The Kenai Watershed Forum announced Thursday that Trenten Dodson has been appointed as their new executive director.

Dodson is stepping into a role held since last summer by interim Executive Director Mitch Michaud.

A release from the forum says Dodson has a significant background in fisheries management and habitat restoration that dates back to 2001. It says that he’s held positions at Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association, the Cook Inlet Regional Citizen Advisory Council and most recently as the operations director for the Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association. He’s also been a member of the Kenai Rotary, the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and the Kenai Youth Foundation.

“Dodson has demonstrated a deep commitment to the conservation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems,” the release says. “Dodson’s passion for community engagement aligns perfectly with the KWF’s mission to protect and promote the health of the Kenai watershed.”

The release says Dodson will return full time to the central Kenai Peninsula, and that he will be tasked with furthering conservation efforts and building relationships with other local stakeholders.

“With Dodson at the helm, KWF is poised to thrive and continue its vital work in preserving the unique beauty and ecological integrity of the watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula,” the release says.

For more information about the Kenai Watershed Forum, visit kenaiwatershed.org or facebook.com/KenaiWatershedForum.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.