SKOWHEGAN - Joe Dembeck has announced his retirement from Somerset County Soil & Water Conservation District, effective this September.

Joe has served as the Executive Director for the District since 2015. Under his leadership, the District added to its program services through partnerships with the Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Forest Service and others.

“Networking was a strong suit and that brought so many partners to the table. A successful partnership with NRCS and other agencies, his long list of technical skills, his engagement with the public and eagerness to support the skillsets of the staff have fostered meaningful work for the District,” said Ann Mefferd, Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors.

At the Yankee Woodlot Demonstration Forest, Joe restored the walking trails, established long-term monitoring sites, oversaw a harvest, and collaborated with Maine Audubon and Forest Stewards Guild on the Forestry for Maine Birds Program. Educational opportunities at Yankee Woodlot grew substantially during his tenure.

Joe wore many hats for the District, coordinating and growing the annual trout sale, serving as chapter leader for Maine Woodland Owners’ Upper Kennebec Chapter, and leading workshops for Somerset and other Maine conservation districts. His apple tree pruning workshops each spring always filled to capacity.

“Joe’s leadership developed a dynamic and nimble district ready to explore new opportunities that fit the skillset of the next executive director,” said Mefferd.

Prior to the District Joe worked as a fisheries biologist for 20 years in positions with the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and an environmental consulting firm. He holds a B.S. in biology and an M.S. in Water Resources Management.

He will continue to serve the District as a volunteer Associate on the Board of Supervisors.

The District has opened a search for its next executive director. More information and full job description can be found here,