American Rivers announces Sarah Dyrdahl as Northwest Regional Director
September 26, 2022
Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145
American Rivers announced today that Sarah Dyrdahl is joining the organization as its new Northwest Regional Director. Throughout her career she has worked as an ecologist and community builder to lead river conservation initiatives and develop strategic partnerships benefitting habitat, wildlife and people.
“As an ecologist, Sarah understands the science of what rivers and wildlife need, and as a community collaborator she understands the heart of what people need,” said Heather Taylor-Miesle, Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Regional Conservation at American Rivers. “In this moment where our rivers and clean water face so many critical challenges, Sarah has what it takes to advance our bold vision and secure lasting solutions for this region’s rivers and communities. We are thrilled to welcome her to the American Rivers team.”
For the past year, Dyrdahl has served in the State Forests Division at the Oregon Department of Forestry as Aquatic Riparian Specialist and Interim Deputy Division Chief. She developed policy with a focus on habitat and drinking water, developed stream restoration plans, and served on the inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. From 2015-2021, she served as Executive Director of the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, where she worked with the community to plan, implement and monitor stream restoration projects. Prior to that, she served as Restoration Projects Manager for the North Santiam, South Santiam, and Calapooia Watershed Councils, and the Coos Watershed Association. Dyrdahl also worked as Staff Biologist for the Ninilchik Traditional Council in Ninilchik, Alaska, performing habitat assessments and stewardship for subsistence species, focused on salmon and moose.
She received a B.S. in Biology from Oregon State University and has extensive training in river restoration practice and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice in the environmental space.
“The Pacific Northwest is defined by water, and our health, well-being and future is inextricably linked to our rivers. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than building community around being in right relationship with the land and water. The threads of joy in my work are the authentic partnership, innovation and dedication to address complex problems. Our rivers and communities need bold, inclusive, equitable solutions, and I’m energized to work with our partners and supporters to achieve ambitious goals.”
Dyrdahl begins at American Rivers today, and will be based in Eugene, Oregon.
About American Rivers
American Rivers believes a future of clean water and healthy rivers for everyone, everywhere, is essential. Since 1973, we have protected wild rivers, restored damaged rivers and conserved clean water for people and nature. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and 300,000 supporters, members, and volunteers across the country, we are the most trusted and influential river conservation organization in the United States, delivering solutions for a better future. Because life needs rivers. www.AmericanRivers.org
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