CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND CONSERVATION
Kyler Wolf Retires from KLT Board of Directors
After serving Kaniksu Land Trust (KLT) since 2007, Kyler Wolf has retired from the board of directors. His journey with KLT began with a chance conversation with a fellow real estate agent, Jim Watkins, who was the board president at the time. Intrigued by conservation easements, Kyler accepted Jim's invitation to a board meeting. Little did he know this would set the stage for a remarkable 17-year tenure marked by significant contributions and transformative leadership.
Kyler's induction into KLT's board was swift. Just a month after joining, Jim Watkins announced his retirement and nominated Kyler for the position of board president. Reflecting on this rapid transition, Kyler recalls, "It was a quick succession, and I had to learn all-things-conservation quickly."
Kyler continued to serve as board president for 10 years, temporarily stepping down twice to fill critical staff roles. Before the appointments of Regan Plumb and Eric Grace, he served as interim Conservation Director and interim Executive Director. In each case, he seamlessly transitioned back into the role of board president, demonstrating his adaptability, dedication, and commitment to the organization’s mission.
Pictured left to right, back row: Jim Zuberbuhler (Board President), Nate Hall (Secretary), Rich Del Carlo (Board Member), Dan Krabacher (Board Member). Front row: Diane Williams (Treasurer), Kyler Wolf (Past President), Katie Cox (Executive Director), Regan Plumb (Conservation Director)
During his tenure, Kyler played a pivotal role in drafting KLT's operating procedures and in the rebranding from Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy to Kaniksu Land Trust in 2012.
Among the many committees and initiatives Kyler participated in, one of the most memorable for him was serving on the Lands Committee which laid the groundwork for establishing Pine Street Woods. "Even before it had a name, it was this, 'Let's have an iconic landscape project that's good for the community,'" Kyler recalls. Alongside Nate Hall, Jim Zuberbuhler, and Eric Grace, Kyler helped formalize and bring this vision to life. "It was a collective effort and never would have happened without everybody else involved, but I was really happy to be a part of that," he said.
“My time with the land trust has been probably my best professional experience.”
Kyler attributes his time with KLT to tremendous personal and professional growth. "I learned so much about land use, community engagement, board structure, and effective leadership," he shared. His experiences with KLT bolstered his self-confidence and deepened his passion for land conservation, protecting natural resources, and providing habitats for sensitive species.
Kyler's dedication to conservation was deeply rooted in his childhood experiences camping at Green Bay, climbing Chimney Rock, and exploring the awe-inspiring wild places of North Idaho. These formative experiences fueled his commitment to ensuring future generations could enjoy the same natural beauty.
KLT staff and Board of Directors presented Kyler with a hand-crafted picnic table made from lumber sourced from his own backyard and milled from Kaniksu Lumber, inscribed with the words: “Dedicated to Kyler Wolf in recognition of his service to Kaniksu Land Trust.”
Though retired from the board, Kyler remains deeply involved in KLT's conservation activities. "I'm not leaving; I'm just not leading from the front anymore," he asserts. He continues to be involved in KLT's conservation activities and intends to shepherd conservation in the area throughout his life.
