Alyson Merlin

Associate Attorney

Alyson answers legal research questions, drafts comments on agency actions, and assists in drafting legal briefs. She also communicates and collaborates with SELC partner organizations. In particular, she is excited about SELC’s work helping to protect the communities and unique biodiversity of western North Carolina, including the salamander populations, noting that the Southern Appalachian mountains are sometimes called the Salamander Capital of the World.

While she grew up outside of Atlanta, Asheville is very familiar territory from a lifetime of childhood trips to the nearby Pisgah National Forest. As an undergraduate ecology major at the University of Georgia, Alyson engaged in climate research as well as field ecology studies in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

“I work for SELC to be part of protecting our public lands, clean water, and clean air for everyone of current and future generations,” Alyson says.

Previous Experience

• J.D., Columbia Law School, Alfred S. Forsyth Prize
• B.S., University of Georgia, summa cum laude
• Fellow, National Wildlife Federation
• With SELC since 2021