Rylee became LPLA’s first full-time staff person after completing her Master’s Degree in Public Policy at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Her graduate research focused on the challenges of local, state, federal, and private management of sediment in the Minnesota River and the intersection of agriculture and water quality in Minnesota. In 2017, Rylee was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to serve on the Clean Water Council for a 4-year term. In 2021, she was appointed by Governor Tim Walz to serve on Minnesota’s Environmental Quality Board as a public member, where she continues to serve.

email: rylee@lakepepinlegacyalliance.org     phone: 612-217-4722

Alex spent 10 years in California teaching environmental science and participating in efforts to support regenerative agriculture and climate justice solutions across the country. In 2012, Alex co-founded an ecotourism paddling company in Wabasha, Minnesota, where he spent the summers guiding on the river in between his teaching years. Alex has a deep connection to the Driftless stretch of the Mississippi River and its backwaters, flooded forests, and biking trails.

email: alex@lakepepinlegacyalliance.org

Arlin has a deep commitment to service and the environment. When the Mississippi River became dangerously polluted nearly 50 years ago, he helped form a citizen’s organization with the motto, “We can’t all live upstream.” The organization played a key role in securing federal legislation requiring cities to improve sewage treatment practices. Today, Arlin continues his commitment to water quality by serving as LPLA’s treasurer in its quest to help save the lake from sedimentation and phosphorus pollution.

Missi is from Hager City, Wisconsin. She is a lifelong river rat of Lake Pepin and the Upper Mississippi River who brings a wealth of knowledge about the river system and the people who rely on it. Missi helped LPLA organize its first Mud Picnic and she stays engaged with public meetings about restoration and upstream water pollution. Her scientific background on the natural environment is an important addition to LPLA’s science committee.

Peter is a native of Lake City, Minnesota, and recently moved “home” after living outside the area for nearly 40 years. His life-long love of the Mississippi River bluff country, especially Lake Pepin, compels him to contribute his professional experience as a regulatory lawyer to help advocate for sensible measures that will sustain and protect the vitality of the river for generations to come. Peter is a partner in a Minneapolis-based law firm.

Scott makes his home along the Mississippi River flyway in Fountain City, Wisconsin. He’s been sailing Lake Pepin and hiking the surrounding bluffs for more than 20 years. Scott has always had an experiential appreciation for the immense importance that a healthy Lake Pepin has on the lives of folks who live, work, and play here. He’s spent his professional career helping organizations all over the world to grow, change, and reach their aspirations, and is passionate about contributing his creative energy to LPLA’s mission.

Doug is the Executive Director at H20 for Life in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and has focused his professional career around legislative and political action related to environmental protection. One of the highlights of Doug’s career has been to help pass the Legacy Amendment, which supports access to the great outdoors, parks and trails, and the arts. Doug enjoys paddling the Driftless and exploring the trails and parks along the Upper Mississippi River.

Michelle is passionate about contributing her energy, enthusiasm, and experience to the effort to save Lake Pepin, which has been her seasonal home for many years. She loves to experience the elements of nature, is mesmerized by the river's migratory birds, and enjoys quiet meditation amidst the sanctuary of Lake Pepin. Michelle seeks to give back to the local community where marina living, sunset cruises, and friendship abound. She is the Founder of Spirit of Therapy, a Wellness, Health Care, and Leadership Consultation and Training agency, and is active globally on LinkedIn.