Deadline nears to apply for conservation district vacancy

Alan Chapman

By Stefanie Donahue

Just days after voters narrowly elected Alan Chapman to serve on the Whatcom Conservation District’s board of supervisors, its secretary and treasurer Joe Heller announced his resignation.

The five-member board of supervisors oversees the district, which is chartered to develop and implement programs that protect and conserve soil, water, farmland, rangeland, woodland, wildlife, energy and other natural resources in Whatcom County.

On March 13, the district held an election for incumbent Larry Helm’s seat; Chapman came in with a narrow victory at 2,110 votes against Helm, who received 2,081 votes. Candidate David Kroontje received 204 votes.

The election will be certified by the Washington State Conservation Commission in May.

In a statement released by the district on March 22, Heller announced his resignation, citing “persistent health issues and a desire that Whatcom Conservation District be led by a full board of supervisors.”

Heller served on the board for 10 years and was in the middle of a three-year  term when he announced his resignation last month. He is a native of Whatcom County, with a degree in forestry and spent his career working for the United States Forest Service.

“His leadership and vision contributed greatly to the programs now serving the natural resource needs of all Whatcom County citizens,” read the district’s statement. “We are grateful to have benefited from his years of service and wish him a full recovery.”

The district is accepting applications for qualified individuals who are interested in serving the position for the duration of his term, which expires in May 2020.

The position is appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission and applicants must be registered to vote in Washington. Applicants are not required to live in the district, but may be required to own land or operate a farm, according to the statement.

The deadline to apply is Friday, April 27.

To obtain an application, contact 360/536-2381, extension 101, or visit scc.wa.gov. To apply, visit bit.ly/2HCCmoC.