Burton To Lead Conservation Work In Golden State

For Immediate Release
Contact: Anita Brown, (530) 792-5644

Lincoln "Ed" Burton, State Conservationist

DAVIS, Calif., Oct. 21, 2005—A new State Conservationist has arrived in California to lead federal conservation efforts for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the Golden State. Lincoln "Ed" Burton, formerly State Conservationist for Wyoming, begins his first week at the Davis State Office occupying the top post for USDA-NRCS.

"It’s a real honor for me to come to California as State Conservationist," says Burton, who had served as Acting State Conservationist during short periods since last spring while waiting confirmation as State Conservationist.

"I am very excited about it, and I’m eager to help you folks carry on your mission of delivering conservation on private lands in this great state."

The Natural Resources Conservation Service serves farmers, ranchers and other private landowners throughout the country in achieving voluntary conservation projects to protect soil, water, air, plants and animals. NRCS conservationists work closely with California’s Resource Conservation Districts and other partners to develop and implement locally appropriate solutions to land care issues. Overseeing many Farm Bill-based programs, NRCS provides planning and financial assistance for landowners to implement conservation solutions on the land.

"I’m proud to be a part of NRCS continuing to build on our 70-year tradition of providing technically-sound and locally-led solutions to conservation challenges," said Burton. "For me, this position is a culmination of many years of conservation experience."

Since 1995, Burton has been the State Conservationist in Wyoming. Western born and raised, his early years were spent in southeastern Idaho before joining the Soil Conservation Service as a student trainee at age 18. After completing a B.S. degree in Range Management and a Master’s in Range Ecology at the University of Idaho, he gained experience in a variety of agency positions in Utah, Washington and Wyoming. During Burton’s 41-year career with NRCS, he has served as District Conservationist, Range Conservationist, Area Conservationist, Assistant State Conservationist, and Deputy State Conservationist in Washington.

"The bottom line is," says Burton, "I want this transition period to be value-added for NRCS, our partners and our customers. California has a huge conservation workload that can’t afford any downtime. So, basically, I’m hitting the ground running to be proactively engaged in that effort. I’m here to serve California—that’s my job. And happy to do so," he added.

Burton and wife Diane have six children, including a daughter living in Southern California.

For further information about NRCS programs, go to the California Web site at http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.

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