Media Contacts
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Claire Cornell
Communications Manager
The Nature Conservancy in Idaho
Email: claire.cornell@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Idaho is pleased to announce Kerey Barnowe-Meyer as the organization’s new Director of Conservation, effective January 22. This is a pivotal role that will oversee conservation program and stewardship staff and advance efforts across Idaho.
Barnowe-Meyer joins TNC following nearly 14 years of working for the Nez Perce Tribe, where he served in multiple roles including as a wildlife biologist and program leader. His work for the Tribe included both strategic and applied conservation, restoration and stewardship efforts. He successfully led Tribal efforts to develop the first Integrated Resource Management Plan, which describes the Nez Perce Tribe’s vision and strategy for the management of their natural and cultural resources. In this role, he was responsible for providing technical analyses, strategic guidance and policy recommendations to the Tribe’s elected leadership and commissions regarding natural resources throughout the Tribe’s aboriginal homeland.
“We are thrilled to have Kerey lead our critical conservation efforts in support of TNC’s mission,” said Mark Menlove, Idaho state director for The Nature Conservancy. “His deep experience, partnership-building ethos and passion for Idaho’s remarkable places and people will help TNC make the greatest possible impact for our climate, land, water and communities.”
Prior to working for the Nez Perce Tribe, Barnowe-Meyer completed his PhD in biological sciences at the University of Idaho and wrote his dissertation on the ecology and population genetics of pronghorn in Yellowstone National Park. In his free time, Barnowe-Meyer enjoys a range of outdoor pursuits including hiking and backpacking, photography, woodworking, boat building, cross-country skiing, trail running, gardening and fly fishing.
In his new role as director of conservation, Barnowe-Meyer will lead an inspiring and compelling vision of success for TNC’s conservation programs in Idaho—which include strategies such as land and water protection, regenerative agriculture, salmon recovery and improved management of Idaho’s forests and sagebrush ecosystems. He will play a critical role in achieving ambitious conservation goals that prioritize taking climate action and conserving biodiversity.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be joining The Nature Conservancy in Idaho,” said Barnowe-Meyer. “TNC has assembled an incredible team working to address critical needs and leverage opportunities throughout the state, and they have an impressive track record of doing so in partnership with a diverse coalition of federal, Tribal, state, industry and private allies. I’m excited to help support those efforts in the months and years ahead.”
Barnowe-Meyer can be reached at k.barnowe-meyer@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 77 countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 36 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.