Our Team
Matthew Thornton
Founder and President
Background: Fly Fishing Guide
Experience: Fly fishing guide/trout, Unlimited ambassador
Awards/certifications/credentials/education etc. in 2023 I was awarded the spirit of TU award.
Why are you part of TWCCI: to make a positive impact in the lives of the people, places and animals that I love
What does conservation or TWCCI mean to you? This is about reverence and respect. It's about a oneness with all living things. This is about taking joy on what I'm doing and being on the right side of change.
Luke Johnston
Project Manager
Background: Fisheries Biologist
Experience: Worked as a fisheries management biologist for Alaska Dept of Fish and Game on the Yukon River 2000-2004, Worked as a research fisheries biologist on the Columbia River 2004-2008.
Awards/certifications/credentials/education etc. Graduated from the From the School of Fisheries in Fairbanks, Alaska 2002.
Why are you part of TWCCI: To work with amazing people who care about the outdoors and to help fill research knowledge gaps.
What does conservation or TWCCI mean to you? About inspiring connection to the outdoors, and learning what we can about the creatures we care about. I believe connection to the outdoors is the best way to restore our humanity.
Matt Radtke
TWCCI Secretary
Background: Environmental Consulting, Small Business Owner
Experience: Hazardous materials and contaminant analysis, working with environmental agencies, industries and citizens to prevent, reduce and remediate contaminants to our environment. Operations director at Third Planet Environmental.
Awards/certifications/credentials/education etc.: AHERA Asbestos inspector, Oregon Health Authority certified lead RRP firm, 40hr HAZWOPPER certification.
Why are you part of TWCCI: I saw the vision and importance of this difficult work and offered to help however I was needed. The citizen science aspect of TWCCI allows people with different backgrounds to come together to make a positive impact for the future. I
What does conservation or TWCCI mean to you? Our daily activities, population growth, and advancing technologies place a growing burden on the environment and its ecosystems. I believe it's important to actively counter these effects through meaningful, positive action to reduce our collective impact on the earth.
Kevin Fraley
Lead Biologist
Dr. Kevin Fraley is a highly accomplished fisheries ecologist with extensive expertise in freshwater ecology, research, and conservation. He holds a PhD in Freshwater Ecology from the University of Canterbury (2018), an M.S. in Fisheries from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (2015), and a B.S. in Fisheries, cum laude, from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (2012).
Kevin currently serves as a Fisheries Ecologist for the Arctic Beringia Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he has been leading fisheries research and monitoring projects since April 2020. His work focuses on key Arctic regions, including Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, where he is involved in fieldwork, lab analysis, grant writing, technician supervision, and the publication of peer-reviewed research.
In addition to his professional achievements, Kevin was instrumental in shaping the initial studies for The Wilderness Calling's conservation initiatives. An avid outdoorsman, Kevin enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and wildlife exploration in his home state of Alaska and beyond.
Ben Schmidt
Development Director
Ben Schmidt holds a Bachelor's in Financial Economics and History from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Public Administration from Portland State University, and an MBA from the University of Portland.
A resident of the Pacific Northwest for 15 years, Ben is passionate about sustainable fishing and serves as a board member and volunteer for The Wilderness Calling. He has fly fished across the U.S. and currently fishes the many rivers Oregon has to offer locally.
Professionally, Ben works in Product Management at Nike and was introduced to Spey casting by Matt Thornton, continuing to enjoy fly fishing throughout the region.
Sean Burke
Filmmaker/Photographer
Background: Fly Fishing Guide/Filmmaker/Photographer
Experience: Multiple years of filmmaking, photography as well as a lifetime worth of knowledge of fly fishing in the PNW
Why are you part of TWCCI: I am part of TWCCI because I want to offer my skillset to the organization. Documenting through the camera lens is something I am passionate about.
What does conservation or TWCCI mean to you? Conservation is the part of the whole picture when it comes to enjoying something. To love something is to care for it. Steelhead need all of the help that we can give them. I believe that when you recreate or make money from a resource like rivers, etc, giving back is part of the dues that you should pay.
Sawyer Balderson
Board Member
Background: Fly Fishing Guide
Experience:Crystal Creek Lodge, TWCCI, Epic Angling and Adventure
Why are you part of TWCCI: To help sustain the incredible native species that our ecosystems depend on.
What does conservation or TWCCI mean to you? TWCCI means regular people making real change.
Luke Johnston
Volunteer
Background: Project Manager, Electric Utilities
Experience: A lifetime of experience outdoors and fishing Oregon’s rivers and lakes
Awards/certifications/credentials/education etc: Bachelor of Arts; Human Communication, Portland State University
Why are you part of TWCCI: To make a positive impact on the places I love and to be part of something bigger than myself
What does conservation or TWCCI mean to you? Doing the right thing, even though it may not be the easy thing. Setting an example for others. Taking pride in my home.