Lynn Best

Dr. Lynn Best, USA Commissioner

Lynn Best has a Ph.D in Zoology from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from MIT. Until her recent retirement, she led Seattle City Light’s award-winning environmental programs, as well as hydro licensing, and real estate. She oversaw City Light’s activities to protect the natural environment, address climate change, comply with regulations, and operate in a sustainable manner. Seattle City Light is recognized as a national leader in environmental stewardship. Under her leadership, City Light became the first electric utility in the country to become carbon-neutral (in 2005).

She also established City Light’s environmental justice program. She is known for her collaborative approach and working with stakeholders including tribes, agencies and non-governmental organizations to resolve environmental issues. The Skagit Project License Agreements were the first comprehensive settlement for a large hydro project and are recognized as a national model. The Skagit Project is the largest hydro project to be certified as Low Impact.

Appointed in July, 2020

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Ecosystem Stewardship

NPS Ross Lake Risk Assessment NOV 2009.ppt
  • Ecological Risk Assessment for the Ross Lake Watershed:  by Ashley Rawhouser Aquatic Ecologist

Link to Hope Mountain Center for Outdoor Learning website where water quality reports are posted.

http://hopemountain.org/conservation/water-testing/

Ecosystem Stewardship Committee

This committee focuses on a range of ecological studies including species assessment and monitoring programs, fisheries regulation, and vegetation management. The organizations that work with SEEC in this regard are Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the U.S. National Park Service.

Committee Members

  • Leo Bodensteiner
  • Matt Love
  • Peter Chapman
  • Bob Chamberlin

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Watershed Integrity Committee

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Richard Brocksmith

Alternate Commissioner, Richard Brocksmith, Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission

Richard Brocksmith, USA Alternate Commissioner

Richard has served as the Executive Director of the Skagit Watershed Council since 2013. SWC is a non-profit supporting 44 member organizations. They work collaboratively charting a course to sustainable fisheries in the lower Skagit Watershed by implementing strategic habitat protection and restoration actions, monitoring and adaptive management, and community engagement.

Richard has been working for over two decades in Puget Sound with diverse communities developing opportunities for creative solutions to difficult natural resource problems. Richard graduated from the University of Washington with a Master’s Degree from the School of Aquatic and Fisheries Science and started his career as a research scientist working in the Sacramento River, the Yellowstone River, Lake Washington, and Bristol Bay.

In 2017, Richard was elected to be the Council Member-At-Large for the City of Mount Vernon where his focus has been on increasing the capacity of the largest city in the Skagit Watershed to grow sustainably and to nurture its community while protecting irreplaceable natural resources in the Skagit Valley. Healthy cities make for healthy watersheds. He stays deeply engaged in the community through his work on the boards of several local organizations committed to natural and human resource conservation. He is married with a young family. They love to fish, hike, hunt for mushrooms, mountain bike, snowboard, and spend time with friends and family.

Appointed in July, 2020

by RudyKehler_admin