CASON LAND & WATER MANAGEMENT - Key Persons


Chad Cason

Job Titles:
  • Owner
Chad Cason is the senior biologist and owner of Cason Land & Water Management, LLC. After graduating from St. John's University, he went to work for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a fisheries biologist. Chad's 12-year career at the WDNR included fisheries assessment, northern pike research and trout stream improvement. Thereafter, he began a career in the private sector as a lake management consultant. In 2005 he launched his own business conducting lake studies and fish surveys. He officially began Cason Land & Water Management, LLC in 2009. These days Chad pursues his passion for habitat restoration by heading up the company's Habitat Services Division, where he spends his time restoring wetlands and prairies, planting trees, and building "some truly amazing fishing ponds." Chad spends his free time fishing for bluegills and smallmouth bass, and hunting for wood ducks and whitetail bucks. Lily is the Cason Land & Water Management, LLC job site mascot. Lily's main responsibilities include holding down the back seat of the truck and supervising lunch breaks. Between naps, you can find Lily on stick safaris or pursuing an airborne tennis ball. There are no strangers to Lily, only friends she hasn't met yet. She will be FAR too excited to meet you on your next pond construction project, and may even offer you one of her sticks.

Fish Stocking

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Pond Management Team

Gus Hetcher

Gus earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology at Michigan Technological University. Gus works in our pond division as a staff biologist while directing our marketing department. Not only can Gus tell you how to solve your algae problems, but as a lifelong Wisconsin sports fan, he can also provide you with endless stats on each player for the Packers, Bucks, and Brewers. Stop out and chat with Gus on your next pond management visit! Noah graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a minor in Fish Biology. During the winter season, you can find Noah supporting the Detroit Red Wings and their battle to win the Stanley Cup. He is working as a Staff Biologist in the Habitat Division.

Hailey Brandsma

Job Titles:
  • Human Resources and Marketing Consultant
Hailey is a Human Resources and Marketing consultant for Cason Land & Water Management, LLC. She earned her Bachelors of Science for Communication from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. Hailey's eye for logistical flow and aesthetic appeal extends beyond her profession. Hailey enjoys painting, crafts, baking, and puzzles. Additionally, you may bump into Hailey while she is reeling in trophy walleyes.

Karen Cantrell

Amanda graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point with a Bachelor's degree and has since traveled throughout the Midwest and the southern states conducting research with turkeys, cranes, waterfowl, and bats. She also participated in habitat management, prairie restoration, and wetland management in Alabama and Wisconsin. Amanda's adventurous spirit has led her all over the world including an 84-mile backpacking trip on Hadrian's wall in England. Amanda is currently our Habitat Division Project Manager.

Lance Paden

A Wisconsin native, Karen enjoys spending time outdoors and has a passion for ensuring preservation of our natural resources. She has the ability to cook anything and everything with a guarantee of it tasting amazing! Karen is our Administrative Assistant who will happily take your call and direct it to one of our Biologists.

Lavonne Athorp

Lavonne is our Human Resources and Accounting Supervisor managing all aspects of payroll, inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Beloit College and has worked in a variety of accounting roles over the years, including positions in private enterprise, local government, and public accounting firms. When not crunching numbers for us, Lavonne enjoys camping with her family and spending time creating beautiful things out of fabric in her recently completed dream sewing studio.

Noah Yacks

Brandon graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point with a Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Science. He has spent several years working for the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks in South Dakota and is currently working in our Lakes Division. Off the water Brandon puts his green thumb to work in his gardens. Brandon is our resident a-fish-ionado and will happily walk you through the steps of improving your fishery.

Patrick Polzin

Job Titles:
  • Pond Management Technician
Patrick is a Pond Management Technician in our pond division, with experience in pesticide and herbicide treating in natural areas. In summer you can find him wrenching on numerous projects, and in winter he is on the ice exploring what Wisconsin has to offer for the hobby of ice fishing. Zach is a staff biologist in our Habitat Division. He is an expert in forest, prairie, wetland plant, and bird management. He enjoys improving these habitats for wildlife and biodiversity. In his free time, you can find Zach hunting one of his favorite bird species, grouse! Zach also manages our greenhouse and prairie seed mixes. Zach can walk you through the steps of improving your property for wildlife.

Pond Weed

Job Titles:
  • Control

Sam Cason

Lance earned a Master's degree in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development from the University of Georgia. Prior to relocating to Wisconsin, he worked as a herpetologist and research ecologist throughout North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Lance spends much of his free time volunteering his expertise in ecological research and GIS skills for the Turtle Survival Alliance to help conserve some of the most endangered turtle and tortoise species in the world. He currently manages our Lakes Division. Say "Hi" to Lance on your next lake survey or give us a call to see how Lance can help bring your lake to the next level.

Stormwater Pond

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Pond Management Team
  • Management / Weed & Algae Treatments

Zach Cason

Sam is the Senior Biologist in our Pond Division. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Science from UW Stevens Point. He has over a decade of aquatic resource management experience and is your main point of contact for all your pond management needs. On his days off, you can usually find Sam back on the water chasing fish, ducks, or beavers. Give us a call to find out what Sam and his crew can do to take your pond to the next level.