FARMINGTON — When long time Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist (DC) Paul Hersey retired last January, Amanda Burton was named acting DC while the search for a new DC was made. At the end of June, Burton became Franklin County’s new DC.

Burton grew up in Houlton and liked the Farmington area when she visited before applying to college. She said, “I wanted to go away from home but not too far away.”

Burton graduated from UMF in 2002 with a degree in environmental science. She worked in the Farmington NRCS office for two years after her graduation. She served as a soil conservationist in NRCS’ career intern program.

In 2004, Burton became the soil conservationist for Oxford County. Two years later she moved to Kennebec County’s office in Augusta where she served as soil conservationist until she became acting DC for Franklin County six months ago.

The announcement of her new position was made on June 1. She officially became this county’s DC on June 29, but because of her vacation schedule, Burton actually assumed the position on July 6.

Burton’s goal was to become a DC. She knew some of the farmers and landowners from her previous work in the Farmington area. She lives in Mount Vernon so the commute was manageable. 

Burton is married and has two boys. Nathaniel is four and a half while his younger brother is ten months old.

Burton said last week, “I’m looking forward to reconnecting with farmers I knew before and continuing the good work Paul Hersey did.” She also wants to see what other possibilities she can help people with.

Some outreach may be needed, but Burton knows that there are problems everywhere that can be addressed. “A lot of customers are familiar with us and the programs we provide. New people we can work with,” she said.

Burton doesn’t have any big plans at the moment. She will take a wait and see approach until after the traditional five-year review that is scheduled for August. “I’m looking forward to working with the District, the farmers, and the private landowners in Franklin County,” Burton said.

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