Linda Finke is the newest member of the Washington County Conservation Board. Yesterday the Washington County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the appointment of Finke to the board. Supervisor Abe Miller asked why a person with a degree in conservation wasn’t selected. Steve Anderson, Director of the Conservation Department, explained the board members held an event similar to a candidates’ forum, where questions were asked of each applicant. The board voted for Finke of the three people vetted for the position.

The board is made up of five volunteer members and according to the department’s website, the annual operating budget is $300,000 in addition to revenues generated. Also, the Wahsington County Conservation Board manages approximately 2,100 acres of land.