Below is a message of appreciation from California Rice Commission Wildlife Programs Manager, Luke Matthews, as he begins a new chapter. His replacement has already been hired. Read more on her background below:
“Over the past 4 years, I have really enjoyed working for the California Rice Commission and I have been honored to serve as the Commission’s first wildlife biologist. In that role, I have truly learned so much, built countless relationships and I got to do exciting and relevant conservation work. In late 2022, I accepted a new position at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and as of this week, I will officially be moving over to CDFW. My new position will be focused on creating breeding habitat for local waterfowl and pheasant populations. This move has been very bittersweet for me; however, I am excited about my new position and responsibilities as I continue to work on private land conservation efforts in the Sacramento Valley and throughout the State.
I am also happy to announce that the Commission has already hired a replacement to continue working on wildlife and other conservation issues for the rice industry. Kristin Sesser will be starting as the Commission Wildlife Program Manager in mid-March. Kristin is coming to the Commission from Point Blue Conservation Science, and she is a highly qualified avian biologist with a deep knowledge of waterbirds, wildlife conservation and rice agriculture within the Sacramento Valley.
I am excited to see the rice industry continue to play a pivotal role in supporting habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, fish, snakes and much more!”
