During the past year, we have highlighted our District Board directors with short biographies to help you get to know the people who direct the District. This month we highlight Jesse Nelson, Zone 1 Director, representing the northeast part of Clackamas County. This area includes the communities of Boring, Sandy, and Damascus.
Jesse Nelson is a Clackamas County native, growing up in Boring. He studied business at Mt. Hood Community College. Nelson is now the general manager of Hans Nelson & Sons Nursery, a family business started by his grandfather in the 1930s.
Nelson was introduced to the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District through Kris Homma, a retired soil conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). "We were very fortunate to connect with the District. They helped us sort out some troublesome issues and I was really impressed with their staff, service, and technical expertise," said Nelson.
At the family wheat farm in Wasco County, they have developed and installed exclusion fencing to keep livestock out of a creek. This conservation practice prevents erosion and improves water quality.
Smart sprayer technology dramatically reduces off-target pesticide loss.
Nelson is happy to represent the nursery industry on the District board. He is also interested in asking fellow nursery owners to consider getting involved with the District. "Everyone is busy and there is never enough time, but it's important to model this level of engagement in our community. We need to nurture different ideas and shake things up a little." Nelson values the knowledge long-term board members bring to the table, but notes that it is good to have new blood, too.
Looking forward, Nelson is hoping to have more opportunities for board members to see first-hand the great projects the District's planners are undertaking in the community. He is excited about the development of the new Conservation Resource Center in Beavercreek and continuing his advisory work with Oregon State University for a next-generation smart sprayer to reduce pesticide usage.