Release: Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters Announces New Board Leadership

Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters Announces New Board Leadership

Ron Monson named chair and Mark Neuzil vice chair; both bring deep professional expertise, knowledge of the Boundary Waters, passion for defending and conserving the BWCAW

Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters, the leading voice for hunters and dedicated to protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, today announced the appointment of Ron Monson as chair of the SFBW board of directors and Mark Neuzil as BOD vice chair.

As passionate conservation leaders, both bring extensive experience in advocacy and deep personal connections to the Boundary Waters, including an unshakeable commitment to defending the BWCAW from threats, which in the immediate include sulfide-ore copper mining within the wilderness watershed.

“The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been an important part of my life experience since 1977,” said Monson. “Through my service with the board of directors of SFBW I have found a role that allows me to advocate, educate and support efforts that protect and preserve the pristine wilderness that many American citizens hold dear. Hunting and fishing in the Boundary Waters are important traditions that can remain sustainable through the leadership of SFBW and partner organizations. Our engagement as citizens has never been more pressing, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and to advance our mission.”

Neuzil affirmed Monson’s perspective.

“I’m delighted to step into a new role with an organization and on an issue about which I care deeply,” said Neuzil. “The Boundary Waters is a national treasure as well as a critical economic generator for our region. As the voice for hunters and anglers and all who enjoy wild places, our organization will continue to be heard as we work to conserve it.”

SFBW Executive Director Lukas Leaf welcomed the new leadership team.

“We are at a critical moment for the Boundary Waters Wilderness, facing imminent threats and an urgent need to defend these world-class public lands,” said Leaf. “Ron’s and Mark’s leadership could not come at a more important time. Their commitment to our mission and passion for the outdoors will help ensure Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters remains strong, united and effective in fighting for this irreplaceable wilderness – and conserving it for future generations.”

Ron Monson is a lifelong Minnesotan who first visited the BWCAW in 1977 and has returned dozens of times since. He earned his B.A. in biology from Bethel University, his M.A. in teaching from the University of St. Thomas, and his A.B.D. in educational leadership and administrative license from Bethel University. He worked as a high school science teacher and principal for 35 years. He serves as land steward for his family farm, where a majority of its acreage is enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, and he hunts and fishes wherever he can, as often as possible.

Mark Neuzil is a professor emeritus of journalism and environmental studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. His graduate degrees are from the University of Minnesota, and his B.A. is from Iowa State University. He has written several books, including Canoes: A Natural History in North America (with Norman Sims), A Spiritual Field Guide (with Bernard Brady) and Views on the Mississippi, which won a Minnesota Book Award. An avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing as well as hunting pheasants and deer, Mark makes multiple canoe camping trips to the BWCA each year.

Founded in 2015, Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters was established as a hunting and angling voice for protecting the Boundary Waters from proposed sulfide-ore copper mining in its watershed. Since its inception, SFBW has worked to protect the land, water and wildlife that makes the BWCA an iconic place to hunt, fish, camp and explore.

Learn more about Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters.

Media Contact:
Lukas Leaf
[email protected]
612.270.6805

Categorised in: Blog, Fishing, Hunting, News, Press Release