Meet The Team
President
Rich Bupp
Rich Bupp is the Executive Director and Environmental Systems Professional at EarthKnowSys Incorporated.
He has almost 30 years of focused experience in natural resource management, mechanical equipment applications, and systems problem-solving, which he employs to formulate unique, tailored solutions to complex environmental issues.
One of his target project objectives involve addressing compromised soil health and water quality resulting from high disturbance agriculture systems and legacy landscape developments.
Rich’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Systems Management from Penn State, associates degrees in Environmental Science and Water Resources Management at the College of Southern Idaho, and graduate coursework in Historical Geography at Idaho State University.
Vice President
Karl Ruprecht
Karl Ruprecht has lived in Twin Falls since 1977 and has spent many happy hours exploring the public land and natural areas all over Southern Idaho.
His day job is as a physical therapist where he specializes in the geriatric population and wound care.
Karl is married to his wife Jennifer, and they have two boys, Jacob and Luke. He enjoys anything outdoors especially hunting and hiking with his dogs. He has been a birder for most of his life and completes bird population surveys for the United States Geological Survey, Idaho Fish and Game, and the Audubon Society.
Karl founded Friends of Devils Corral; a local conservation group focused on preserving this natural area on the north rim of the Snake River Canyon.
Secretary
Nate Murray
Nathan Murray is a Community and Economic Development Advisor for Idaho Power in south central Idaho. In this role, he works with cities and other organizations to attract, retain and expand business in the Magic Valley.
Nathan previously served as the Director of Economic Development and Urban Renewal for the City of Twin Falls where he oversaw business recruitment and expansion efforts for the city. He also worked for 15 years in a neighboring state in city planning and economic development.
Nathan and his wife Sherry are the parents of twins and triplets. He was once headbutted by a goat while hiking in the Sawtooth Forest.
Treasurer
Deb Wilson
Debra (Deb) Wilson enjoyed a great career with the College of Southern Idaho Foundation for 30 years. She was instrumental in growing the Foundation's assets during her time at CSI. Deb found immense pleasure in working with donors to make transformational gifts that would impact students' lives at the College.
Deb retired in 2020 and has remained active in the Magic Valley through her consulting business. She also serves on the Board of the Walker Center and remains involved with CSI. as the Executive Director Emeritus of the CSI Foundation, Inc.
Deb was approached in 2021 to help facilitate a conversation about land conservation in southern Idaho. Those conversations led to the creation of the Magic Valley Land Trust.
Deb was born and raised on a ranch in southern Idaho so her agricultural roots run deep. She enjoys fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with her grandsons.
Director
Trevor George
Trevor has spent his career working on a variety of land management and restoration projects throughout the country. He brings conservation perspectives gained from work in consulting, nonprofit, and the public sector.
Trevor believes land trusts bring a unique opportunity for a region to come together on common ground to improve both nature and community for a healthy future.
Trevor has a wife and two young daughters, and seeks to preserve the unique character, natural resources, and abundance of recreational access that his family has grown to love in the Magic Valley.
Director
Brent Reinke
Twin Falls County Commissioner
Director
Will Whelan
Will recently retired after a 37-year career as a conservationist and natural resources lawyer in Idaho. He enjoys exploring the natural treasures of the Middle Snake River, especially its crystalline springs.
Prior to joining the MVLT Board, Will served as the executive director of the Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts. Will also worked for eighteen years with The Nature Conservancy, where he led the Idaho Chapter’s public policy and advocacy work.
During that time, Governor Otter appointed Will to his Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer Advisory Committee and Sage Grouse Conservation Task Force. Will started his professional life with the Idaho Attorney Generals Office, where he specialized in salmon, energy and water issues.
In his spare time, he has taught courses in environmental law and policy at Boise State University.
Director
Jack Kulm
Jack is a Retired dentist, who grew up on a small farm Jerome, Idaho. Jack is also a founding member Southern Idaho Land Trust.
Director
Mark Davidson
Mark Davidson is the Executive Director for the Blaine County Recreation District based in Hailey, Idaho.
Before his current role he spent 20 years working in conservation for The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited. He has successfully worked to bring people with diverse interests together around several conservation efforts. He has been able to work in a context that is complex both socially and ecologically by working cooperatively with ranchers, farmers, scientists, recreationalists, policy makers, and other partners to find innovative solutions to conservation challenges throughout Idaho.
Mark was raised in Jerome, Idaho and graduated from Idaho State University. He enjoys upland bird hunting and going on outdoor adventures with his wife Jenny Emery Davidson, and their German Short-hair Pointer.