Meet Our Team

Meet our Board of Directors, Friends of the Board

and Staff Members of the Charlevoix Conservation District

Board Members

Board Chair

Sara Matchett

Agriculture and conservation have always been a part of Sara’s life; she grew up on her family’s diverse organic farm, where they raised anything from dry beans to Belted Galloway cattle. After obtaining her degrees in Animal Science from Michigan State University, Sara worked with the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) serving producers in Ottawa County as they sought to achieve and maintain environmental stewardship standards on their operations. She spent a year working with the Michigan Right to Farm Program before moving to Charlevoix to farm full time with her husband Noah and his family. In her spare time she enjoys expanding her native garden and exploring new trails in Northern Michigan, and serving Charlevoix County residents and landowners as a member of the Conservation District Board.

Board Vice Chair

Eric Beishlag

Eric resides in Eveline township where he custom pastures beef cattle, sells freezer beef and bales hay for his son and daughter-in-law's horse stable. Eric has been in the logging business with his son, owning and operating Beishlag Forest Products Inc., where he follows Sustainable Forestry Initiative guidelines. As a trustee for Eveline Township, Eric also sits on the Eveline Township Planning Commission. Eric has served as a District Director from 1982 to 1985, returning to the Board in 1996 and currently serves as the Charlevoix Conservation District's Vice Chairperson.

Board Treasurer

Zack Shaltz

Zack Shaltz has worked with the Charlevoix Conservation District for many years. Zack was born in Detroit and spent many years abroad with the Army as a Command Sergeant Major before settling in northern Michigan in 1997. Prior to being on the board, Zack also worked with Michigan Department of Agriculture and various MDA Farm*A*Syst programs for his small farm, including the current MAEAP program, under which he was verified in all four systems. Zack is also a member of the local Charlevoix Farm Bureau and founding member of the Friends of the Boyne River (FoBR) group. Most people know Zack from the local Hardware store in Boyne where he's worked since 2001. Zack has also served on the Wilson Township Tax Board of Review since 2011 and has served on the district board since March 2020. Zack and his wife Holly have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

Board Member

Skylar MacNaughton

Skylar MacNaughton was born and raised in Boyne City Michigan, although his family is originally from Carson City, MI. Skylar has a great passion for conservation, especially when it comes to Monarch butterflies and is currently the President/Founder of Michigan Butterfly Habitats Inc. Skylar enjoys creating butterfly habitats in our area while inspiring others to do so as well. Skylar, his wife, two kids love camping and exploring what Michigan’s Mother Nature has to offer. The MacNaughton’s enjoy paddle boarding, walking nature preserves and just being outside together in their free time. Skylar was appointed to the District Board in 2022 to take over for retiring long-time member, Ron Reinhardt.

Board Member

Amanda Looze

Amanda grew up in northern Indiana, spending her time hiking, gardening, and enjoying days at the lake. At 17, she joined the U.S. Air Force and began traveling the world. During her time in the military, she met her husband, Darren, who introduced her to his hometown of Boyne City. Amanda has been visiting the area for 15 years and, in 2023, made the move to Lake Charlevoix to raise their two children close to family and the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.

She has a background in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, as well as Ecology and Biology, and now runs the local sign shop - formerly known as The Wood Shop, and now operating as Stonefly Signs - alongside Darren. As a family, they spend their free time camping, gardening, traveling, and exploring, and hanging out at the lake.

Associate Member

John Cool

John is originally from Petoskey and currently lives in Bay Township near Horton Bay. He is the son and grandson of cattle farmers. John works as a Market Manager and Loan Officer for Charlevoix State Bank covering Boyne City, East Jordan, and Ellsworth. In his spare time you will find him hiking, camping, or kayaking with his spouse and daughter.

Staff

District Manager

Alison Adams

Alison joined the Charlevoix Conservation District in September of 2015. Alison has worked in the field of conservation for over 2 decades, mostly in the northern Michigan region. Her early work in conservation included the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Wilderness State Park and the Little Traverse Conservancy. Alison graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Environmental Policy & English. Alison has farming roots dating back to the late 1800s in northern Emmet County, where she raised her two sons. Alison enjoys working with local landowners, promoting the district's programs in the community, and sharing her passion for conservation with younger generations.

CTAP Technician

Chris Anderson

Chris has been working with the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program grant since the early 2000s. The program is now referred to as MAEAP (Michigan Agricultural and Environmental Assurance Program), but the goal is the same - help northern Michigan farmers protect their soil and water. Chris enjoys facilitating MAEAP and working alongside local farmers to implement the benefits of this voluntary conservation program. Chris works with these producers to identify these risks and turn them into long-term sustainability farming and landowner practices. Chris is a proud dad of two sons, and has been working with the Conservation District in various positions since 1998, after graduating with a Forestry degree from Michigan Tech.

Administrative Assistant

Kyra Cunningham

Kyra started as Administrative Assistant for the District in October of 2023. Kyra graduated from Northern Michigan University where she received a degree in Biology with a concentration in Ecology. Originally from Traverse City, Kyra moved to Charlevoix in the summer of 2023. In her off-time, she enjoys going for hikes, reading, knitting and exploring the Northwoods with her pup, Otis and husband, Ray. Kyra looks forward to working for the Charlevoix Conservation District and helping promote the District ideals to the community. Kyra assists with general day to day office administrative needs as well as promoting district programs, events, annual plant sales and managing the rental needs for our community room.

Become a Board Member

The district board meets the second Thursday of every month, 7-9pm at the conservation district office located at 303 North St. in Boyne City.

Friends of the Board and Associate Board Members are always needed. Let us know if you are interested and we will be happy to include you in the details for our next meeting!

If you are interested in running for a board position, elections occur each year at our Annual Meeting, on the second Thursday in November. When a position is open, interested candidates must submit a Nominating Petition 45 days prior to the election. Board members must reside in Charlevoix County and be of legal voting age.

Please contact us for questions or more details! 231-582-6193

Honorary Board Chair

Timothy Matchett

District Board Member, 1983-2025

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our longtime board chair, Tim Matchett, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tim was a pillar of the Charlevoix Conservation District, serving on the board for over 40 years and leading as board chair for more than half of that time. His dedication, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment helped shape the foundation and direction of our work for decades.

Tim was the very definition of humble service. He led not with words, but with action—always dependable, always kind, and always focused on what was best for the land, the community, and future generations. He brought that same spirit of stewardship to every area of his life.

In addition to his 40+ years as a conservation district board member, Tim was deeply engaged in many aspects of serving his community. He served on the Marion Township board for 25 years, the Marion Township Planning Commission for 44 years, he led the Charlevoix County Farm Bureau as president for 30 years, was a board member of the Ellsworth Farmers Exchange Co-op, and was active on his church board. His sense of duty and care extended to every corner of his community, where he gave generously of his time and wisdom.

Tim was also proud of his multi-generation Centennial Farm, Matchett Sheep Farm—located just south of Charlevoix. His love for the land and his commitment to preserving it with his sons was evident in everything he did.

Tim’s legacy lives on in the fields he tended, the boards he served, his family and the countless lives he touched through his steady presence and genuine care. He will be dearly missed by all who had the honor of knowing and working alongside him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Linda, his children, Noah, Isaac, LilyAnn and Mia, his grandchildren, and all who knew and loved him.