Our Conservation District supervisor named to annual award…

Photo caption: Pete Walmsley (center) is the NW Area Conservation District Supervisor of the Year. The award was presented by Lynn Bahrych, Chair of the Washington State Conservation Commission, and Fred Colvin from the state.

Josie sent me over this press release:

Pete Walmsley is NW Area Conservation District Supervisor of the Year

Pete Walmsley of Orcas Island won the Supervisor of the Year Award at the annual meeting of NW Area Conservation Districts in Bellingham on October 13. Pete is Chair of the San Juan Islands Conservation District.

Lynn Bahrych, Chair of the Washington State Conservation Commission, presented the award. She remarked, “It is with great pleasure that the Conservation Commission recognizes you as the 2010 Northwest Area District Supervisor of the Year.

“During your 10 years on the board, you have brought professionalism, stability, and competence. During challenging times, your administrative experience, knowledge of law, and common sense have been the hallmark of your leadership. When you reluctantly agreed to become chair of the board in 2008, your abilities made a great difference in keeping the district organized and focused. During your 10 years on the board, you have provided leadership on:

·      The special assessment application in 2005 and the successful effort this year to renew it;

·      Careful financial oversight and strategic direction that ensured that core services continued in good years and bad;

·      Establishment and continuance of the San Juan County Agricultural Resources Committee;

·      Development of the Stewardship Network of the San Juan Islands; and

·      Establishment of an early warning system, collaborating with the County Assessor’s office to provide farm plans for landowners to assist with designation of farmland.

“You are supportive of your fellow Supervisors, facilitating discussion and exploration of directions they offer to the district. Your fine staff is thankful for your wise, calm, thoughtful leadership, and for your encouragement to reach their potential in the performance of their duties.”

One staff member commented, “I think Pete has been steadfast and clear in his direction. He has always been available and has a measured approach as chair and as a board member that is very professional. I respect Chairman Walmsley and appreciate his experience and insight. It has been a pleasure to work under his leadership and guidance.”

Pete responded, “This is a great honor. The Supervisor of the Year Award is shared by my fellow Supervisors and the District staff.”

The San Juan Islands Conservation District has five volunteer supervisors and three staff members. The Conservation District is a local organization committed to protecting and enhancing the natural resources of San Juan County ecosystems for the future. The organization is dedicated to providing natural resources education, information, and technical assistance free of charge to the citizens and organizations of San Juan County.

For information about Conservation District services call 360-378-6621 or visit www.sanjuanislandscd.org. The office is located at 540 Guard Street #150, Friday Harbor.

Contact:

Josie Byington, Office Manager

San Juan Islands Conservation District

360.378.6621

[email protected]

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