BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Arnold Whitridge, Board Chair
Retired from the Natural Resources Division of the Trinity County Planning Department, Arnold brings his extensive background in fisheries restoration to the WRTC board. His experience in County Government (Arnold is a former County Supervisor) augments our ability to partner with various agencies to achieve our mission.
Summer Bashore, Secretary
Summer grew up in Trinity County, moved out of the area after High School for 16 years, and returned in 2008. Having a deep-rooted connection to the area and great appreciation for the local environment, Summer has a genuine vested interest in the work that the WTRC does locally, regionally, and nationally. As a Real Estate Broker and local business owner, Summer brings great knowledge of local development activities, trends, and valuable insight regarding development needs, and impacts, affecting the local environment.
Sarah Aldinger, Treasurer
Sarah Aldinger was born in rural Mendocino County and raised in Hayfork, CA. She holds a Bachelors degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from UC Berkeley. After a 10-year career in the performing arts arena in the San Francisco Bay Area, she returned to Trinity County to pursue a Masters in Social Science in the interdisciplinary Environment and Community program at Humboldt State University. During her time at Humbolt, Sarah’s research focused on the social and ecological impacts of Cannabis cultivation in the Hayfork Valley region. The interdisciplinary nature of her study, the qualitative and collaborative nature of her field work, combined with a genuine interest and applied experience in local culture and community initiatives make Sarah a valuable asset to The Watershed Center.
Dr. Cecilia Danks, Member
Cecilia is a Professor of Environmental Policy-University of Vermont. With a PhD from UC Berkeley in forest sociology and policy, Cecilia is a member of the Forest Stewardship Council. Cecilia provides a social context to our restoration work, offering insights into the effects of public lands management on rural community’s economies and poverty levels.
Dr. Yvonne Everett, Member
Yvonne is a Professor of Environmental and Natural Resource Planning in the Department of Environmental Science and Management at Humboldt State University. Yvonne not only advises the WRTC in restoration matters, but also works to strengthen our connection to Humboldt State University and other educational institutions.
Sherry Chilcote, member
Sherry Chilcote has recently retired from her 32 year service with the Forest Service. She moved to Hayfork back in 1976 as part of the Back to the Land Movement and soon started working with the Forest Service on a Fuels Crew. In addition, she eventually became a California Tree Farmer in 1987. Sherry advises the WRTC with her extensive background with the Forest Service as well as valuable insight on small business and other community stakeholders. Sherry holds her Bachelor's of Art in Anthropology from CSU Chico.
Donna Harmon, Member
Donna has been a Trinity County resident for 31 years, and brings a robust background in natural resource management and rural community relations. Her extensive experience and working knowledge of Trinity County land management offer valuable insight and support to The Watershed Center’s efforts.
Russell Henly
Russell has a long-time background in forestry and natural resource management in California, including a 27-year career with CAL FIRE and the California Natural Resources Agency. He is a California Registered Professional Forester and has a PhD in Wildland Resource Science from the University of California, Berkeley. Specific areas of his work include leading inter-agency collaboration for natural resource protection, working with a wide range of stakeholders on resolving forest management issues, forest and watershed assessment, forest policy and economics analysis, forest landowner assistance programs, forest practice regulation, forests and climate change, and fisheries restoration.