Contact Regan Nelson

Conservation Planner

Background:
Regan has been a conservation ecologist specializing in Pacific Northwest forests for seven years. She holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Washington's College of Forest Resources where her research focused on the integration of conservation planning and local land-use planning processes. Her thesis involved creation of a decision-support system for Whatcom County residents who are interested in creating and implementing a 100-year vision for their community that protects key environmental and community values while gracefully accommodating anticipated population growth. Before graduate school, Regan worked as the Conservation Associate for Conservation Northwest for five years, where she worked to initiate and lead community-based forestry groups interested in restoring forest landscapes while generating jobs and wood products for struggling rural communities. She was a founding board member of the Pinchot Partners, now a 501c3 organization focusing on restoring the natural and human communities surrounding the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. She was also involved in the initiation of the Skokomish Watershed Action Team (SWAT) on the Hood Canal. Regan received her undergraduate degree in international environmental policy from the University of California, and her senior thesis focused on the relationship between social justice and environmental issues in developing countries.

Current Projects/Professional Focus:
Regan joined TNC in December of 2007 as the Conservation Planner. In this position, she will provide technical and scientific support and leadership for conservation action planning and measures of conservation success. She will bring her background in blending natural and social sciences to bear by furthering the integration of socio-economic indicators into planning and implementation efforts. She will also be conducting geospatial analysis in support of conservation planning efforts around the state.

Fun Fact:
Regan lived in Guatemala for one year after college, and paid the bills by leading SCUBA dives in a 5,000 foot caldera (Lago de Atitlan), and exercising endurance racing horses through the Guatemalan highlands.