About Us
History
On August 5th, 1946 the Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation District was named a subdivision of Kentucky State Government with the purpose of promoting conservation and responsible management of natural resources. Our tasks include assisting with cost and educating about conservation practices. We partner with local, state, and federal government to sponsor and participate in activities that further our goal of an environmentally sustainable Fayette County.
2022 Outstanding Conservation
District of the Year East Region, Kentucky
The Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) Recognition Program emphasizes the concepts of planning for success, organizational strenths to provide services, and quality of district services administered. KACD annually recognizes two (out of 121) Kentucky conservation districts for their outstanding programs - one from the western region and one from the eastern region. These two districts are honored at the Annual KACD State Convention and they share a presentation giving an overview of their programs.
Fayette County is grateful to KACD for this recognition!
Ten minute video overview of our programs!
Our Mission
Our mission at the Fayette County Conservation District is to sustain our local ecology in both urban and rural environments; including but not limited to the conservation, development, maintenance, and use of the land, water, trees, and other natural resources. We coordinate financial, technical, and educational assistance through local, state, and federal initiatives that support our community to implement sustainable practices. We seek to assist other local agencies and producers to implement sustainable and best management practices in cooperation with the Kentucky Agricultural Water Quality Plan and application of additional conservation efforts.
Environmental Benefits
FCCD Five Year Impact Report (2018-2023)
3,400
Acres of winter cover crop have been planted
2,126
Soil samples cost for over 1,700 individuals has been covered
900,000
Approximately 20 acres, of high traffic farm areas have been repaired
691
Unique conservation projects have been implemented
592
livestock animals were properly disposed of at a state certified facility
Board of Supervisors
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Aaron Clark
Chair (term 2023-2026)
Aaron Clark is a second-generation farmer from Fayette County. He works alongside his father, managing their diverse operations that include grass-finished beef, custom hay production, horse boarding, and agritourism short-term rentals.
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Mark Coyne Ph.D.
Vice Chair (term 2023-2026)
Mark Coyne has recently retired from the University of Kentucky after 30 years of teaching, research, and administration. He was awarded a 2023 Bluegrass
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Barbara "BJ" Bentley
Treasurer (term 2024-2028)
Barbara “BJ” Bentley joins the Board with over 40-years of Kentucky-living, and a breadth of knowledge in varying areas. She has professional experience as an RN
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Perry Gibson
Member (term 2024-2028)
Although born in Floyd County, Perry Scott Gibson moved to Fayette County in 2008. He earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kentucky in 2015 and an MBA from Western Governors University in 2024.
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Ellen Harding
Secretary (term 2024-2028)
A graduate of the University of Kentucky’s behavioral biology program, Ellen is an experienced molecular biologist technician.
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Jeremy Faulk
Member (term 2025-2028)
Jeremy is a trial attorney here in Lexington, specializing in the defense of businesses of all kinds in civil litigation. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law and also holds an MBA.
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Allen Carter
Member (term 2019 - 2026)
Allen owns a 22-acre farm in Fayette County, where he breeds racehorses and operates a winery and micro-distillery. His farm produces rye and wheat for bourbon, as well as grapes for wine.
Former Board of Supervisors
John James
Christopher Rowe
Brett Barton
John Wright
Lillie Miller-Johnson
Angie Quigley
District Staff / Technical Staff
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Heather Silvanik
Director of Operations
Heather Silvanik is an Ohio native who earned a Masters of Fine Arts from Eastern Kentucky University. With a background in accounting and editing
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Sarah Ward
Assistant Director of Operations
Born and raised in Ashland, Kentucky, along the great Ohio River, the seeds of conservation and sustainability were planted within Sarah Ward from the
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Heath Mineer
NRCS - Soil Conservationist
Heath was raised on a dairy farm just outside of Flemingsburg, KY. In 2016 his family transitioned to beef cattle and are still working to improve their beef herd