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Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute

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Matt Hudson

Matt Hudson Title: Watershed Program Coordinator
Office Location: SOEI 2nd Fl
Phone: 715-682-1481
Email: mhudson@northland.edu

Education

M.S., Water Resources Science, University of Minnesota

B.S., Water Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Profile

I have applied these studies to extensive work in the public and non-profit sectors, most recently as Watershed Action Director with the Bad River Watershed Association. While there, I led multiple efforts to engage citizens and professionals to care for streams and rivers in the Chequamegon Bay area. Before that, I served as Environmental Biologist with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. There I led efforts ranging from monitoring environmental contaminants in fish to responding to emerging aquatic threats on behalf of 11 upper midwest Native American tribes. I also participated in lake-wide endeavors to protect Lake Superior and efforts that led to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. I serve on the Habitat Committee of the Lake Superior Binational Program's Work Group and have served as President for the Midwest Chapter of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. I have maintained memberships with professional s! ocieties including the International Association for Great Lakes Research and Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, and have served on the boards of local non-profits such as the Bad River Watershed Association and Alliance for Sustainability. I am currently working to bring world-class mountain bike trails to the Chequamegon Bay area. Besides mountain biking, I enjoy paddling, wilderness trips, skiing, running, hunting, and keeping up with my beautiful wife and daughter.

Research

My thesis work focused on understanding how environmental contaminants move through aquatic systems and get into fish. As an undergraduate, I earned a research award for lake planning and management work on Rinehart and Stratton Lakes in central Wisconsin.

Professionally, I have broad experience working on a variety of applied natural resource management issues from regions as large as the Great Lakes to those local to Chequamegon Bay. I have a keen interest in collaborating with other natural resource professionals and local communities to develop and utilize scientific tools and knowledge to inform our collective management of water and other natural resources.

At Northland College, I'm developing watershed monitoring and assessment programs that will support protection and restoration of water resources in the Lake Superior region and provide unique learning opportunities for students.

Example publications:
Hudson, M.J., D.L. Swackhamer, and J.B. Cotner. 2005. Effect of Microbes on Contaminant Transfer in the Lake Superior Food Web. Environmental Science and Technology. 39, 9500-9508.

Foran, J.A., A.D. DeWeese, M.J. Hudson, and N.E. Kmiecik. 2010. Evaluation of Mercury Exposure Reduction through a Fish Consumption Advisory Program for Anishinaabe Tribal Members in Northern Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2010. 7 pp.

Primary author - Marengo River Watershed Partnership Project: Watershed Action Plan. 2013. Bad River Watershed Association. Ashland, WI. 205 pp.

Favorite thing to do in Ashland

In Ashland I love running and biking on the corridor and lakefront trails and enjoying a pint at the Alley/Deep Water Grille.
What I really love about Ashland is the easy access to an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, no matter which direction you go or what you like to do.

Words that describe Northland students

Catalysts, Leaders, Enthusiastic

Favorite books

Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout; Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things