Last original Conservation Board member retires after serving for more than 30 years ...

Bill Moody of Harpers Ferry recently retired from the Allamakee County Conservation Board after serving on that board for more than 30 years, being the lone remaining member of the original board established in 1989. Pictured in the photo above at the February meeting of the Allamakee County Conservation Board, at which Moody was recognized for his retirement and for his 31 years of service to the board, are current and past members of the Allamakee County Conservation Board. Left to right- Front row: Past and original board member Tom Weighner, current board member Jesse Delaney, now retired and original board member Bill Moody, current board member Jeanie Carroll and Allamakee County Conservation Director Jim Janett; Back row: Newly appointed board member Steve Weymiller, past board member Dennis Blocker, past and original board member Randy Hesse and current board member Dennis Koenig. Not available for the photo is current board member Marilyn Clark.

Pictured below is the original board first established in 1989. Left to right - Front row: Bob Bulman and Board President Gary Soper; Back row: Board Secretary Tom Weighner, Board Vice President Randy Hesse and Bill Moody. Those members of the original Conservation Board were appointed in 1989 by the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors consisting of Butch Fossum, Dave Snitker and Lyle Zieman. The original Conservation Board members were appointed to provide geographical representation across Allamakee County.

Moody reflected on the early years of starting the Conservation Board in Allamakee County, noting that there weren’t any road maps to follow and the board put an emphasis on moving slowly and developing a solid foundation to build the program. Most other County Conservation Boards had been in existence for 30-plus years when Allamakee County started its program, and those other counties were helpful in providing direction in building a solid program. Developing an Environmental Education Program for the department took a few years to get started, but getting into area schools has become very successful and an important part of the program. Moody also reflected on what a wonderful experience it has been working with other Conservation Board members and staff over the years

Director Jim Janett commented that during Moody’s 31 years of being on the Conservation Board he missed very few meetings, with most of the meetings he did miss being on Election Days as he was also volunteering to work the voting precinct in his area. Moody also took the time to attend various conferences and field days offered thought the County Conservation Board system. His attendance at these events was very helpful to learn what other counties in the state of Iowa were doing and also allowed him to inform his fellow board members on how the Conservation Board system functioned. Moody welcomed his newly appointed board replacement Steve Weymiller and made his last motion to adjourn the meeting after serving 31 years on the Allamakee County Conservation Board. Janett noted that Moody’s expertise and dedication will be missed on the Conservation Board. Submitted photos.