Stephen Fouch
Position

Stephen is Director of Michigan State University Extension for Benzie County with a Fisheries BS from University of Michigan and a graduate degree in Horticulture from MSU. Prior to his 26 years of MSU extension work in northern Michigan , he worked as superintendent at the fruit research station in Leelanau County . He was born and raised an Old Mission Peninsula .

He sees his role as a board member as an opportunity to help both organizations work together to achieve their missions. Stephen feels that educating the community about the relationship between economics and conservation is something MSU Extension can’t do alone. He points out that Benzie County ’s strength is its natural resources.

“It’s all here; the shoreline, the lakes, the rivers, the forests, and the agriculture. It’s what makes this county unique,” he says. “And the economy relies on people coming here.”

He feels the District is needed to be the part of the puzzle that works with individuals and groups on the management and practices of properties to maintain the natural resources.

“The Conservation District is where the rubber meets the road. In the past, the District’s strength has been getting out and working with farmers, forested land owners, and watershed associations on an individual basis. I hope to help the District continue that tradition.”

Benzie Conservation District
Board of Directors

Chris Cota	Stephen Fouch	Cheryl Kobernik	Doug and Sally Cook