Member Types: Voting Member

Phil Matson is a Research Coordinator with the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS), University of Montana, where he coordinates their program in Montana’s sustained push against aquatic invasive species. Phil has 22 years specializing in GIS and remote sensing, relating habitat complexity to biotic and anthropogenic metrics. He currently manages the GIS database for the Crown Managers Partnership and serves as their representative on the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Landscape Conservation Design team. Phil also oversees the data collection and publication of FLBS’s LakeNET Environmental Sensor Network, a network of remote meteorological and hydrologic sensors used for telemetry data modeling; is part of their long-term Flathead Lake Monitoring Project; and engages in various education and media outreach campaigns to local schools, student groups, and the general public.

While growing up in Minnesota, Matt spent much of his time outdoors, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and snowboarding. He traveled to Montana for numerous vacations while growing up and fell in love with the beauty and culture of western Montana, setting his sights on someday making it his home. Matt graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in civil engineering in 2010 and moved to Missoula in 2013 to work as a civil engineer with a focus on water resources. In the 10 years since moving to Montana, Matt’s appreciation for our state and our natural resources has only grown deeper. As a civil-water resources engineer, he works with clients throughout the state on projects that aim to make responsible use of- and protect our natural resources. His work has included replacement and preservation of irrigation infrastructure, stormwater management, development of transportation facilities, and remediation projects. Matt currently lives in Missoula with his wife and three kids. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family.

Duane G. Braaten served in the U.S. Army from 1972-1974. He is married to Janette and together have 4 grown children who are all alumni of MSU College of Agriculture. With Janette, they founded and operated Farm-To-Market Pork for 48 years, raising pork and beef and marketing them through their retail meat business with stores in Kalispell and Missoula. Duane has served on a number of Boards over the years including the West Valley School Board, the Montana Pork Producers Council, the Montana Board of Livestock, the National Livestock and Meat Board, the Kalispell Farmers Market Board and currently the Flathead Electric CO-OP Board of Trustees.

Mike Koopal is the founder and executive director of the Whitefish Lake Institute. Mike currently serves governor appointments to the Water Pollution Control Advisory Committee and the Western Montana Conservation Commission. His past service includes governor appointments to the Flathead Basin Commission, where he chaired the On-site Wastewater Treatment Committee and Technical Committee, and the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission, where he chaired the Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection and Monitoring Committee. Mike also served on the Montana Watershed Coordination Council Board and the Whitefish Climate Action Plan Committee. Mike was a co-coordinator of the second and third editions of the Montana Lake Book. He is a past recipient of the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society’s Individual Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the protection and enhancement of fisheries resources in Montana.