Mt. Adams Resource Stewards (MARS) was founded in 2003 in response to a group of Glenwood citizens’ concerns about the future of their community. The organization grew out of a group that had convened as the “Glenwood Concerned Citizens” that had shared views about stagnated economic growth, population decline and natural resource management issues.

Discussion eventually led to the development of a vision focusing on “a healthy, productive and sustainable economy, community and landscape in the Mt. Adams Region.” Projects were to be pursued through a non-profit, community-based organization directed by a Board of Directors representative of different stakeholders and perspectives in the area – our version of collaboration.

With the generous support of the National Forest Foundation Mt. Adams Resource Stewards was underway, first taking on a project to develop a requested monitoring program for a stewardship contract on the Mt. Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  Since then, we have branched into a number of programs and activities associated with our forests, watersheds, business, school and community. 

Staff

Jay McLaughlin, Executive Director
jay-mars (at) gorge.net

Jay has been working with communities and natural resource issues since 1995, including stints as a forester with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, forestry consultant, the Peace Corps in Panama and as a high school teacher in Glenwood.  Jay has a master degree in forestry from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Board of Directors

The Mt. Adams Resource Stewards Board is fortunate to be able to count on a diverse group of individuals, representing different ideas, values and communities in the Mt. Adams Region, while generously volunteering their time to better our organization. They include:

Chair: Jim White
George Hathaway, Jr.
Darrel Spies
Nina Vinyard
Dave Wasgatt
Rich Wheelhouse
Teunis J. Wyers
Teunis G. Wyers