Wayne SWCD elects two new supervisors to guide county conservation efforts

Recently, the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District elected two new members to the board of supervisors at its annual meeting. Out of four contenders, Marissa Dillon and Tate Emerson were elected to fill the seats vacated by outgoing supervisors Scott Stoller and Dustin Ramsier.

Each SWCD is guided by a locally elected board of supervisors that represents the interests of farmers, landowners and residents. These supervisors are the district’s decision-makers. They set policy, approve the annual work plan, and determine how staff and resources will be directed. Whether it’s education, agricultural practices or emerging priorities, the board provides direction while district staff carry out the day-to-day conservation efforts.

“The board is our ear to the ground, and we are the boots on the ground,” said John Lorson, district program administrator. “Everybody who runs for the board has an interest in conservation, whether it’s agriculture, gardening or just in nature in general. They have an interest in protecting our natural resources. The beauty of having five people on the board is that it’s five different perspectives. They tell us what they’d like to see, and we ensure that it gets accomplished.”

Across the United States, nearly 3,000 SWCDs form a nationwide network of local agencies dedicated to protecting natural resources. Born out of the environmental devastation of the 1930s Dust Bowl, these districts were created so conservation decisions would be made at the local level by the people who know the land best.

“We have a great team of people running the district, and I am looking forward to working with them,” Emerson said. “These are good people doing good work. I hope to expand awareness of the district and learn more about the many ways it serves the public. We are fortunate to have so much prime farmland in Wayne County. Helping farmers and the greater community protect this land will ensure a healthier future for everyone.”

Locally, agriculture is the heartbeat of the community — and the Soil and Water Conservation District plays a vital role in protecting the county’s farms.

“Farmland is one of our most valuable resources in Wayne County, and I’m passionate about preserving it for future generations,” Dillon said. “I care deeply about feeding the world and maintaining the safest, most affordable food supply possible. By promoting soil health and conservation practices and helping producers identify what works best for their operations, I believe we can achieve both. I’ve already seen the great work our district is doing, and I’m eager to learn more, strengthen community outreach, and use my knowledge and networks to help expand that impact.”

In addition to the elections, the SWCD presented Roger Baker with the Big Tree Award and the Conservation Farm Award while Tom Dilyard received the Conservation Education Award.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.