Executive Director
Chris Knopf
For more than 25 years Chris has worked to protect, preserve and restore our wild places. Prior to joining the Friends, he was a practicing environmental attorney, served as the Ohio Office Director for The Trust for Public Land and worked as a major gifts officer with the Indian Land Tenure Foundation. He has deep love for the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking, backpacking and photography.
Government Relations Director
Steve Schulz
Steve brings more than 25 years of experience working in politics including lobbying at the capitol, volunteering for campaigns, and organizing people and communities to protect our water. When not at the capitol, or plotting with coworkers on how to win on our campaigns, he is probably in his garden or at the lake enjoying the outdoors on his kayak or sitting on the beach. He also enjoys camping, hiking, running, biking, disc golfing and Minnesota Twins baseball and Green Bay Packers football.
Community Organizer
Marta Ditzler
After managing two successful state legislative campaigns in Anchorage and working as an organizing fellow at The Alaska Center, Marta brings impressive grassroots organizing experience to the Friends. She holds a degree in Environmental Studies from the College of Saint Benedict. Though raised in Eagle River, Alaska, Marta has deep Minnesota roots and grew up attending Laketrails Canoe Camp in Lake of the Woods.
Government Relations Associate
Betsy Foy
Though Betsy is a relatively novice paddler, she has always loved the outdoors and her canoe skills are developing as her love for the BWCA grows. Betsy’s commitment to protecting water began with the pipeline resistance movement during her time at Macalester College. After a few years spent working in scenic carpentry and as an EMT, she is thrilled to return to advocating for clean water. Outside of time at the Capitol and meetings with legislators, Betsy loves to line dance, swim in every available lake, and spend time with her wonderful housemates.