Our Board Of Directors
The Board operates on Consensus Decision-Making process with a Leadership Model of overseeing six different areas of operations of BMP. Terms of service are three years and a person may serve up to two consecutive terms. Should you be interested in serving we would welcome your application.
Finance Leadership, Term through 2022
Carol Christensen
Term through 2028
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Carol recently joined the Board and is a resident of Pine River and serves as the Manager of the Pine River Public Library. She has a passion for the environment along with her passion for books and has been an avid supporter in helping promote activities at Balsam Moon. Last year she aided in a book selection for the StoryWalk trail and helped install the new story, One Dog Canoe by Minnesota author Mary Casanova.
JOEL LINDSTROM
Hospitality/Spirituality Leadership, Vice Pressident, Term through 2026
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Joel recently signed on for his second term of service on the Board. He comes to the Board via his friendship with Doug and Barb and having been part of RREAL for years as the electrician specifically trained in solar installations (now retired). His fresh perspective and commitment to doing things differently are appreciated. In Joel’s words: This is my first time as a board member. Though raised in the Cities, I left ASAP and have lived in this area since my early 20s. I have been an electrician all my life, with gardens always and small livestock-raising sometimes. About 2004, I started doing a few solar projects with BJ's husband Jay, more and more every year, ultimately working with them both and becoming an employee. Even had the privilege of designing and helping install the large PV system at Balsam Moon, among other things, about a decade ago. At that point, I was helping lots of people use less electricity instead of more! My winter hobbies include reading, snowshoeing, the occasional bike ride, watching the river go by, and keeping up this old place in Wilson Township, SE of Pine River. I look forward to working together with y'all on this incredible project and am honored to have been asked.
KARL LUDEMAN
Treasurer, Economy & Finance Leadership, Term through 2027
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Karl comes to the Board with a variety of experiences from serving in the US Army as a Military Finance Officer , to teaching science in local high schools, coaching track and cross country teams in Pine River-Backus High School, and now currently serving as an accountant with Pequot Tool and Manufacturing. He's also busy with building up his farm as time allows and recently planted hundreds of garlic bulbs. He lives about five miles from Balsam Moon with his wife and two sons.
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His varied skills and experiences will serve the Board and Balsam Moon well during his tenure.
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(more info to come)
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Luca Moser
Term through 2028
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Luca and Balsam Moon first met in February 2024 after she and some friends purchased a run-down farm in Wadena with the vision of creating a sustainably living community and bringing it back to life, regenerating the soil and growing good food to share in community. When asked what her skills were she responded they were high on tech skills and low in farming skills. In spite of that she along with her friends continue to learn new skills as they regenerate Wormwood Farm. She originally hails from Sweden many years ago and moved to Wadena via Colorado, as land there was just too expensive to stay and create their dream. She's committed to building community and extending her hand across the aisle in meeting her neighbors on common ground. She's involved with Wadena Indivisible, Partners for a healthy Wadena, and Region 5 Development/City Planning. We welcome her and all she has to offer in leadership and skills.
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MELISSA OLSON
Program Leadership, President, Term through 2026
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Melissa comes to the Board with much experience creating and running her own business "Guiding Spirit Journeys" leading groups into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for personal growth experiences in the wilderness, while also instilling a deep respect and appreciation for nature. She also brings her bookkeeping skills and loves to work with Excel. She and her family reside in the Pequot Lakes area.
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She also loves Morel mushrooms and has taught classes at Balsam Moon on how to forage them. Melissa is a Master Naturalist for Crow Wing County Extension and also leads forest bathing experiences.
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Konnie Schiller
Term through 2028
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Konnie recently joined the Board and is excited to serve. She's been involved with activities at Balsam Moon for the past few years and lives about two miles from Balsam Moon. She served as a partner with Nisswa Tax Service for many years until she retired a few years ago. Her hobbies include watercolor painting, love of animals and nature, gardening, spirituality and working part-time at the Pine River Public Library. Her past experience as a CPA along with her commitment to nature, sustainability, and community will serve us well as she provides leadership and guidance.
DOUG WEISS
Governance Leadership, Term through 2027
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Doug is one of the founders of Balsam Moon Preserve along with Barb Mann and represents the residents living at BMP.
“My qualifications for serving stem from growing up on a small dairy farm here in North Central Minnesota using sustainable methods to raise hay, grain and corn to feed our cattle, horses, pigs, chickens and rabbits. In the early years we did this with horsepower and without electricity, indoor plumbing, telephone or television. The lessons of reverence for nature, birds and animals, simple living, self-sufficiency, problem-solving and strong ties to local community
guide my path and decisions as I contemplate a complex degenerative society in the midst of progressive and irreparable decline. “
SPECIAL THANKS TO PAST BOARD MEMBERS!
Colleen Curran 2021-2024
Jono Droege 2021-2022
Joan Ingebrigtson, 2021-2022
BJ Allen 2021-2025
Barb Mann 2021-2025
Jim Etzel 2023-2026
Benjamin Tsai 2023-2026
Candice Zimmerman 2025