ASHLAND — Conservation isn’t something that happens only in the woods, on a farm, or along a stream.

It happens wherever people live, work, farm and care about the land and water around them. This fall, Ashland County residents have an opportunity to help shape that work by voting in the Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors election.

The Ashland SWCD is governed by a five-member volunteer board that helps provide leadership and direction for the District’s conservation programs and priorities. This year, voters will choose between Kalyn Pryor Denny and Steve Workman for an open position on the board.

Unlike many elections, you don’t have to wait until Election Day. Voting runs Oct. 15 through Nov. 13 The SWCD election is open to all landowners, residents and LLCs in Ashland County. Eligible voters can cast their ballot at any time during the election period.

There are several ways to vote, including unperson at the Ashland SWCD office, at the annual meeting and Conservation Chat: Forest to Flask on Nov. 9 at Mount Vernon Estates, or by absentee ballot: Request an absentee ballot from the Ashland
SWCD office and vote from home.

“An SWCD board is a little different from many elected boards,” said Ashland SWCD Director Jane Houin. “Our supervisors are volunteers who help guide the conservation work happening throughout the county.

“This election is a great opportunity for landowners and residents to have a say in what conservation looks like in Ashland County.”

This year’s candidates bring very different — and valuable — experiences to the table. One has spent her career working directly in agriculture and on a dairy operation, while the other brings decades of experience in finance, real estate appraisal, local government and land-use planning.

Kalyn Pryor Denny

For Kalyn Pryor Denny, conservation is personal. Recently married to Bryan Denny this summer, Kalyn and Bryan have six children and live on 25 acres where they raise cows, sheep and chickens. Kalyn grew up on her family’s dairy farm, owned by Steve and Becky Moffett, and that early connection to agriculture led to nearly two decades of employment with Mills Dairy Farm.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and, after college, spent several years working in the agronomy side of the industry in seed and fertilizer sales. She soon realized, however, that dairy farming was where her interests and passion remained.

Today, Pryor Denny works with Mills Dairy Farm on its manure management program and Ohio Department of Agriculture licensing, soil fertility, and cow and heifer operations. For her, water quality is at the center of her conservation interests.

“Farming isn’t what it was growing up,” Pryor Denny said. “Working with ODA and the regulations, I hope to help educate others and adapt to what is ahead.”

She sees the SWCD as an opportunity to bring agricultural experience to the table while working with farmers, landowners and others to find practical solutions to changing conservation challenges.

“My main focus is water quality and working with others as things continue to change,” she said.

Steve Workman

Steve Workman’s path to conservation began with agriculture, but his career has taken him through several areas that have shaped his perspective on land use and natural resource management.

Steve became involved in FFA in high school and completed a two-year agricultural business program at the Wayne County Career Center, with a focus on meat processing.

After graduation, he spent three years in wholesale meat cutting before becoming an owner/operator of a state-inspected meat market serving retail customers and local restaurants for more than 12 years.

He then spent more than 30 years working in finance at two local banks, building experience in accounting, lending and real estate appraisal. His work in real estate appraisal sparked a particular interest in local geography, legislative issues affecting private property rights and responsible land use.

That experience has also led Steve into local government. For the past several years, he has served as chair of the Ashland County Planning Commission, working with township trustees and county commissioners on land-use issues.

Since 2017, he has served as the Ward 1 Councilman on Ashland City Council and as City Council President. Steve says maintaining Ashland County’s natural resources should be a priority for everyone.

“I believe the fundamental role of the SWCD is to provide communication and direction to those in need of improving their current level of stewardship,” Steve said, particularly emphasizing erosion control and potable water.

As an avid outdoorsman, Steve also appreciates the natural resources that make Ashland County a special place to live.

“Ashland County has a lot to offer through our abundant natural resources,” he said.

Whether your connection to conservation is through farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, hiking, living in the country, living in town, or simply wanting clean water and healthy land for the next generation, the SWCD election is an opportunity to have a voice.

For more information about the election or to request an absentee ballot, contact the Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District or visit the District’s website. The future of conservation in Ashland County starts with all of us — and your vote is one way to be part of it.