The Franklin Conservation District works with landowners and communities in Franklin County in the conservation and management of natural resources, farmland, woodland, wildlife management and farmland preservation.
Conservation Districts are non-regulatory state entities designated by the Massachusetts General Laws to address natural resources issues at the local level throughout the Commonwealth. There are thirteen (13) districts in Massachusetts, led by elected volunteer District Supervisors.
Each District is governed by a volunteer Board of Supervisors with additional input from Associate Supervisors. Historically, board members are farmers and environmentally conscious landowners reflecting a wide range of people and professions. They assist agricultural producers and landowners with conservation planning and development and in applying for financial assistance to address resource concerns. District programs promote the health and productivity of all landscapes, urban to rural.
Board Members and Staff
Carolyn Shores Ness (Deerfield)
Chair; formerly on the Deerfield Board of Health
John Wholey (Conway)
Member at Large; Dairy farmer, maple syrup producer
Kimberly Noake MacPhee (Montague)
Member at Large; recently retired from Franklin Council Region of Governments Land Use/Natural Resources Program Manager
Skip Yazwinski (Deerfield)
Treasurer; Dairy farmer, Deerfield Fire District
Courtney Gilligan (Conway)
Member at Large: Southwest CT Conservation District
Tracy Vernon (Montague)
Member at Large; Artist and Migratory Waterfowl Conservationist
District Administrator: Kyla Power (franklincdma@gmail.com)