Q: What is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation?
I am the Milwaukee Chapter Chair.
Q: Why and when did you get involved with the Surfrider Foundation?
I started volunteering and became a member in 2000 because I realized how directly surfers and water enthusiasts are affected by pollution in our lake.
Q: What are some environmental issues that are affecting your local community?
The Great Lakes face some threats that are similar to ocean coasts. We see phosphorus runoff from agriculture causing algal blooms, inadequate sewage infrastructure and E. coli bacteria outbreaks closing beaches, and weather extremes causing shoreline erosion. We’ve also faced waves of invasive species such as lamprey, zebra and quagga mussels, and round gobies. We’re proud of our freshwater surf, but overuse of road salt is making the Great Lakes saltier, threatening the health of the ecosystem.
Q: What Surfrider projects have you worked on?
Working on our social media channels, an important means of communication and engagement, has given me an appreciation for how much effort goes into the creation of meaningful content. If you have experience with any of the platforms my guess is your local chapter needs you! Similarly, I’ve learned that cleaning up data entry is as much work as the actual beach cleanup – so that’s another possible opportunity to help at your next cleanup and increase involvement with your local chapter.
Q: Are there any specific projects that you have worked on which benefited your community? If so, can you tell us about that?
Several years ago a landslide blocked the access path to a popular local beach after a heavy rain. A lot of work was done to rebuild and stabilize the bluff with native plants. Our chapter wanted to give back and add to the project to keep the beach accessible. We purchased hundreds of native plants and rallied volunteers for multiple bluff restoration events. We continue to be stewards of the beach with ongoing efforts. Anyone can help our fragile coastal ecosystems, even just by taking care where you step on your way to the waves.
Q: What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience (i.e., campaign, program, victory)?
There have been many highlights, such as seeing volunteers show up for a cleanup despite freezing weather and graupel — it’s worse than snow! Or simply watching kids run on the beach with a kite at the end of an event enjoying what we were there to protect.
I got to be part of a working session our Regional Director Sarah Damron hosted to discuss pending regulations in a neighboring state that would have effectively banned surfing in all state parks. Ultimately, accommodations were made for board sports, and having an organization like Surfrider to help negotiate the situation was invaluable!
Q: Do you have any personal experiences or campaigns/issues that you're passionate about where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?
For years now, our chapter has been looking forward to seeing Milwaukee’s first public beach reopened after funding was secured for safety improvements. Wave-hungry lake surfers have a low bar, but the less dangerous and less polluted we make our beaches, the more truly accessible they become for ALL.
Q: What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
If you ask, most people will tell you their ideal vacation involves a beach. Surfrider advocates for that most special space that bridges land and sea. Beach access, clean water, smart coastal management – these aren’t controversial, but they can be overlooked. That's why we need Surfrider.
Q: Why is being a part of the Surfrider ocean conservation community important to you?
I think for surfers and anyone who loves the beach, Surfrider Foundation is the best way to give back.
