Kevin Bixby and Craig Fenske have announced their candidacies for the board of the Doña Ana Soil and Water Conservation District.
Bixby is a candidate in Zone 3 which covers the southeast part of Doña Ana County including the Talavera and Las Alturas neighborhoods near Las Cruces. Fenske’s Zone 4 district covers residents within the Las Cruces city limits.
Both cite the unrealized potential of the district as a key reason they are seeking positions on the board.
“All over the country Soil and Water districts are deeply engaged in conservation, environmental protection and stewardship of our soil, water and natural resources,” Bixby said. “Unfortunately our local district has been primarily engaged in fighting conservation efforts: opposing the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National monument, opposing wildlife recovery in the Southwest, and opposing regional planning for sustainable development.”
Fenske sees the election as an opportunity to reorient the district’s focus toward its true mission and goals.
“Soil and Water Districts are designed to work closely with federal and state agencies, and local landowners, in addressing storm water runoff, preserving natural landscapes, and promoting a wide variety of conservation practices. With the right leadership, the district can be a real contributor to building a sustainable future for our people.”
Bixby is the founder and director of the Southwest Environmental Center, where he has worked with groups and organizations to restore habitats, promote environmental awareness and preserve our natural heritage. He is especially interested in practices that will help conserve water resources, address climate change and enhance our quality of life.
Fenske is a retired agricultural extension agent, and in that capacity worked closely with the local Soil and Water Conservation District in Washington State. He also worked for several years for the City of Las Cruces, where he coordinated the Keep Las Cruces Beautiful program and organized the City of Las Cruces Tree Steward Program.
Both Bixby and Fenske describe themselves as strong conservationists, deeply committed to the long-term sustainability of our natural resources.
The Soil and Water Conservation Board election will be held on Tuesday, May 2. Las Cruces area polling places are at the Doña Ana County Government Center, Good Samaritan Village, and the Sage Café Community Center.