Nez Perce Tribe
Department of Fisheries and Resources Management
Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species Program
AINS Staff
Meet our team members...
Clark Watry
Program Lead
With almost 30 years of experience, Mr. Watry has a diverse background conducting fisheries research and monitoring in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Clark earned a B.S. in Fisheries from the University of Montana and a M.S. in Fisheries Resources
Management from the University of Idaho. Mr. Watry started working for the DFRM Research Division in 2016. In 2024, he was tasked with developing the Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species Program. Clark is an avid conservationist and spends his free time outdoors enjoying nature while fishing, rafting, skiing, and hiking with his family and their three dogs.
Skyler WhiteTemple
Invasive Species Biologist
Skyler WhiteTemple is an enrolled Tribal member of the Nez Perce Tribe and has been a Fisheries employee for 14 years. He started his career in the fisheries field, gaining hands‑on experience in fish monitoring, habitat work, and stream‑based field projects as well as juvenile rearing techniques in hatchery settings, before focusing on invasive species management. He enjoys the challenge and adventure of fieldwork, whether it’s early morning sampling runs, long days on the water, or traveling to new sites across the region.
As a Nez Perce Tribal member, Skyler brings cultural responsibility and personal pride to his work. Protecting native waters and species is more than a job — it’s part of his connection to the land, the traditions he grew up with, and the future of his community.
Friendly, dependable, and always ready for the next field adventure, Skyler is committed to helping safeguard Tribal waters for the generations ahead.
Marcelle Bourgeau
Invasive Species Technician
Marcelle is a Fisheries Technician with the Nez Perce Tribe Aquatic Invasive and Nuisance Species Program and has been employed since 2023. In his role, he supports efforts to protect and preserve natural resources by assisting with invasive species management and environmental stewardship initiatives. He takes pride in contributing to work that helps safeguard Nimiipuu homeands and waters for future generations.
He is currently pursuing his four-year degree in Environmental Science through Northwest Indian College, building a strong academic foundation to support his professional experience in natural resource management.
Outside of work and school, he became a father in February of 2026, a life-changing role that continues to motivate his commitment to conservation and sustainability. He enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, and connecting with nature and values preserving natural resources, spending quality time with my family, and enjoying good food.
Anthony Capetillo Sr.
Invasive Species Biologist -
AINS/Cultural Outreach Specialist
Mr. Capetillo is an enrolled Nez Perce tribal member and proudly represents the NiMiiPuu community and culture. Anthony obtained a B.S. in Native Environmental Science with a focus on Nez Perce Fisheries Operations & Aquatic Invasive Species from Northwest Indian College in 2021 and was the co-author on the proposal which was successful in securing BIA funds to establish the Nez Perce tribe's Aquatic Invasive
& Nuisance Species (AINS) Program. Anthony started working for the DFRM in 2012 working on rotary screw traps and doing chinook spawning ground surveys as he bounced around various projects out of the Joseph, McCall, Orofino, & Sweetwater Fisheries Research Offices where he gained valuable experience and a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural resources his family and community rely upon. In 2021, after obtaining his degree, he joined the Research Division as the Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species Research Biologist where he began sharing an indigenous perspective on AINS impacts to natural resources and on NiMiiPuu culture and traditional practices. Anthony enjoys spending time with his family and sharing various aspects of NiMiiPuu culture and practices with his children as they connect and grow with their surrounding environment.
Vacant
Invasive Species Biologist - Conservation Canine Handler
Vacant
Invasive Species Ambassador - Conservation Canine
Samantha Smith
Information, Education, and Intern Coordinator
Ms. Smith is a Nez Perce enrolled tribal member who started with the DFRM as a college intern in 2011. Since then, Samantha worked for DFRM as a fisheries technician in Joseph, OR and McCall, ID and worked her way up to a Data Management
Biologist. Samantha graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in Psychology in 2018. Over the years, Ms. Smith was able to pursue passion projects with education and outreach for the Research Division, and in 2025 she was tasked with leading the Tribal Intern program. Samantha is dedicated to improving educational opportunities and development pathways for tribal and non-tribal youth, students, and early career professionals in natural resource fields and STEM disciplines.