August 18, 2025
RLHT Welcomes Two New Members to the Board of Directors
Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) is excited to share some big news — we’ve welcomed two new members to our Board of Directors: Rachel Hovel and Kyle Haley. Both bring unique expertise, deep connections to the Rangeley Region, and a shared passion for conservation that will help guide RLHT into the future.
Meet Dr. Rachel Hovel
Rachel is an aquatic ecologist and Associate Professor of Biology at the
University of Maine at Farmington. Her research focuses on how changes to freshwater environments, especially those driven by climate change, impact fish and invertebrates.
Rachel now calls western Maine home, living on the boundary between the Sandy and Carrabassett Rivers. Her expertise in watershed science will be a key resource as RLHT advances its comprehensive watershed protection plan for the Rangeley Lakes Region.
When she’s not in the lab or the classroom, Rachel can be found hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking, and canoeing — often pondering how landscape diversity shapes the ecosystems she studies.
Meet Kyle Haley
Kyle’s roots in Rangeley run deep. His family has lived here for generations, even before the town was officially incorporated. A graduate of Rangeley Lakes Regional School, Kyle earned his MBA from Husson University before joining the family business,
M&H Logging & Construction.
Through his work, Kyle has already partnered with RLHT on river restoration projects — including replacing undersized culverts with open-bottom bridges to improve fish passage in the Kennebago watershed. His knowledge of local industries and land use makes him a valuable voice for balancing conservation and community development.
Outside of work, Kyle enjoys backcountry snowmobiling across Maine and the Rockies, and capturing the beauty of western Maine through
photography.
Looking Ahead
Executive Director David Miller summed it up best:
“We’re excited to welcome Rachel and Kyle to the board. Their knowledge, experience, and shared love of the Rangeley Lakes Region will be tremendous assets as we continue executing our strategic conservation priorities, watershed protection plan, and fostering meaningful connections with the community.”
Rachel and Kyle represent the next generation of leaders committed to sustaining the ecological, economic, and social vitality of the Rangeley Region. We’re grateful to have their voices at the table as RLHT continues its mission to conserve, restore, and steward this remarkable landscape for generations to come. Learn more about RLHT’s
team and board.
