The Pennsylvania Natural Resources Conservation Service welcomed a new State Conservationist this week - Craig Derickson.

"With years of experience in agricultural research, soil science, and policy development, Craig brings with him an extensive background in natural resources conservation," says Gary Smith, Assistant State Conservationist. "We are glad to welcome Craig to our team."

A native of Nebraska, Derickson began his career in conservation with the University of Nebraska Agronomy Department in 1978. After 7 years, he joined NRCS, then named Soil Conservation Service, as a soil scientist in western Nebraska. Since then, he has held numerous other positions within the agency, including District Conservationist, Assistant for Field Operations, State Resource Conservationist, Midwest Regional Technology Coordinator, National Program Manager for CSP and, most recently, Branch Chief for Stewardship Programs at the NRCS National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska and a Masters Degree in Administration from Doane College in Nebraska. Craig is also a member of several conservation organizations, including the Soil and Water Conservation Society, the Society for Range Management and the National Association of Conservation Districts.

"I am honored to be the next State Conservationist in Pennsylvania," Derickson says. "This state has a very rich bounty of natural resources from the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the Southeast, to the Great Lakes in the Northwest, and all the beauty of the mountains and streams in between. I am really looking forward to spending time with employees, partners and clients to further the cause of conservation and productive agriculture -- helping people help the land."

5/5/2006