A Warm Welcome!

KELT Membership Votes in Three New Members to the Board of Directors

At this year’s Annual Meeting on September 14th, KELT members voted unanimously to accept Bethany Atkins, Rich Lorenson, and Amy Wesson as new KELT Directors. Each contribute valuable experience and skills as well as share a deep dedication to conserve the land and waters of the Kennebec Estuary and Merrymeeting Bay region.

Welcome Bethany, Rich, and Amy!

Bethany Atkins

Since childhood Bethany has felt a strong connection to place, particularly to the woods and waters of her home state of Maine. She grew up in central Maine and, after a stint on the "other coast", returned home to pursue a career in conservation. Bethany worked as the Land and Stewardship Program Manager for the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association and, for the last 15 years, for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife where she now serves as the Department's Land Acquisition Biologist. Bethany manages land protection projects for MDIFW and partners closely with Maine land trusts to facilitate land conservation across the state. Bethany has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Brown University and a Master's Degree in Landscape Design and Environmental Planning from The Conway School. She lives on the banks of the Kennebec with her husband and two children. She is an avid gardener and runner and lover of all things Maine.

Richard Lorenson

Rich lives on Westport Island with his wife Debbie. Graduating with a Civil Engineering Degree, he retired to Maine in 2016 after 42 years running his own business in New Jersey. He serves as a Preserve Steward for the Carl and Barbara Segerstrom Preserve at Squam Creek, a member of the KELT Stewardship Committee, a Monitor Skipper for Maine Island Trail Association, and serves as Chairman the Westport Island Planning Board. He enjoys building and maintaining trails, boating, skiing, and golf.

Amy Wesson

Amy Wesson, West Bath, currently serves on KELT’s Finance Committee and Development Team and is an avid alewife counter. Amy previously served as an officer for cultural and charitable organizations in Europe, South America, Asia, and most recently as president of the West Bath Historical Society. Amy enjoys tennis and hiking, her grandson in Portland, living on the New Meadows River, and supporting KELT.