Our Team
Morgan Morris,
Executive Director
Morgan joined LCFEG in March 2024, transitioning from her role as Project Manager at Tri-State Steelheaders. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Geography from Portland State University. Before her academic pursuits, Morgan cultivated extensive experience in landscaping and agriculture, including her time as a partner at an edible landscaping firm in Washington, DC. There, she refined her project management skills, overseeing the implementation of numerous residential and commercial gardens including sustainable landscape designs.
Morgan's dedication to environmental stewardship traces back to her upbringing and hands-on involvement in organic and sustainable farming, initially in Virginia, her home, and later in Massachusetts during her formative years. Beyond the office, Morgan finds solace in nature, relishing activities such as hiking and camping, but mostly cycling. In recent years, she has embraced the adventure of bike touring, perpetually planning her next escapade. Now settled in Southwestern Washington, Morgan eagerly anticipates exploring the region's scenic wonders, whether by pedal or foot, as she remains committed to her passion for salmon restoration in Washington.
Brice Crayne,
Restoration Program Manager
Brice has been with LCFEG since 2015. A native of Longview, Brice heard stories from his grandfather of great days fishing for salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead in the rivers of southwest Washington. By the time Brice started fishing on his own, he had to work a lot harder to catch a lot less fish and a career path became clear. Brice has a B.A. in chemistry and environmental studies (Whitman College) and a Master's certificate in fisheries management (Oregon State University). He started his career as an AmeriCorps habitat restoration coordinator in Vancouver. Since then, Brice has worked for state agencies in Idaho, watershed councils in Oregon, and public utilities in Washington, all the while never living outside the Columbia River watershed. Brice is excited about continuing restoration projects in the upper Coweeman River watershed and the upper South Fork Toutle headwaters valley to support recovery of ESA- listed fish species.
Matt Gamel,
Project Manager
Matt joined LCFEG as a project manager in the summer of 2022. Originally a native Northwesterner, Matt recently returned to the PNW from the Florida Keys, where he worked for a community nonprofit teaching youth sailing and environmental science. Matt has worked as a researcher with the Vester Field Station in Florida and conducted international research in the Bahamas and the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil and Bolivia. Matt is excited to return to his roots and help restore the health of our region's salmon and riverscapes. Matt is also an avid fisherman, wild forager, amateur paleontologist, and metal sculptor. He lives on the Kalama River with his wife, Vikki. Matt has a B.S. in Environmental Studies and M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Gulf Coast University with a focus on sustainable aquaculture and bioremediation.
Jesse Barr,
Restoration Coordinator
Jesse has been working with LCFEG since March 2020. He was born and raised in Vancouver and grew up fishing the rivers of southwest Washington. He first got involved in the environmental field in high school, while interning with the City of Vancouver’s Water Resource Education Center. After receiving a B.A. in Environmental Studies (Environmental Science and Resource Management minor) from the University of Washington, Jesse decided to return home. He joined LCFEG after serving three consecutive AmeriCorps terms, most recently with the StreamTeam at Clark Public Utilities where he gained valuable insights into salmon habitat restoration. An avid angler, Jesse is passionate about the native salmonids that call this area home. He is looking forward to learning new skills and doing his part to help restore fish habitat in the area.
Mat Pedersen,
Restoration Technician
Mat has been working with LCFEG since July 2021. He was originally a temporary construction seasonal hire. He was born in Vancouver and raised in rural Camas in the mountains. He has always had a passion for plant sciences. In 2011 he received a B.S. in History from Portland State University with most of his general education being in sciences. This never really satisfied him fully as he had a passion for the outdoors. He continued his schooling in the sciences. He received a B.S. in Environmental Science and Management with a biology minor from Portland State University just before his start with LCFEG in June of 2021.
Emily Kitali,
Outreach & Education Coordinator
Emily has been with LCFEG since August 2022. She grew up in Clark County, and has always had a deep love for PNW wildlife and ecosystems. She has spent countless hours on the Columbia River fishing with her family, and has a special place in her heart for salmon and educating people about their recovery. A Prairie High School graduate, she graduated from WSU Vancouver with a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences along with double minors in Zoology and Anthropology. Emily has spent her time since then working for two local nonprofits - the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the Watershed Alliance of SW Washington. During her time with these two environmental organizations her enthusiasm for the restoration of aquatic ecosystems grew exponentially, as did her love for environmental education. With a passion for fostering partnerships and making connections within the community, Emily is so excited to work towards expanding LCFEG’s educational programs throughout the region.
Board Members and Officers
Brian Davern, President
Scott Donaldson, Vice President
Jim Byrne, Secretary
Scott Jones, Treasurer
Hal Mahnke
Ed McMillan
Jim Williams
Rick Yahrmarkt
Jeff Wittler
Joshua Burchett
Josh Jones