STAFF
The Big Hole Watershed Committee currently has four full-time staff members and eight seasonal employees.
PEDRO MARQUES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(406) 552-2369 – Contact >
Pedro’s childhood dream of being a biologist died early in his first semester of college after a few weeks of heredity studies looking at fruit flies under a microscope. Three years later in a religion course exploring the ethics of place, he realized he didn’t feel connected to any specific land or water, an epiphany that launched a 25-year career in ecology and conservation. From the hard concrete of West Oakland to the World Bank, the jungles of Panama and the Amazon to the rivers of Montana, Pedro has been restoring degraded lands and working with rural and marginalized communities making a living at the interface of natural systems. He has led the Big Hole Watershed Committee since 2019. Leveraging partnerships and ecological sciences, he has put millions of dollars of restoration projects on the ground in the Big Hole and led the restoration of a Superfund site along the Continental Divide. He lives in Missoula with his wife and two kids.
TANA LYNCH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
(208) 830-8920 – Contact >
Tana serves as Associate Director of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, partnering closely with Executive Director Pedro Marques to provide strategic leadership and guide the organization’s mission. She oversees BHWC’s day-to-day operations, including administration, financial management, grant reporting and compliance, contracts, and organizational systems, while supervising multiple staff members and ensuring the organization runs smoothly behind the scenes. Tana also oversees implementation of the Big Hole River Drought Management Plan, helping coordinate collaborative water conservation efforts throughout the watershed. She joined BHWC in 2014 and became Associate Director in 2019. Tana earned a Master of Natural Resources degree and Graduate Certificate in Restoration Ecology from the University of Idaho and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Montana Western. She lives with her family in Divide and feels fortunate to call the Big Hole watershed home. Deeply committed to the people, landscapes, and wildlife that make this place special, she is proud to dedicate her career to conserving the watershed she loves and helping ensure it remains healthy and resilient for future generations.
NOLAN SALIX
RESTORATION SPECIALIST
(406) 925-3643 – Contact >
Nolan oversees BHWC’s restoration program, maintaining and enhancing BHWC’s delivery of on-the-ground conservation and restoration projects to benefit the long-term resilience of the resources of the Big Hole watershed. Nolan’s professional history began in the Marine Corps, then transitioned when he worked on light construction projects. He taught art classes at different Universities from 2001 to 2019. From 2019 to 2025, Nolan worked for the Youth Employment Program in Dillon doing conservation and recreational projects in the landscape. He loves spending time in his garden, greenhouse, and outside hunting and fishing. Nolan joined BHWC in 2025. He lives with his family in an Earthship that he and his family built near Dillon.
KIM WHEATLEY
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
(406) 465-0020 – Contact >
Kim joined the Big Hole Watershed Committee in 2026 as Communications Coordinator, where she leads the organization’s communications and public outreach efforts. She works to share the story of the Big Hole watershed through engaging content, community outreach, events, and educational materials that connect people with BHWC’s conservation work and mission. Originally from Colorado, Kim brings a background in public service and community engagement, most recently serving as the Victim Advocate for Beaverhead County. She is passionate about serving her community and helping people connect with the places that make Southwest Montana special. Kim lives in Dillon with her family and is excited to help inspire stewardship of the Big Hole watershed through effective communication and outreach.
CHET ROBERTSON
UPPER BIG HOLE RANGE RIDER
(406) 925-9520 – Contact >
Chet Robertson has been a valued member of the Big Hole Watershed Committee since 2010, serving as BHWC’s Range Rider and helping reduce conflicts between livestock and large carnivores across the Upper Big Hole Valley. Each summer, he monitors seven U.S. Forest Service grazing allotments, tracking predator activity, livestock behavior, and range conditions while maintaining regular communication with local ranchers. By providing timely information about wolf, bear, and other predator activity, Chet helps producers make proactive management decisions that reduce the risk of livestock losses. When suspected depredations occur, he coordinates with livestock producers and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to ensure incidents are documented and investigated. A longtime resident of Jackson, Montana, Chet now lives near Melrose with his wife. His deep knowledge of the landscape, strong relationships with local ranching families, and years of experience make him an invaluable part of BHWC’s wildlife conflict reduction program. (Photo by Lara Tomov.)
