Pete Walmsley of Orcas Island won the Supervisor of the Year Award at the annual meeting of Northwest Area Conservation Districts in Bellingham on Oct. 13. Walmsley is Chair of the San Juan Islands Conservation District.

Lynn Bahrych, Chair of the Washington State Conservation Commission, presented the award.

“It is with great pleasure that the Conservation Commission recognizes you as the 2010 Northwest Area District Supervisor of the Year,” Bahrych said. “During your 10 years on the board, you have brought professionalism, stability, and competence. During challenging times, your administrative experience, knowledge of law, and common sense have been the hallmark of your leadership. When you reluctantly agreed to become chair of the board in 2008, your abilities made a great difference in keeping the district organized and focused.”

One staff member commented, “I think Pete has been steadfast and clear in his direction. He has always been available and has a measured approach as chair and as a board member that is very professional. I respect Chairman Walmsley and appreciate his experience and insight. It has been a pleasure to work under his leadership and guidance.”

The San Juan Islands Conservation District has five volunteer supervisors and three staff members. It is a local organization committed to protecting and enhancing the natural resources of San Juan County ecosystems for the future. The organization is dedicated to providing natural resources education, information, and technical assistance free of charge to the citizens and organizations of San Juan County.

“This is a great honor,” Walmsley said. “The Supervisor of the Year Award is shared by my fellow supervisors and the district staff.”