NRCS WELCOMES NEW OREGON STATE CONSERVATIONIST

Alvarado to focus on innovation, technical excellence for voluntary conservation programs.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Sara Magenheimer, Public Information Officer: (503) 414-3250, Sara.Magenheiemr@or.usda.gov

PORTLAND, OR, January 9, 2009 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) welcomes Ron Alvarado as the new State Conservationist for Oregon. Alvarado is responsible for NRCS private lands conservation activities in the state, including provisions in the recently enacted 2008 Farm Bill.

Alvarado oversees approximately 200 employees, mostly field conservationists with varied technical specialties working in every county. These conservationists work one-on-one with landowners and others, providing voluntary technical and financial assistance to those interested in protecting and enhancing soil, water, and related natural resources on non-federal lands through a watershed approach.

“NRCS works closely with farmers and ranchers to ensure that our programs and services work here in Oregon,” Alvarado explained. “Our role is to provide voluntary conservation planning and technical assistance at the local level.”

Oregon will benefit from Alvarado’s natural resource expertise, strategic approach to conservation, and innovative leadership style developed over the course of his 16-year NRCS career. Most recently, this includes two and a half years as State Conservationist in New York and eight years in leadership positions with the Oregon NRCS, including Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations and Basin Team Leader.

Alvarado comes from an agricultural background, having grown up on the small farm near Las Cruces, New Mexico where his family raised pecans, alfalfa and vegetables. He attended New Mexico State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Agronomy with a minor in Soil Science in 1994. While still in college, he began his NRCS career as a student trainee. Since then, he has held a number of positions with the agency in New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon and New York.

During his career, Alvarado has made it a priority to heighten NRCS’ technical excellence in the conservation arena, promoting new technology, raising standards and recruiting top technical specialists.

“What makes NRCS unique is our science-based approach,” Alvarado said. “Our clients and partners rely on our technical expertise to develop and implement effective conservation measures with lasting environmental benefits.”

Alvarado has also advanced a number of cooperative conservation efforts with a number of groups and stakeholders, including tribes, agricultural groups, conservation organizations and other agencies. Such efforts have leveraged federal resources with other conservation investments to achieve comprehensive results.
Alvarado replaces Bob Graham, who recently retired after 36 years of service to the agency.

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