Gary Best, a new member of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (SVCA) board, is a natural fit for the organization, having, in his words, “spent my entire career focused on stewardship of some of the most treasured places in Maine.”

Best's career has been with what is now called the Division of Parks and Public Lands in the state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry where he currently is the assistant regional manager of the Southern Region of Maine State Parks, which oversees operation and maintenance of 23 state parks and historic sites.

A particular interest to Best has been connecting families, and especially kids, with the rich natural treasures of Maine. For example, he was project manager for the Department of Conservation's Maine State Parks Passport program, which has helped thousands of Maine families discover their state parks and historic sites. He is currently leading a team to expand this program to include a GeoTour (geocaching challenge) that will begin May 18.

“I place a real value on connecting kids with the outdoors, with the rivers and trails right in our own back yards,” Best said. “I strongly believe experience with the outdoors can be an important building block in a person's development ….  And what could be better than working in my local area to help kids get this experience?”

Best said he is also looking forward to continuing to work in the stewardship and monitoring programs for SVCA's properties and easements, and is already chair of the stewardship committee.

In January, Best graduated from the National Association of State Park Directors State Park Leadership School accredited through North Carolina University. Best, his wife Tina and their 7-year-old son Nate live in Whitefield.