In May our members unanimously approved the slate of candidates nominated for the 2020-2021 SWTU Board of Directors. Thanks to everyone for voting online. Before I congratulate our new members I want to say thank you to outgoing Board Members Rodd Wangren and Mary Ann Doll. Rodd joined the board two years ago and has been a dedicated member; his passion for conservation advocacy will be missed. Mary Ann Doll served on the board for over six years, including two as Vice President. Her commitment to making our chapter events welcoming to all who attended was invaluable. I look forward to working with the current board to continue her efforts to recruit and welcome new members to our organization.

I couldn’t be happier that Jim Hess and Henry Nehls-Lowe agreed to come back into board service, and that Zach Olufs agreed to join the board as a new member. Jim will be a fantastic president and I step away knowing the chapter is in very good hands. Thanks to all of you for volunteering your time for these important leadership roles.

I never imagined my term as president would end in such unusual and traumatic circumstances – the Coronavirus pandemic forced us to cancel our spring meetings and work days, and the murder of George Floyd on May 25 inspired peaceful protests and incidences of violence in Madison and around the world. In the words of Chris Wood, TU President and CEO, “We cannot simply ignore the news, go fishing, and wait this out.”  It’s up to all of us to end systemic racism in outdoor recreation and our communities, and make SWTU a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. I look forward to continuing to work with our Board on these efforts.