Troy Kuphal has been hired as the new district manager for the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Jordan. He began his duties in early December, replacing Pete Beckius of Jordan, who retired at the end of 2009, after serving the District for more than 31 years.

Kuphal brings more than 18 years of experience working in the conservation field. A native of Wisconsin, he was raised on a dairy farm.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Wisconsin, he worked for the Washington County Land and Water Conservation Department for nine years as a technician. He helped farmers, local governments and civic groups address soil erosion, non-point source pollution, wildlife and other environmental issues. He then served as department director for 3-1/2 years, managing the department’s programs, staff, budgets, and grant resources. In addition to his day-to-day duties, Kuphal spearheaded development of Washington County’s first comprehensive Land and Water Resource Management Plan, instituted a water quality monitoring program, expanded outreach and education programs, helped lead a trout stream restoration project, and worked with state and federal partners to implement conservation easement programs. He also served on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Association of Land Conservation Employees, including three years as the association’s president.

Most recently, Kuphal worked as water resources manager with Marion County in Florida, where he helped the board address long-term water supply planning, conservation, and protection issues.

“I am excited to be part of the Scott SWCD team and to have the opportunity to build on Pete’s success here,” Kuphal said. “In addition to having a strong technical background, I feel I bring strong skills for building and maintaining working partnerships with individuals, agencies, and other organizations. Given today’s scarce resources and competing interests, successful resource protection can only be achieved by engaging stakeholders and building consensus around balanced goals and objectives. I look forward to meeting and working with SWCD staff, local landowners, community leaders, and our partners to help improve and protect the rich and abundant natural resources of this beautiful county.”

For more information or questions about conservation practices in Scott County, residents may call the Scott SWCD office at 952-492-5425.