Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is proud to announce the appointment of Justine Meyer as the first female Supervisor in the District’s history. Meyer fills the position vacated by Supervisor Chuck Uphoff, who retired after 25 years of dedicated service to the board. Meyer will represent SWCD Area 1, encompassing the northwest quadrant of Stearns County, including the Townships of Ashley, Sauk Centre, Melrose, Millwood, Raymond, Getty, Grove, and Oak, as well as the Cities of Sauk Centre, Melrose, Meire Grove, Greenwald, New Munich, St. Rosa, and Freeport.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for being selected as the new Area 1 SWCD Supervisor,” said Meyer. “I am eager to contribute my skills in communication, both interpersonal and written, marketing, and community engagement to help protect and enhance our natural resources.”
Meyer, a University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and minors in Environmental Sustainability and Art, brings a wealth of environmental knowledge to her new role as a Stearns County SWCD Supervisor. Her passion for conservation is evident in her previous work as a Student Conservation Association intern at the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience in wildlife conservation. While at UMD, Meyer helped mitigate invasive species such as buckthorn.
“Justine’s enthusiasm and dedication to conservation make her an invaluable asset to our Board,” said Matt Bruyette, Chair of the Stearns County SWCD Board of Supervisors. “Her fresh perspective and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the District’s future.”
As Stearns County faces threats from extreme weather, degraded soil health, development pressure, and other challenges, Meyer is committed to collaborating with the SWCD Board and staff to develop innovative solutions for protecting the county’s natural resources. “I am eager to see the SWCD embrace emerging technologies and sustainable practices,” said Meyer. “I’m looking forward to connecting with the next generation of landowners and farmers in Stearns County.”
As a new operator, alongside her parents Marvin and Rita Meyer, of Marvin’s Gardens, a local produce grower south of Meire Grove, Meyer is actively implementing sustainable management and restoration practices on her family’s land. “I'm excited about meeting my neighbors and community members who care about the environment as much as I do,” she added.
In her free time, Meyer enjoys gardening, painting, drawing, playing cards, and spending as much time outside as possible. Meyer has three siblings: Emma, Luke and Miranda.
The Board meets monthly to discuss business, including conservation priorities; financial allocations to projects; coordination with other local units of government and state agencies; and legislative priorities. Supervisors do not receive a salary but do receive compensation for attending meetings and expense reimbursements.
SWCDs are special-purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs at the local level. Important programs and priorities of the Stearns County SWCD include soil health, healthy drinking water, improved water quality, wildlife habitat and protection, and much more.
Additional information can be found online at www.StearnsCountySWCD.net/swcd-board or by calling the office at 320-251-7800 ext.3.
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