Jackson, CA…USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Bobette Parsons as the new district conservationist at the NRCS Local Partnership Office in Jackson, Calif. Parsons will start her new role serving Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties beginning February 27.

Parsons comes to Jackson from Monterey County, Calif., where she has served as the district conservationist for NRCS since 2015. Prior to 2015, Parsons served as a soil conservationist for NRCS in Grass Valley, Calif., Honolulu and Hawaii counties in Hawaii, and Twin Falls County in Idaho. Prior to her service with NRCS, Parsons served as Forest Hydrologist for the US Forest Service on the Willamette, Wallowa-Whitman and Deschutes National Forests in Oregon.

A fourth-generation Californian, Parsons is excited to help local agricultural communities address natural resource problems that are unique to the state.

“As a soil conservationist, I’ve worked with many communities and individuals dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods,” said Parsons. “Californians managing their land for crop production, livestock, forests and dairy are all so important to our nation that I am proud to serve as a soil conservationist to help them. Our agency helps producers make their operations strong and resilient while also protecting natural resources for the future.”

Parsons graduated from Humboldt State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in resource planning and interpretation. She earned her Master of Science degree in soil science at Washington State University. Her experience includes conducting soil erosion and nitrogen research in the state of Washington under a multi-state project: Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems (STEEP).

“Although I have served in many areas, Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties are close to home for me, so I am thrilled to be coming back as the district conservationist,” said Parsons.

NRCS is a federal agency that works in partnership with resource conservation districts. With the mission of “Helping People Help the Land,” NRCS provides products and services that enable people to be good stewards of the nation’s soil, water, and related natural resources on non-federal lands. More information on NRCS’ products and services can be found on the NRCS California web site at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.