Committed to Conservation

From a sixth-generation family dairy and crop farm in Holmes County, Gary '71 came to Malone and soon decided to study natural resources as a biology major.  

He quickly became a protege of Charlie King, Ph.D., whom Gary describes as, "a professor who believed in learning things hands-on, which was a great style for me. He took us on a lot of field trips, and no matter the topic, he'd bring in a comprehensive view of whatever ecosystem we were studying. His influence and his confidence in me has greatly influenced what I'm doing today." 

Dr. King often pointed out the value of the USDA Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resources Conservation Service) and the local conservation districts. After graduation, Gary returned to his family's homestead to farm with his father and brother Jon. Within a few years, he was asked to run for the local board of supervisors for his county's conservation district. He was elected and served as a volunteer board member from 1981 through 2005. His involvement with districts gradually led to state and national leadership roles. Gary served as president of the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Districts from 1995-1997 and as president of the National Association of Conservation Districts 2002-2005. Conservation districts throughout the country provide local leadership to help solve local resource conservation issues

Gary's volunteer activities then led to conservation employment, first as Special Assistant to the Chief of  the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in 2005 and soon thereafter, as Chief of Staff. Then, in 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Gary was their selection for Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources & Environment – one of the highest national posts held by a Malone alumnus. 

"Gary Mast is a seasoned veteran of agriculture and conservation issues," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns when Gary's selection was announced. "Gary is well regarded within USDA and by our stakeholders. His background and passion for conservation [was] especially valuable as we [worked on the] 2007 farm bill."

Gary's position oversees NRCS, the agency that works with landowners and producers (70% of the landmass in the United States is privately owned) to prevent damage to natural resources and the environment, restore the resource base, and promote good land management. The agency provides technical expertise and financial assistance for the implementation of conservation practices. The environmental benefits from this work benefit not only farmers and ranchers but all of society.

Gary also works directly with Under Secretary Mark Rey (responsible for general oversight of NRCS and the Forest Service) on conservation policy and operations issues. 

In his office, Gary keeps a framed photograph of himself with several fellow college classmates dressed in suits and acting as pallbearers. To honor the first Earth Day in 1970, the group buried litter in a coffin outside of Founder's Hall to bring attention to the growing problem of pollution. 

"As a youngster I watched my father install conservation practices with the help of the agency that I now work for. I saw firsthand how they created healthy soil, limited erosion, and enhanced wildlife. I've been a conservation activist all my life," Gary says. "Malone cultivated that passion - I had a wonderful experience there." 

Gary says he was also greatly influenced by professors Arnold Fritz and Dale Thomson. He served on student council, was a member of several student organizations, and met his future wife (now of 35 years) in Yellowstone Park on a field trip facilitated by Charlie King!

Gary and Charlie have cultivated a lifelong friendship - even as Charlie has retired in southern Colorado. Gary encouraged Charlie to be on his local soil & water conservation board, and last year represented USDA at the 60th anniversary celebration of the San Juan Conservation District with other state and national dignitaries. When Charlie's district formed in 1947, it contained the one billionth acre to be included in conservation district management. The celebration proved to be a great way to re-connect student and teacher. 

Gary and Diane (Stromme) '72, an attorney who practiced for more than 20 years, have two children: son, Aaron, a high school senior; and daughter, Esther, a college junior. Esther, who interned in Washington, D.C. at the Department of the Interior, the White House, and this summer with the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee, is looking toward a career in the nation's capitol. As such, Gary is passing on his passion to his children - not only for conservation, but for public service. 

 

Photos © by David Duncan - please visit www.davidduncan.com.