Leaders in Stormwater: ERIK MICHELSEN

SMC's 'Leader in Stormwater' Summer Series kicks off with a member of the Anne Arundel County team that won the Water Environment Federation's national award for Phase 1 MS4 Program Management - Erik Michelsen, Bureau Chief of the Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration.

Erik’s interest in stormwater began in the 90s when the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay tributaries was at an all time low, and the restoration work really resonated with him. He began his career at Underwood and Associates, Inc., under the guidance of Landscape Architect Keith Underwood, a trailblazer who nurtured the same enthusiasm in restoration. Keith taught Erik ways to create habitat for rare and endangered plant communities and he imbued a real appreciation for the persistence required to accomplish great things through environmental restoration. 

In 2008, Erik became Executive Director for the South River Federation, a local watershed organization alongside two colleagues who continue to inspire him - Founder John Flood, an expert on coastal resiliency who shaped Erik’s perspective on the complexity of natural systems and the need to approach them with humility - and President Kincey Potter, a critical figure whose fierce, thoughtful guidance shaped Erik’s professional leadership approach.

In 2013, Anne Arundel County's Watershed Protection and Restoration Program was created thanks to dedicated stormwater funding, and Erik joined as Program Administrator. Today, he manages the County's watershed restoration and protection efforts as Bureau Chief, and says there is no standard day in this role. From budget hearings to site walks; solving drainage issues to nationwide stormwater solution meetings - the job is always interesting. 

Erik is inspired by the infancy of the stormwater field and motivated by the bright, creative minds drawn to the work. He says local restoration efforts create excitement, engage communities, and provide critical habitat. He explains, “Ultimately, stormwater work is about healthy infrastructure. Storm drains, inlets, and culverts; but also valley bottoms, wetlands, and forests. If BMPs are in great shape, but the systems they drain into are degraded, water quality and habitat recovery goals can't be achieved. Healthy natural systems may need to be augmented as the result of a radically changed landscape and should be monitored like built infrastructure."

Today, Erik lives in Anne Arundel County and enjoys exploring local parks with his family. As a technical resource for the Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy's Consortium of Environmental Professionals, he says, “It's amazing how far the industry has come. Once resources became available, the private sector quickly scaled up its design, construction and maintenance capacity." Still, Erik notes the ongoing challenge of keeping the public engaged in understanding the benefits of this work, with an eye towards improving the quality of life in our communities.