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.
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.
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.