The Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District (OCNRCD) Board held its December 11, 2025 meeting via Google Meet, with board members and staff in attendance to address ongoing projects, governance matters, and operational updates.

The meeting opened with an Executive Director’s update from Sarah Damsell, who outlined recent grant activity and future funding priorities. These include applications to support tri-district collaboration and staff capacity, as well as efforts to secure funding for a farm resilience planning project in partnership with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA). This project would be based on a resilience planning template developed by the University of Maine. Sarah also shared that the District’s locally led conservation planning meeting for the coming year will be hosted at Nelson Farm.

The Board considered a request regarding participation in the “Tuesday Giving” initiative on behalf of local partners. After discussion, the Board agreed that formally supporting individual partners through this initiative could place the District in a difficult position by requiring it to choose between organizations. As a result, the Board declined to take a formal role and directed that clarifying language be drafted for inclusion in the District’s Policies and Procedures.

Once a quorum was present, the Board reviewed and unanimously approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The Board also conducted its quarterly financial review, during which the financial reports were presented and approved without amendment.

Staff leave policies were reviewed in accordance with existing procedures. The Board unanimously approved requests from staff members to roll over eligible annual leave hours. In addition, the Board asked the Human Resources Committee to explore potential updates to leave accumulation and rollover policies that would balance flexibility for staff with encouragement to take regular time off.

An update was provided on the District’s office relocation efforts. Findings from a facility inspection at the Barton Fairgrounds were reviewed and will be shared with the Fairgrounds Committee. The District continues to explore rental options within the region and has taken steps to ensure operational independence by purchasing necessary office equipment.

The Board also received an update from the Natural Resources Conservation District (NRCD), including information about efforts to address delayed payments related to a federal shutdown and the anticipated availability of emergency drought assistance for agricultural producers affected by dry wells or water sources.

The Board formally acknowledged and accepted the resignation of Walter Medwin from his advisory role, expressing appreciation for his ten years of service. Finally, governance needs were discussed, with plans to revisit the creation of a Governance Committee focused on board recruitment and training at the March retreat.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.