Dennis Fuchs Retires After 29 Years as Administrator of Stearns Conservation District

After serving 29 years as the Administrator of the Stearns Conservation District (SCD), Dennis Fuchs retired this past Thursday, May 29th. Fuchs has been an influential, positive leader for the SCD and has been a driving factor in advancing its mission.

Fuchs has been the Administrator at Stearns Conservation District since 1996. Even prior to his time at the SCD, Fuchs was already known for his significant dedication to conservation. Fuchs grew up on a dairy, hog, and beef farm in Stearns County. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and Master in Soil Science from the University of Minnesota, Fuchs worked as a research scientist conducting research projects relating to agriculture for the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton. He went on to be a soil scientist for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture where he helped promote best agricultural management practices for fertilizer applications.

Over the course of Fuchs’ 29-year career as Administrator, the SCD has seen significant growth. When Fuchs started as District Administrator, there were just eight employees at the SCD office and today there are twenty-two. During his career, the SCD has evolved from a primary focus on technical assistance to agricultural producers to encompass a wider range of conservation priorities such as urban conservation, lakes and streams, water planning, and wildlife habitat. In addition, throughout Fuchs’ career there have been increases in grant funding and new outside funding opportunities which have helped expand landowner assistance and grow conservation activity in Stearns County. During Fuchs’ tenure, nearly $150 million in conservation investments have been made across Stearns County to support farmers and protect natural resources.

Stearns County is Minnesota’s leading agricultural county and is home to nearly 300 lakes. Through Fuchs’ leadership, the SCD has established strong public and private partnerships that have allowed for extending impacts and assisting an increasing number of landowners. Fuchs expresses that, “Protecting and enhancing our natural resources requires collaboration from farmers, lakeshore residents, and communities alike.” Additionally, throughout his career the SCD has seen more farmers adopting soil health practices, more lakeshore residents increasingly naturalizing their shorelines, and more schools and communities actively creating pollinator and wildlife habitats. He states that despite the resource concerns seen today such as increased agricultural production, population growth, and a changing climate, there have been measurable improvements in water quality due to the increase in adopting sustainable practices.

Stearns Conservation District Administrator, Dennis Fuchs (right), with 2021 Outstanding Conservationist, Steve Schlangen.

Justine Meyer, who was recently the first woman appointed to the Stearns Conservation District Board of Supervisors and now serves as Chair of the board, commented on her experience working with Fuchs, “In the short time that we had together at meetings and events, Dennis always made me feel like I was the right person for my role. I've learned so much about the SCD's work, impact, and legacy that was made possible with a leader as strong as Dennis Fuchs.” Meyer also shared that Fuchs taught her the importance of achieving goals through statewide collaboration and partnerships.

“It is almost unreal to accept the reality that Dennis' 29-year run has finally come to a close. An incredible career working for conservation in Stearns County is an outstanding legacy that leaves big shoes to fill,” said SCD Board Chair Justine Meyer.

Said Fuchs on his hopes for the future of the Conservation District, “The SCD has earned recognition as a leader across Minnesota and beyond. With our dedicated team, engaged Board, and committed partners, the future looks bright as we continue fulfilling our mission: supporting voluntary conservation actions to protect and enhance Stearns County’s natural resources.” With Fuchs’ retirement, John Maile is set to become the new Administrator for Stearns Conservation District beginning on June 30, 2025.

In his retirement, Fuchs is looking forward to spending more time biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. He will also stay busy completing projects at home and helping his friends with various projects. In addition, he has many trips planned including fishing trips to Canada, visits to Alaska, and time in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The Stearns Conservation District is a local unit of government that manages and leads conservation programs at the local level. Important programs and priorities of the SCD include soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat and protection, and other related resources.

Further information about Stearns Conservation District can be found online at www.StearnsCD.org or by calling the office at 320-251-7800 ext.3.