March 20, 2026 – Town of West Bend, Wi – On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am writing to share both a farewell and a celebration of the future for the Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation (CLCF).
After many years of service, our Executive Director, Linda Mutschler, has shared her decision to retire from CLCF and to remain at the University of Notre Dame for another year.
While we will miss her leadership, we are proud of the legacy that she leaves behind.
When Linda stepped into the Executive Director role in 2017—having already served five years on CLCF’s Board—she took on the vital task of transitioning CLCF from a founder-led organization to the resilient, professional land trust it is today.
Under her guidance, CLCF has seen:
• A 33% increase in protected land, growing CLCF’s footprint to over 3,200 acres.
• The implementation of two strategic plans that have provided a roadmap for CLCF’s current success.
• And the strengthening of essential partnerships with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Washington County, and the Town of West Bend.
One of the hallmarks of a leader is growing the next generation. Accordingly, we are thrilled to announce that Sophie Gosetti will officially succeed Linda as Executive Director.
Since joining CLCF in 2022, and particularly during her tenure as Acting Executive Director over the past year, Sophie has proven herself to be both dedicated and highly capable. Her background in Conservation Biology and Nonprofit Management, combined with her deep passion for CLCF’s mission, makes her the ideal person to lead CLCF into its next chapter.
Please join us in thanking Linda for her years of service and in welcoming Sophie as she steps into this permanent role.
With gratitude for your continued support,
Rich Czarnecki
CLCF Board President