Conservation Board

Meetings

The Story County Conservation Board meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park (56461 180th St.), northeast of Ames. The public is encouraged to attend.

Agendas are available prior to the meetings.

Most Recent Agenda | View All

Minutes are also available following approval.

Most Recent Minutes | View All

Members

The Conservation Board is composed of five volunteer members appointed by the county board of supervisors for five-year terms.

  • Christine Laumer, Ames - Chair (Term expires: 2026)
  • Dr. Nancy Franz, Ames - Vice Chair (Term expires: 2024)
  • Dr. James Pease, Ames - Secretary (Term expires: 2025)
  • Craig Meyers, Nevada (Term expires: 2027)
  • Ted Tedesco, Ames (Term expires: 2023)
  • Linda Murken, Gilbert (ex-officio member)

Responsibilities

The conservation board is responsible for aspects of the conservation department’s business such as acquiring and managing property for conservation and recreational purposes and for development of conservation and recreation programs in the county. The board hires and supervises a director to administer the program.

The conservation board approves yearly annual reports. View the last five years here: SCC Annual Reports. In 2017, the board worked with conservation staff to update the strategic plan, which is critical in meeting the needs of Story County, its citizens, and our natural resources for generations to come. View plan here: SCC Strategic Plan.

The conservation board also selects the annual recipient of the Olav Smedal Award as part of a committee comprised of members from the Ames Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.