DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS
CHAIR
Larry Gross is our District Chairman. Larry has been with the Clare Conservation District for many years. He has participated as both a District Board Member and as a landowner working on different programs and Projects. In addition to volunteering his time to the Clare Conservation District, Larry owns and operates a honey bee farm and enjoys spending time with all of his grandchildren. If you would like to email Larry, please click here. TREASURER
Roberta Schunk is our District Treasurer. Bobbie as her friends call her, has been with the District for close to eight years. Bobbie and her husband own Schunk Farms and Gravel Pit and have participated in different programs including having their farm MEAEP Verified. In addition to volunteering her time to the Clare Conservation District and working on her farm, Bobbie also works as a dental hygienist. If you would like to email Bobbie, please click here. DIRECTOR
Scott Peterson is a Director for the Clare Conservation District. Scott has owned and operated a farm in Clare County for over 15 years. He is familiar with a lot of programs offered by the District and feels that Conservation practices and programs are important. If you would like to email Scott, please click here. |
VICE - CHAIR
John Hood is our District Vice-Chair. John is new to the area but has made many contributions in such a short time. John owns property in Clare County that he manages for wildlife. In addition to volunteering his time to the Clare Conservation District, John also sits on the ALPOA Board and on the Michigan Lakes and Streams Board. If you would like to email John, please click here. DIRECTOR
John Kennedy is our newest Director for the Clare Conservation District. He joined us this past December. If you would like to email John K, please click here vacant- please contact the district for details if you are interested in becoming a board member. |
Staff Members
Melissa Townsend, District Administrator
Melissa joined the District July 2016 as our District Administrator. She was born and raised in Clare County on her family's farm that has been passed through several generations. She left the farm and received her Bachelor's degree in Professional Technical Writing at Saginaw Valley State University. Melissa has interned with one of the CD's partners, Little Forks Conservancy, and Gladwin MSU Extension Office. She has always been interested with the Conservation Districts and protecting the environment.
Renee Davis, Soil Erosion Agent and Gypsy Moth Coordinator
Renee joined the District March 2017 as our Soil Erosion Agent and Gypsy Moth Coordinator. Renee obtained her Bachelors in Biology and Natural Resources from Central Michigan University. She is thrilled to be using her degree and love for the environment in Clare County. She has resided in Clare the majority of my life on our family farm. In my spare time, I love spending time with my daughter, improving my beef cattle herd, dabbling in photography, doing yard work, and operating my natural fertilizer business. Basically, I enjoy a large variety of things pertaining to the great outdoors!
Karen Ickes, MAEAP Technician
Karen joined the District August 2016 as our MAEAP Technician. She grew up with cousins that raised beef cattle and pigs. Karen also has spent some time on dairy farms. She also has a small garden and chickens on her property with hopes to expand to beef cattle, dairy cattle and pigs. Her passion encouraged her to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management from Grand Valley State University and she is currently working towards a Master's degree in Wildlife Management.
Nia Becker, District Forester
Nia Joined the District March 2017 as our District Forester. She is from DeWitt, Michigan and graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry. She has traveled to many places and last worked in Montana as a Wildland firefighter. In her free time she enjoys biking, cooking and anything outdoors! She also has a pet rabbit and small garden.
(Left to Right) - Roberta Schunk; District Treasurer, John Hood; District Vice-Chair, John Kennedy, Scott Peterson, Larry Gross; District Chairman