• carry out a biological management plan for the reserve including keeping the inlet open, habitat restoration, invasive plant control and land acquisition,
• cooperate with government agencies to administer and protect the lagoon,
• work with private property owners and local jurisdictions to minimize development impacts,
• increase public awareness and appreciation of the reserve through environmental education.

STAFF
 
The Conservancy's day-to-day operations and scientific functions are managed by its staff
 
Doug Gibson, Executive Director/Principal Scientist
Doug has served as executive director of the Conservancy since 1996. He began his work at San Elijo Lagoon conducting biological monitoring for Pacific Estuarine Research Lab out of San Diego State University. Doug has conducted research in many of the lagoons and estuaries in San Diego County and taught classes on Ecological Assessment Methods at University of California, San Diego. He served as a field project manager for Scripps Institute of Oceanography on their study of sand replenishment efforts in the county. These projects have spanned 14 years of direct contact with these systems. Doug participated in the planning and pre-implementation phases of large restoration projects at San Dieguito, Buena Vista, San Elijo Lagoons and the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit (7 watersheds).
 
Doug has extensive knowledge of current policy and regulations of coastal wetlands in Southern California. He is responsible for raising over 12 million dollars for projects at San Elijo Lagoon and the Hydraulic Unit over the past 10 years.
 
His leadership role extends to: co-chair of Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project, San Diego County; Member of the California Invasive Species Plant Council - Government Affairs Committee; scientific/technical advisor of Carlsbad Watershed Network; and sits on the Independent Tax Oversight Committee for Transnet.
 
Elaine Dodge, Development Director
Elaine has 18 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and management. Before joining the Conservancy in 2005 she served as the executive director of the Solana Beach Foundation for Learning, and prior to that as executive director of S.T.O.P.--Safe Tables Our Priority. In Washington DC she served as a program director and attorney for the Government Accountability Project. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a law degree from McGeorge School of Law.
 
 
 
 
Amy Trujillo, Biologist
Amy has been with the Conservancy since 2001. She coordinates the field crews for the invasive species control program throughout the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit, and has been working to formalize and expand the Conservancy's land stewardship program. Amy has a degree in Ecology from the University of California, San Diego.
 
 
 
 
 
Debby Strauss, Program Assistant
Debby was hired as a part-time employee in October 2007 to support the program managers with day-to-day operations in the areas of development, education, outreach and general administration. Her primary duties are related to stewardship and acknowledging member contributions. Debby first came to SELC as a temporary employee working on the Birds of a Feather Gala 2007.
 
Prior to joining SELC, Debby had a successful career in human resources/employee relations working for various corporations and as an independent consultant. For many years, she has volunteered for numerous North County non-profit organizations, including the San Dieguito River Park for the past four years. Debby has lived in Encinitas for the past 23 years with her husband and two sons.
 
Barry Lindgren, Water Quality Specialist
Barry Lindgren started working for San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy as a volunteer in 2003 and now is employed fulltime as water quality specialist overseeing the stream flow gauges in the watershed and conducting water quality measurements in the lagoon. With over 22 years of experience in marketing and management, co-founder of a local instrument company and a past president of San Diego Stream Team, Barry is well equipped to manage the water quality program at San Elijo Lagoon. Barry is familiar with many of the watersheds in San Diego County having worked on the Carlsbad Watershed Program. He has a degree in Physics from the University of California, San Diego and a certificate in California Water Management and Ecosystem Restoration from the University of CA, Berkeley.
 
 
Ralph Achenbach, Outreach Coordinator
Ralph is responsible for the Conservancy's public relations and marketing activities. He also coordinates the third Saturday volunteer work parties, designs and produces the organization's outreach materials, and guides occasional nature walks through the reserve.
Ralph joined the Conservancy after a career in business, education and microfinance spanning across three continents. Most recently, he was the program specialist for an economic development program at the San Diego office of a large international aid agency. An avid birder, he leads bird walks for the Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association in the Cleveland National Forest, conducts tide pool and shorebird monitorings at Cabrillo National Monument, and interprets whale watching cruises as a volunteer with the San Diego Natural History Museum in his spare time. He enjoys backpacking in the wilderness from Alaska to Anza-Borrego, and from the High Sierra to Hawai'i.
Ralph has a Bachelor's degree from the London School of Economics and a Master's degree from Cambridge University (both in the UK). He is a certified 'Leave No Trace' outdoor ethics trainer.

Tara Fuad, Education Director
Tara is responsible for developing and implementing curriculum-based environmental education programs that meet state California Academic Content standards.  She is also responsible for environmental education programs for the community at large, and for recruiting and training docents. 
Tara began her career in the environmental field as a Peace Corps volunteer in the 1980’s where she spent 3 years working on reforestation projects in Niger, West Africa.  Upon returning to the states, Tara settled in Washington DC where she was involved in environmental research and education while working for the Ecological Society of America, the National Park Service, and the Audubon Naturalist Society.  After moving to San Diego in 2003, Tara served as a docent for the Conservancy, and also worked for the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation as Program Manager for school recycling. 
Tara holds a BA in Biology and Environmental Studies, and an MS in Biology with an emphasis on nutrient cycling in wetland soils in Virginia.