AUGUSTA — Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal has announced that Steve Walker will be joining the department as director of Land for Maine’s Future.

Walker brings extensive experience and knowledge of conservation easement and land acquisition transactions, including strategic project selection, supportive policy, and successful funding and implementation.

Walker currently serves as coordinator of the Beginning with Habitat program at the Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife, where he has been responsible for supervising program staff, coordinating the efforts of the program’s steering committee and partner group, and implementing relevant aspects of Maine’s Climate Action Plan, according to a news release.

He has held various conservation and land protection positions throughout his career, including Maine Endangered Species coordinator at DIFW, Mid-coast Land Protection coordinator for the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and as a natural resources planner in Brunswick.

“Steve Walker knows the Land For Maine’s Future program from every angle, as an applicant, a project sponsor, a municipality, leveraging partnerships, and a grant writer. I am delighted he is joining our Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning team,” said Bureau Director Judy East.

Walker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Brown University. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, Jackie, a 4-year-old son, and two teenage stepchildren. He is a Brunswick town councilor, has served on the Brunswick Planning Board, and is a board member of the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. He has participated in several professional organizations, including The Wildlife Society (Maine Chapter), the Maine Association of Wetland Scientists, the Josselyn Botanical Society, and the Maine Association of Professional Planners.

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