THE CREW

Our knowledgeable Board of Directors is proud to be part of the GRPBA and proud to be environmental stewards.

James “Scott” Moss, President

Scott Moss is an Associate Professor of Biology and coordinator of restoration ecology at Lewis and Clark Community College. He has extensive experience in use of fire in ecological applications, is an Illinois Certified Prescribed Burn Manager, and facilitates regular training sessions in the use and application of prescribed fire for conservation and land management.

Alley Ringhausen, Vice President

Alley Ringhausen has served as the Executive Director of Great Rivers Land Trust since 2001. He joined Great Rivers Land Trust in 1999 as Developer and Manager of the Piasa Creek Watershed Project. Under his leadership, Great Rivers Land Trust has protected thousands of acres of property in Illinois and Missouri, developed wetlands, reduced erosion, planned parks, restored streams, and partnered with numerous organizations on a wide variety of conservation projects. He has an extensive background in conservation consultation and assists other non-profit organizations, municipalities, colleges, government agencies, corporations, and school districts. Some of his accomplishments include implementing the Piasa Creek Watershed Project in partnership with Illinois American Water Company, restoration of the Boy Scout Lake at Camp Warren Levis, and improvement of scenic, historic and ecologically significant properties along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway in Illinois.

Kelly Vandersand, Secretary

Kelly Vandersand is proud to be part of the GRPBA. She holds a BA from SIUC and is a graduate of the Restoration Ecology, AAS program through Lewis & Clark Community College, as well as a Master Naturalist. She also serves as a Committee Chair on the South West Illinois Wild Ones Chapter and the American Legion. She is passionate about environmental stewardship and education and believes that through dedicated work and education, we can make a difference.

Matt Ganden, Treasurer

Matt Ganden has worked as a forester with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since June 2021. While at the Corps he helped expand the Rivers Project Prescribed Burn program. Prior to the Corps he worked at Forest Park Forever as a Nature Reserve Technician. He has a Bachelors of Science from Southern Illinois University in Forestry. In his free time he likes to be playing sports with his son and hiking with his wife.

Brent Masiero, Coordinator

Brent Masiero studied Restoration Ecology and Horticulture at Lewis and Clark Community College and has since served in many roles in the Ecological and Arboriculture Industry, including the coordinator position for the Great Rivers PBA since its establishment. He is an avid hunter who has a passion for helping landowners create better wildlife habitat.

Become a

GRPBA Member

GRPBA members enjoy tons of benefits, that not only improve their land, but creates an incredible environment for plants and wildlife to thrive. Becoming a member of GRPBA will get you:

  • Access to training

  • Professional guidance on burn preparation and planning

  • Access to specialized burn equipment

  • Experienced crews the day of your burn

Volunteer

Participate in our next prescribed burn.