Executive Director

Tristan Hewitt
​[email protected]
Tristan joined the district in April 2019 as the Executive Director. He is from West Branch, Michigan and graduated from CMU with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. He previously worked as a Farm Bill Technician for Sanilac County, Michigan.  Tristan is an outdoor enthusiast and loves northern Michigan. He also loves traveling, spending time with his family, and learning. 

Forester

​Mike Dittenber
[email protected]
Cell: 248-780-9406
​​Mike Dittenber is our Forest Assistance Program District Forester.  He has a Master's Degree in Forestry from Michigan State University and is an outdoor enthusiast.  His free time is spent fishing, hiking and biking.  Mike is available to answer your forest health questions, provide technical assistance related to forest management, connect you with public and private forest management resources and help you enroll in forest assistance programs like the Qualified Forest Program and Commercial Forest Program.

Conservation Outreach &
​Education Specialist

Zach Bates
​[email protected]
Zach grew up in Gratiot County and graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education. During his academic career he chose to focus on earth sciences, chemistry, and engineering sciences and how they all interconnect within our environment. After CMU, Zach was a science educator in Gratiot County before joining the Conservation District in May 2023. He enjoys camping, kayaking, and exploring the outdoors. As the Community Outreach and Conservation Educator, Zach hopes to share his curiosity and passion for the outdoors with the community.