ERIC LEWIS
CONFLICT REDUCTION COORDINATOR
(307) 343-3803 – Contact >
Eric Lewis joined the Big Hole Watershed Committee in 2024 as Conflict Reduction Coordinator, where he leads BHWC’s wildlife conflict prevention efforts and works closely with livestock producers, landowners, agency partners, and local communities to reduce conflicts between people and wildlife. He coordinates programs including livestock carcass removal and composting, helps implement proactive tools that support both agricultural operations and wildlife conservation, and builds collaborative partnerships that strengthen coexistence across the Big Hole watershed. Eric also serves as a Good Neighbor Authority Forester for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, bringing extensive experience in natural resource management and a practical understanding of the challenges facing rural communities. Based in Melrose, Eric is passionate about finding common-ground solutions that support working lands, healthy wildlife populations, and the people who call Southwest Montana home.
GOVERNING BOARD
The Big Hole Watershed Committee Governing Board is made up of directors who have agreed to represent their particular interest area and participate in consensus. We may have between 16 and 26 directors at any given time, 50% of whom must represent ranching. The intent of the Governing Board is to include a diverse range of interests in the Big Hole. State and Federal Agencies participate as technical advisors. The Governing Board is led by a 4-member Steering Committee of officers.
DEAN PETERSON
CHAIRMAN
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – UPPER BIG HOLE RIVER
Dean Peterson is a 4th generation producer in the Upper Big Hole, of Peterson Brothers Cattle Company. He would like to see his kids become 5th generation ranchers. In order to accomplish this, Dean believes we need to maintain a healthy watershed for all users. Dean’s greatest contribution is his leadership of wildlife conflict programs for the Upper Big Hole, beginning with the Upper Big Hole Range Rider. Dean is a community leader, also serving on the Vigilante Electric Cooperative Board as well as many other community groups.
JM PECK
VICE-CHAIRMAN
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – LOWER BIG HOLE RIVER
STEVE LUEBECK
TREASURER
REPRESENTING: SPORTSMEN
A lifelong angler, Steve Luebeck almost exclusively hunts, fishes and floats in the Big Hole. As the general manager of Fairmont Hotsprings in Anaconda, Steve offers his business expertise in the form of directorship and treasurer duties. Steve believes in conserving the Big Hole so that future generations will have the same recreation opportunities he enjoys today. Steve eloquently recognizes the delicate balance between private lands and public recreation and strongly advocates for a maintained balance for the benefit of all.
ROY MORRIS
SECRETARY
REPRESENTING: GEORGE GRANT TROUT UNLIMITED
Roy represents the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited based in Butte. Roy also is a Big Hole River fishing guide. The George Grant Chapter enthusiastically supports the Big Hole River fishery by financially supporting restoration projects, promoting the needs of the fishery, and providing education opportunities.
JIM HAGENBARTH
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – MIDDLE BIG HOLE RIVER
Jim is a passionate believer in a healthy land ethic and working together on the landscape. Jim’s involvement with the Big Hole Watershed Committee as well as other conservation interests is visionary and always astute and often speaks publicly on conservation issues. Jim and his family operate ranches in the Big Hole and in Idaho. Jim is a leader in the Big Hole River Drought Management Plan. In 2016, Jim was awarded Montana State University’s “Outstanding Agricultural Leader” award.
RANDY SMITH
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – MIDDLE BIG HOLE RIVER
Randy and his family have ranched in the Big Hole near Glen since the 1970’s and have participated in the Big Hole Watershed Committee since its inception. Randy is a champion of the Big Hole River Drought Management plan. In 2016, Randy received the Governor’s “Good Neighbor Award” for his leadership and conservation work in Montana. When it comes to our work in the Big Hole, Randy always maintains – “It’s about the resource”.
