Sarah Damsell has worked as the Orleans County NRCD as District Manager since November 2015. Sarah has focused her efforts on building the District’s water quality improvement services to local farms and municipalities. She manages the day-to-day operations of the district including maintaining core programming through grant management and development, writing land treatment plans, and working with landowners and towns to plan and implement conservation projects. Sarah is also a NRCS Level 2 Conservation Planner. Prior to her current position, she worked as the Essex County NRCD district manager, for the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts as an Agricultural Resource Specialist and as a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Regional Coordinator. Sarah also worked for seven years as an Organic Farm Inspector for Northeast Organic Farm Association. She grew up in working class family in southern NH. Her first job at 15 was a trail crew member with the Student Conservation Association in NH. She became interested in agriculture while a student at the University of Montana when she was captivated by the agrarian lifestyle and worked on vegetable and dairy farms during and after college. Sarah has concentrated all of her working career in the non-profit conservation and agricultural sector. Sarah has a deep understanding of conservation districts, local, state and federal regulations and conservation practice standards. She also is well versed in funding and technical assistance programs available to landowners and towns. With a commitment to improve and protect the inherent value of natural resources for future generations, she is devoted to creating valuable and effectual experiences while working alongside community members to improve land use practices. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, yoga and getting out into the mountains to ski, hike, and bike with friends.