BANGOR, Maine (June 26, 2019) – The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has selected an experienced soil conservationist skilled in livestock practices, farming, and natural resource management, to serve as the new district conservationist for Somerset County.
Nick Pairitz – who most recently served as an NRCS soil conservationist in the USDA Service Center in Skowhegan – started at the new position on June 23. His predecessor Ron Desrosiers is now serving as the NRCS district conservationist for Waldo and Knox Counties in Belfast, Maine.
District Conservationist for Somerset County Nick Pairitz. Thomas Kielbasa/NRCS photo.
“For the past four years I have worked with a variety of agricultural producers here in Somerset County,” Pairitz explained. “That includes everyone from small vegetable gardeners and woodlot owners, to large-scale dairy farmers. As the new district conservationist, I plan to continue our work with existing clients, increase participation from new clients, and help them find innovative ways to address natural resource concerns on their farms.”
Pairitz said NRCS will continue to work closely with the Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District and other local agencies to help agricultural producers and private landowners address natural resources in Somerset County. Upcoming emphasis by NRCS and partners will be placed on animal waste storage, forestry practices, cropland and pasture management, and water conservation methods.
Pairitz grew up in Indiana and received a bachelor’s degree in Soil and Crop Management from Purdue University in 2004. He began working with NRCS in Montana as a soil conservation technician in 2008, assisting ranchers and farmers with a numerous conservation practices including: cover crops; crop rotation; reduced tillage; fencing; grazing management; and irrigation . In 2015 he began working with NRCS in Somerset County.
“Nick is already a trusted member of Somerset County’s agricultural community, and as the newest district conservationist he’ll continue that strong partnership between the USDA and local landowners,” Assistant NRCS State Conservationist Dan Schmidt said. “We know that water quality – both surface and groundwater – is a high resource concern to Somerset County residents, and we are placing high importance on helping farmers implement agricultural practices to address those concerns. Nick and his staff at the local USDA Service Center will be major factors in ensuring those concerns are mitigated.”
Pairitz’s office is located at the USDA Service Center at 70 East Madison Rd. in Skowhegan, and he can be reached at (207) 474-8323 or nicholas.pairitz@usda.gov.
“I invite folks to stop in or call our offices to chat about their farms and see what ways NRCS can help you with your farming or forestry operations,” Pairitz added.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides leadership and technical assistance to address natural resource conservation issues on private land. NRCS employees work to improve and protect natural resources in partnership with Maine's 16 Soil and Water Conservation Districts, federal, state and local agencies, farmers, landowners and communities. The partnership's commitment to conservation provides a solid foundation to a locally-led program delivery system. The partnership is also committed to a voluntary, incentive-based approach to private land stewardship and conservation treatment.