Clean Angling Coalition Staff
The Clean Angling Coalition is the only organized group of businesses, agencies and organizations that are working together to promote clean angling practices. The Clean Angling Coalition is a program of the Invasive Species Action Network a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the human-caused spread of aquatic invasive species by promoting voluntary behavior change. Our small but effective staff team promotes cleaning practices with the help from our many volunteers and partners.
Bob Wiltshire
Bob Wiltshire is the Executive Director of the Invasive Species Action Network. Bob founded the Invasive Species Action Network (formerly the Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species) in 2008 realizing that there was a distinct need for innovation in addressing aquatic invasive species problems. Bob brings a wealth of diverse experience with a well-rounded career in conducting wild trout studies for the state of Montana for over 15 years, small-business entrepreneur in outdoor recreation, and conservation non-profit manager for more than a decade. He has played key roles in the management of invasive species over the years including serving on the Montana Governor's Whirling Disease Task Force, co-author of Montana's Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan, co-author of the US New Zealand Mud Snail Management Plan and currently serves on the National Invasive Species Advisory Committee. Bob has been recognized with the National Fly Fishing Educator of the Year Award and the American Fisheries Society Outstanding Fishery Professional Award. Wiltshire is one of the most widely sought out speakers to address audiences on invasive species issues.
Leah Elwell
Leah Elwell is our Program Director and leads the Clean Angling Coalition. Leah Elwell joined the Invasive Species Action Network in 2010 as seasoned hand in invasive species issues and research. She spent many years investigating the ecological interactions that affect whirling disease hosts and holds a graduate degree in Aquatic Biology. Elwell has provided critical publications as author of the 2009 Whirling Disease: Implications in research and management, and co-author of the 2007 Increase in nuisance blooms and geographic expansion of the freshwater diatom Didymosphenia geminata: Recommendations for Response. She has been featured in an educational film on whirling disease research. As national coordinator of conservation work, Leah has instituted programs that inspired a new wave of conservation enthusiast for our water resources, served in national leadership roles on conservation issues such as native fish conservation areas, responsible energy development, and restoring threatened trout species. When not dreaming up new ways to change the world for good, Leah is digging in the dirt, hiking the hills and having fun with her family.
Matt Wilhelm
Matt Wilhelm is our Education Director and leads all of our education programs. Matt Wilhelm joined the Invasive Species Action Network in 2009 with over 12 years of experience reaching out to youth on aquatic education. Matt specializes in teaching concepts about river ecology, aquatic invertebrates, native fish species, aquatic and weed invaders, and fly angling. In 2011, he received the Weed Fighter of the Year Award from the Montana Weed Control Association for his work on riparian weeds across Montana. He is a nationally recognized instructor who teaches teachers about fly fishing and in 2004 he was honored with the Montana American Fisheries Society Aquatic Educator of the Year Award. Wilhelm has been the sole contract provider of aquatic education needs in schools across Montana for the last 10 years and has worked with close to 30,000 youth and adults. Wilhelm has been featured as an educator on local, regional and national TV programming, including ESPN. Matt is also co-owner of the Yellowstone Fly Fishing School and holds a Federation of Fly Fishers Master Fly Casting Instructor Certification. If Matt is not teaching, then you will find him wading or floating the river.
If you believe in our mission and would like to help, then join with us! Learn more about membership in the Clean Angling Coalition.