Melanie Sturm, Forests & Wildlife Director

As NRCM's Forests and Wildlife Director, Melanie continues the organization’s long history of keeping Maine’s remote places wild by monitoring development in the North Woods and ensuring the state’s natural character is protected for years to come. Her work includes serving as NRCM’s point person for the Land for Maine’s Future program. Prior to joining NRCM in early 2020, Melanie worked at the Natural Resources Defense Council in San Francisco as well as for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the American Sportfishing Association in Washington, D.C., focusing on natural resource policy and management. She earned a master’s degree in Biology and Society from Arizona State University where she studied ecosystem services. Having grown up primarily in Pennsylvania, Melanie has a deep appreciation and proclivity for forested environments, which she feels beyond fortunate to be turning into a career. Melanie lives in Falmouth and enjoys hikes in the mountains or reading by a quiet lake.