “I’ll do anything to make my dog tired,” she said.
Tom Dey grew up in New York State enjoying ice boating, backpacking, camping, spelunking and sailing. After graduating high school in Bedford, New York, he spent a year traveling with 15 other students throughout 40, 000 miles of North America, living outdoors and studying environmental issues through a program of the Trailside Country School, (now Audubon Expedition Institute). Tom earned his B.A. in Environmental Science from State University of New York at Purchase, spending summers as an expedition leader for Trailside. After graduating he spent a couple of years working as a photographer’s assistant in New York City and as a cinematographer with a start up venture on 3D photographic medical technology.
Tom headed west, backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail, climbing Mt. Rainier, and exploring the Olympic Peninsula before landing an entry level job with MCI Telecommunications. He spent the next 23 years in San Francisco, helping build MCI into America’s second largest telecommunication provider before it was acquired by WorldCom. Tom then returned to school and obtained his Masters of Science in Environmental Management from University of San Francisco. His early studies focused on water management, land use and development issues. His master’s project included an in-depth study of arsenic in drinking water and how its regulation could serve as a blueprint for regulating other contaminants.
Tom likes improving conditions for others. He has supported and volunteered with San Francisco Green Connect Project, Shanti Organization, Community United Against Violence, and Pets Are Wonderful Support. He has also served on San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Citizen Advisory Committee and the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. With his newly-minted Masters degree he cast about for an opportunity where he could take an active role in solving problems and discovered the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project. He applied for one of its openings in Trinity County and was assigned to the County’s Natural Resources Planning Division. There his tasks will include work on policy issues related to protecting Trinity River from excessive diversions to the Central Valley Project that delivers water to southern California. Tom will also provide classroom education on aspects of watershed conservation for area schools. He looks forward to helping with other community projects during his 11-month assignment here.
AmeriCorps WSP members are involved in a wide variety of watershed restoration, assessment and conservation projects, teaching watershed and fisheries-based curriculum to K-12 students, participating in myriad community outreach events, and receiving high quality training in natural resources and professional development topics. Each AmeriCorps member is placed with an organization which is committed to preserving and restoring California’s watersheds and native salmon runs, whether it is a Federal, State or County agency, Tribal department, or a grassroots-based non-profit. Watershed Stewards Project members each work under the guidance of a natural resource professional at their placement site to fulfill the WSP mission and provide support for their site. The mission of the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project is to conserve, restore and enhance anadromous watersheds for future generations by linking education with high quality scientific practices.
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