PETER FRICK
REPRESENTING: RESIDENTS
Peter is a successful conservation-minded business owner and operates a ranch near Wisdom. Peter joined the Governing Board in 2014. He provides thoughtful leadership of the organization to astutely meet the needs of the watershed.
SEAN CLAFFEY
REPRESENTING: THE NATURE CONSERVANCY/SOUTHWEST MONTANA SAGEBRUSH PARTNERSHIP
The Nature Conservancy is a long-time important partner in the Big Hole, offering support of programs, long-term conservation through easements, advisement, and a voice for framing conservation leadership on a regional and national scale.
LIZ JONES
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – MIDDLE BIG HOLE RIVER
Liz and her family operate a ranch near Wise River. Liz joined the Big Hole Watershed Committee at its beginning serving as its first secretary. Liz is a proud, driven, community leader. Liz leads by doing, serving attentively on many boards and committees from county boards, 4-H, fire department, and so much more. Liz has also long committed to noxious weed treatment and programs.
JOHN REINHARDT
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – MIDDLE BIG HOLE RIVER
John Reinhardt is a producer with the Reinhardt Ranch. John stresses the need to work collaboratively, finding common ground. He believes that staying current and sharing information is the best solution for effective conservation and successful ranching. John also participates in the CCAA program.
PHIL RALSTON
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – MIDDLE BIG HOLE RIVER
Phil and his family operate a ranch upstream of Wise River. Phil was the first rancher to complete a restoration project under the CCAA program to benefit Arctic grayling when the program began in the late 1990’s.
JIM KEENAN
REPRESENTING: BUTTE-SILVER BOW COUNTY WATER UTILITY DIVISION
Jim represents the Big Hole River diversion that withdrawals water from the Big Hole River to serve the residents of Butte. Jim leads county participation in the Big Hole River Drought Management Plan. Jim’s primary interest lies in protecting water quality and quantity to make sure locals both human and non-human, have access to clean clear water.
MARK KAMBICH
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – MIDDLE BIG HOLE RIVER
A producer with the Divide Kambich Ranch, Mark Kambich has been with the committee since its start. Mark believes that good conservation starts with the people and to sustain livelihoods into the future, we must make the right decisions now. Mark has led noxious weed treatment and programs for the Big Hole for several years and is also a leader for the Drought Management Plan.
ERIK KALSTA
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – MIDDLE BIG HOLE RIVER
Erik joined the Governing Board in 2014, and has been an active participant in conservation work for decades. He and his family operate a ranch near Glen. Erik’s interests are most notably in river floodplain corridors for maintaining water quality and quantity. He enjoys employing innovative projects to benefit both his ranch and the river.
ERIC THORSON
REPRESENTING: GUIDING & OUTFITTING
Eric is part-owner of Sunrise Fly Shop in Melrose in addition to being a river guide. He feels it is important to add his opinions and knowledge to conservation projects and management decisions and also to volunteer his time and energy to help protect the greatest watershed in the state. Eric is inspired by people of different backgrounds and beliefs coming together with the common goal of protecting the resource.
DAVE ASHCRAFT
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – LOWER BIG HOLE RIVER
Dave and his wife Cindy operate a ranch and destination fishing opportunity near Twin Bridges near the mouth of the Big Hole River. Dave and Cindy see conservation work benefitting both their operations and the river as a win-win and offer creative solutions for combatting the challenges of the lower Big Hole river.
MARK RAFFETY
REPRESENTING: RANCHING – LOWER BIG HOLE RIVER
Mark and his family have a ranch near Glen.
JOHN JACKSON
REPRESENTING: BEAVERHEAD COUNTY COMMISSION
John is a rancher in Jackson and also a Beaverhead County Commissioner.
DIANE HUTTON
REPRESENTING: RESIDENTS
Diane and her husband have a home near Wise River. Diane is retired from the United States Forest Service.
TECHNICAL ADVISORS
The Governing Board is supported by state and federal agency technical advisors. Technical advisors are not formally appointed; however, many agency representatives are highly involved and invested in the Big Hole valley and the work of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, and we value their input and support.