Meet The Team
Matt Soehnel
District Conservationist
Matt is the Kent County NRCS District Conservationist, with over 20 years of experience since joining NRCS in 2002. He helps local residents conserve soil, water, air, plants, and other natural resources. Matt works one-on-one with landowners to develop customized conservation plans and guide them through EQIP programs.
Katie Droscha
Soil Conservationist
Katie is a Soil Conservationist with over 10 years of experience helping implement sustainable conservation practices. She holds a B.S. in Fisheries & Wildlife and an M.S. in Limnology from MSU. Katie works closely with landowners to improve soil health, manage water resources, ensuring long-term ecological and agricultural sustainability.
Ryan Wilemski
Strike Team Coordinator
Ryan has been the Coordinator since 2021, focusing on invasive species management, ecosystem restoration, and coordinating treatments and training, including the DNR Habitat Restoration at Cannonsburg State Game Area. He has also worked with the DNR on Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Oak Wilt, Oakland County Parks, and the USFS on invasive species in Montana. Ryan is dedicated to combating invasives and supporting the community.
Michael Ewing
CTAP/MAEAP Technician
Michael is our new CTAP/MAEAP Technician. He joined KCD in November of 2023 as part of the Strike Team for invasive species control and habitat restoration. Michael has had several environmental roles including working for the Gun Lake Tribe's Environmental Department on aquatic vegetation surveys, and other conservation efforts. Feel free to reach out to him if you have any questions about conservation practices on your land!
Erin Sloan-Turner
District Manager
Erin joined the Conservation District in 2024 with five years of nonprofit administrative experience. A Michigan native, she has served as Executive Director of the Midtown Neighborhood Association and Education Director for the League of Michigan Bicyclists. She is thrilled to get to know you can collaborate to get on conversation practices.
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John Bastianelli
NFWF Engineer
Starting in 2024, A Grand Rapids native, John served in the Army for seven years with two tours to Afghanistan. After which, he moved to Oregon and continued his education in Civil Engineering and Surveying. He there developed a strong background in surveying, design, and project inspection. He has a strong drive to travel, and takes great pleasure in how frugal leaving the country can be. John is looking forward to providing you with the services needed for the design and implementation of your project.
Joel Betts
Watershed Specialist
Joel supports the District’s watershed programs, including the Mill Creek 319 Project. He holds a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in International Development from Calvin College and an M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife (Watershed Science Focus) from MSU. Before KCD, Joel was an Adjunct Professor at Calvin University and a Conservation Planner in Massachusetts, with additional experience in Rainforest Conservation in Nicaragua. Joel is passionate about conservation and stream restoration and is a skilled naturalist and ecologist.
Lane Ross
NRCS Soil Conservationist
Lane has been a dedicated partner with the Kent Conservation District since 2022. In his role, Lane works closely with landowners and local communities to address pressing natural resource concerns through technical guidance and financial assistance.
"I started working with the USDA-NRCS in 2022 because I believe in the power of collaborative conservation," says Lane.