Why do you like working as an enrollee? As an enrollee in the ACES program I feel a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment at the end of each day. I feel like I have a purpose, I know that my skills are valued and are essential to the NRCS team. Over the past 25 years I have had the privilege of working with many fantastic landowners and NRCS employees. The role that NRCS and ACES play in the community is undeniable and I am proud to be part of this family.
What do you enjoy most about being an enrollee? I enjoy the challenge! Rollout of USDA programs seem to evolve each year, tools are updated, and new information is constantly flowing. Change can be very challenging but I enjoy being kept on my toes and I really enjoy watching the younger generation adapt to change so quickly.
How does your work help NRCS accomplish their mission? The NRCS mission is to Help People, Help the Land. My work as an ACES enrollee consists of assisting in the development of conservation plans, ensuring landowners eligibility, and maintaining records.
Are there any interesting projects that you work on? All of the projects are interesting and unique however, the 2007 wildfires were the most interesting and devastating event that I have been a part of. My role as an ACES enrollee was to assist the field office in administering USDA conservation dollars toward reforestation of burned sites. The fire burned for two months consuming about $65 million in timber. In our smoke filled office, landowners shared their stories of their property and livelihoods being destroyed. I worked with many new landowners, some had never heard of NRCS but the hope I gave as I told them about USDA conservation programs was extremely rewarding.