kevin Porter-district manager
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Kevin Porter, District Manager, started with the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District as of December 2022. He has lived and farmed in Polk County for 16 years. Kevin and his wife, Karen, have 75 acres near Pedee, where they have hazelnuts and beef cattle. Kevin grew up on a dairy farm in Tillamook County. He brings years of experience in farm management, logistics, agricultural services, project and personnel management to Polk SWCD.
Contact: Phone: 503-623-9680 Email: manager@polkswcd.com |
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Marc Bell-Senior Resource conservationist
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Marc Bell became the Senior Resource Conservationist for the Polk SWCD in 2018, working for the district since 2012. His focus is on upland oak and riparian area habitat restoration and enhancement. He is also the planner overseeing the habitat management of District’s easement properties. He provides technical assistance and program opportunities for all land uses, but especially wildlife habitat related issues facing Polk County landowners. Prior to working for the district he was awarded his Masters in Natural Resource Management from Oregon State University and undergraduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His educational journey took him through wetlands in Washington, Illinois, and Wisconsin while working for public and private agencies. Privately, Marc builds mountain bike trails and tries to improve his nature photography skills.
Contact: Phone: 503-623-9680 Email: marc.bell@polkswcd.com |
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beth thiel-Resource Conservationist - Farm/forest
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Beth Thiel has a degree in Bacteriology from the University of Idaho and recently moved to Oregon from Idaho Falls, where she and her husband were restoring and maintaining the family homestead where she grew up. Beth spent 23 years in the Walla Walla area in various positions including as planner for Umatilla County Planning and as the director of Blue Mountain Land Trust before establishing the Walla Walla Valley Farm to School program. Beth is excited to work with Polk County residents to develop projects to restore and maintain the natural resources on their property. In her free time, Beth loves gardening, native plants and spending time with her husband walking their big dog Kiba.
Contact: Phone: 503-623-9680 Email: beth.thiel@polkswcd.com |
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mORGAN nEIL-oUTREACH Coordinator
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Morgan Neil, originally from the Midwest, graduated from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale with a bachelor's degree in Zoology. She most recently received her master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Multilingual Education. With extensive experience in community-building, Morgan is excited to connect with those in Polk County and foster awareness in topics of natural resources conservation and provide opportunities to be involved. In her free time, Morgan loves hiking, gardening, traveling and laughing with her family.
Contact: Phone: 503-623-9680 Email: morgan.neil@polkswcd.com |
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hayley iverson-administrative assistant
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Hayley Iverson is the Administrative Assistant at Polk SWCD. She is a recent transplant from Twin Falls, Idaho, where she was born and raised. Hayley has a vast knowledge of office management and local government that she looks forward to applying to this role. When she is not a work, Hayley enjoys exploring the Willamette Valley and Oregon Coast with her husband and dog.
Contact: Phone: 503-623-9680 Email: clerk@polkswcd.com |
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