The Clark Fork River and its tributaries drain most of western Montana. The upper river and headwaters were heavily impacted by wastes from over a century of mining. Today, the area is the largest Superfund environmental clean-up site in the nation.
-May 28: Deadline for public comments on Anaconda area Superfund sites.
-June 1: CFWEP Field Trip with Deer Lodge School.
-June 4-6: Butte: The Original film showings at the Motherlode Theatre in Butte.
-June 1: CFWEP Field Trip with Deer Lodge School.
-June 4-6: Butte: The Original film showings at the Motherlode Theatre in Butte.
About Us > Staff
Director Matt Vincent (at center in the photo)
Phone: (406) 496-4832
Email:mvincent@mtech.edu
Born and raised in Butte, Matt has been with CFWEP since its inception, originally as the Field Coordinator, and in 2007 he became the Program Director. Prior to his work with CFWEP, Matt worked on reclamation and restoration projects around the basin as the Butte-Silver Bow Reclamation Manager and an independent consultant, and he also has a B.S. in Chemistry from Montana Tech.. Matt brings a passion for western Montana and outdoor education, and you can often find him on the river leading field trips, restoration tours, or fishing.
Field Coordinator Dr. Arlene Alvarado
Phone: (406) 496-4862
Email: aalvarado@mtech.edu
I joined CFWEP one year ago - and what a year! I have never been so challenged and so stimulated, and had so much fun at the same time, working with this wonderful and bright team of hard-working and creative people! And the KIDS - the kids are great fun and, of course, a little challenging. I went to graduate school to pursue my degree in animal behavior. Since then I have had several research experiences working with a range of critters - from fleas and mice to monkeys and impalas. I love doing research, and learning more and more about science. But, I have to admit, sharing my knowledge and experience and helping kids to understand their environment and the need to care for it is so rewarding that I have come to believe all my years in school, all my training and experience was preparing me for this - CFWEP Powers Activate!
Curriculum Coordinator Rayelynn Connole
Phone: (406) 496-4898
Email:rconnole@mtech.edu
AmericCorps VISTA Lorna McIntyre
Email: lmcintyre@mtech.edu
Lorna is serving as CFWEP's 2009-2010 AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer, bringing with her a passion for botany and the great outdoors. Lorna has a wealth of field research experience ranging from Yellowstone Park to the far corners of Montana. She is an expert in any and all things vegetative, and her enthusiasm for plants is contagious.
Communications Coordinator Justin Ringsak
Phone: (406) 496-4897
Email: jringsak@mtech.edu
Administrative Associate Theresa Seccomb
Phone: (406) 496-4124
Email: tseccomb@mtech.edu
As the Administrative Associate for CFWEP, Theresa keeps the program running smoothly, and keeps the rest of the CFWEP staff organized and on-track. Without Theresa, the CFWEP office would probably collapse in a day. And, on top of her role with CFWEP, Theresa also works with several other Technical Outreach programs. She is also the face of CFWEP in the main Technical Outreach office- if you are in the PET Building at Montana Tech, pop in at the end of the hall and give Theresa a big thanks for all the work she does to keep Montana Teach reaching out to the greater community.
The CFWEP staff and leadership team, from left to right:
Lorna McIntyre (VISTA Volunteer); Theresa Seccomb (Administrative Associate); Amy Verlanic (Leadership Board, Montana Tech Outreach Director); Rayelynn Connole (Curriculum Coordinator); Bernice Phelps (Montana Tech Outreach Coordinator); Arlene Alvarado (Field Coordinator); Justin Ringsak (Communications Coordinator); Jennifer Titus (previous Field Coordinator); Matt Vincent (Program Director); Joe Griffin (Leadership Board, Montana DEQ); Bill Callaghan (Leadership Board, Butte High School Science Teacher); Colleen Elliott (Leadership Board; Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology)
Director Matt Vincent (at center in the photo)Phone: (406) 496-4832
Email:mvincent@mtech.edu
Born and raised in Butte, Matt has been with CFWEP since its inception, originally as the Field Coordinator, and in 2007 he became the Program Director. Prior to his work with CFWEP, Matt worked on reclamation and restoration projects around the basin as the Butte-Silver Bow Reclamation Manager and an independent consultant, and he also has a B.S. in Chemistry from Montana Tech.. Matt brings a passion for western Montana and outdoor education, and you can often find him on the river leading field trips, restoration tours, or fishing.
Field Coordinator Dr. Arlene AlvaradoPhone: (406) 496-4862
Email: aalvarado@mtech.edu
I joined CFWEP one year ago - and what a year! I have never been so challenged and so stimulated, and had so much fun at the same time, working with this wonderful and bright team of hard-working and creative people! And the KIDS - the kids are great fun and, of course, a little challenging. I went to graduate school to pursue my degree in animal behavior. Since then I have had several research experiences working with a range of critters - from fleas and mice to monkeys and impalas. I love doing research, and learning more and more about science. But, I have to admit, sharing my knowledge and experience and helping kids to understand their environment and the need to care for it is so rewarding that I have come to believe all my years in school, all my training and experience was preparing me for this - CFWEP Powers Activate!
Curriculum Coordinator Rayelynn ConnolePhone: (406) 496-4898
Email:rconnole@mtech.edu
I began my teaching career over 15 years ago, working with at-risk youth in a wilderness treatment program. This first teaching experience shaped me as an educator and I knew that I would always yearn for teaching in the great outdoors, providing incredible experiences for kids, and integrating all subjects in my classroom without walls. My core education belief is simple: all kids can learn and achieve at a high level. Teachers and students should explore and learn together and the role of teacher is more accurately described as facilitator. Our job as educators is to craft those experiences that will inspire and lead students to become all that they can be. I have found sweet serendipity working with CFWEP and have been fortunate to align all of my passions, the outdoors, stewardship of this incredible earth, inspiring students to love science, and leadership all in one simple job description—CFWEP Curriculum Coordinator.
AmericCorps VISTA Lorna McIntyreEmail: lmcintyre@mtech.edu
Lorna is serving as CFWEP's 2009-2010 AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer, bringing with her a passion for botany and the great outdoors. Lorna has a wealth of field research experience ranging from Yellowstone Park to the far corners of Montana. She is an expert in any and all things vegetative, and her enthusiasm for plants is contagious.
Communications Coordinator Justin RingsakPhone: (406) 496-4897
Email: jringsak@mtech.edu
Another CFWEP Butte native, Justin Ringsak has over 5 years of experience in extracurricular education and communications, and has worked with the CFWEP since 2007. Justin holds B.A.s in English and Classical Civilizations from the University of Montana, and an M.S. in Technical Communications from Montana Tech, where his graduate thesis work focused on how public communication and culture affect interpretations of the natural environment and environmental decision-making. If he is not working on CFWEP's websites, coordinating events, or teaching out on the river, you can find Justin hiking around the Clark Fork Basin or playing music around uptown Butte.
Phone: (406) 496-4124
Email: tseccomb@mtech.edu
As the Administrative Associate for CFWEP, Theresa keeps the program running smoothly, and keeps the rest of the CFWEP staff organized and on-track. Without Theresa, the CFWEP office would probably collapse in a day. And, on top of her role with CFWEP, Theresa also works with several other Technical Outreach programs. She is also the face of CFWEP in the main Technical Outreach office- if you are in the PET Building at Montana Tech, pop in at the end of the hall and give Theresa a big thanks for all the work she does to keep Montana Teach reaching out to the greater community.