Sean Willison
Where are you originally from?
Born and raised in western PA, New Bethlehem. Lived in
Alaska, 1998 – 2022.
How long have you been in Coos County?
I have worked in Coos County since January, 2024 (8 months)
What do you enjoy most about Coos County?
It is rural and with wonderful access to public lands.
How long have you been involved with the District?
I have worked with Conservation Districts since I started with the NRCS in 2018.
Why are you vested in the District?
Conservation Districts are able to work on land and
water conservation issues on a local scale and are able to bridge gaps with the public in ways that the NRCS is not able to. Together, Conservation Districts and the NRCS can get more conservation on the ground and reach a greater audience.
Prior education? Certifications?
Etc Received my bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources
Management (plant, animal, soil sciences option) from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
What is your area of expertise?
I consider my area of expertise to be plant-soil interactions.
Employment background? Volunteer work?
I worked for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, 2004 – 2018, helping ‘manage’ geologic resources, mining activities, and tundra-based activities on the North Slope; prior to that I ran around the forested lands of Alaska, 2001 – 2004, conducting forest inventories.
What are you currently up to?
Learning how to manage a multi-office work unit of the best planners in the state, getting a small farm developed, and experiencing life with my wife, two kids (third in the Army), and dog.
What do you bring to the District?
Open communication on opportunities to assist local farmers, gardeners, and NIPF-owners in minimizing our impact on ecosytems.
What do you think is the future of conservation in our county and in our state?
I believe that we are going to need to pivot towards providing more assistance towards mitigating increasing impacts from a changing climate.
Fun Fact about yourself
I am growing first experimental quinoa plot in Guildhall, VT.