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Who we are
Kootenai Environmental Alliance is the oldest non-profit conservation group in Idaho and one of the oldest in the Northwest.
We were founded in 1972 by former Idaho State Senators Art Manley and Mary Lou Reed, well-known environmental attorney Scott Reed, and representatives from several local and regional sporting organizations.
The organization started in response to the extensive environmental damage in the Idaho Panhandle caused by timber and mining interests, land developers, and policies of land managers of the federal government.
We have always held that an informed public is essential to safeguarding our environment. To that end, KEA held public meetings almost every week for 30 years to provide the public an opportunity to hear experts, political candidates, and local officials address local, regional, and national environmental issues. We provide school-based water curriculum, we remain active and vocal in local issues, and our WATERKEEPER program is robust and comprehensive.
Our outreach efforts continue, and as we work around the restrictions of COVID and reduced opportunities for public gatherings, we urge you to visit this site often for more information.
Meet KEA's Board of Directors
Cynthia Rozyla
President of the Board
A native of Michigan, Cynthia completed a BA of Fine Arts in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, and a minor in Photography from Central Michigan University. During her pursuit toward a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an Environmental emphasis, she worked for government, in the for-profit sector and raised her family. Her heart was in the nonprofit world, working for a mission and a cause. In 1990, Cynthia’s gypsy spirit finally landed her in beautiful North Idaho. Owner of a small family business and founding member of a local non-profit, Cynthia’s passion for the environment led to her inclusion at KEA.
Janet Torline
Vice Presdient
Janet and her husband Greg moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1973 from Gunnison, Colorado where they met while attending Western State University. Although they had loved their time in the Rocky Mountains it did not provide the climate they were looking for to build a sustainable homestead. Their search for that spot led to Idaho and by 1975 they had purchased land on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene, pitched a tent, and started building their lives’ dream. Now retired, they fully enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Janet joined the KEA board in 2006 working with KEA’s first Executive Director, Barry Rosenberg. It was an exciting time of taking the organization from an all-volunteer, grassroots, organization to a diversified structure of programs dedicated to advocating for key environmental issues in the region. Janet left the board in 2020.
Janet has returned to the interim Board of Directors to help carry KEA’s legacy forward so future
generations will continue to promote the conservation, preservation and restoration of this beautiful area we call home.
Dave Muise
Board Director
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Dave lived in both Texas and California before moving to Coeur d’Alene in 2018. Educated as a Mechanical Engineer with a MS in Engineering Management, Dave’s career started as an engineer overhauling submarines for the US Navy and he is currently helping to build high-speed internet equipment as a Product Manager for Nokia.
He started volunteering for KEA and other environmental causes after seeing firsthand the devastation caused by wildfire in California and then smelling wildfire smoke when first arriving here in Coeur d’Alene. Married and a father of two adult daughters, Dave looks forward to enjoying the natural beauty of our hometown for years to come.
James Kimbell
Board Director
Coming Soon
Jamie Esler
Board Director
Jamie Esler is a high school science educator who moved to North Idaho with his wife and infant daughter in 2008. When he's not teaching Environmental Science at Lake City High School, he enjoys spending his time skiing, hunting, mountain biking, cutting firewood and fishing. He holds a B.S. in Geology and an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction.
Jamie's passion for conservation is rooted in place-based education and hands-on service learning experiences. He is eager to serve KEA's membership and mission helping to protect the local lands and waters we all know and love.
Brandi Mayes
Board Director
Brandi's passion for the environment began in childhood with long wanderings on the Yellowstone River near her home in Billings, Montana. Her adventurous spirit and love of nature have guided her life and brought her incredible opportunities. She landed in Northern Idaho in 2008 with her husband and their new baby.
Brandi enjoys hiking, trail running, mountain biking, skiing, and gardening. She believes that a relationship with and connection to nature is foundational to activism. She loves to encourage curiosity, discovery, and delight through time outdoors.
Brandi brings her experience in sustainable business and marketing to the KEA board. She is excited to infuse inspiration and insight into the communications of KEA.
Michaela Woempner
Board Director
Coming Soon
Jarrett Broughton
Board Director
Coming Soon