SCARBOROUGH, Maine — The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has selected Luis Aponte as new District Conservationist for Cumberland and York Counties.

Aponte, who most recently served as an NRCS District Conservationist for Oxford County, will start in the new position on Feb. 13, 2022, and will be based at the Scarborough Field Office. He replaces long-time District Conservationist Wayne Munroe who retired in December.

“We are excited to announce Luis’ selection as District Conservationist in Scarborough,” Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations Brittany Hummel said. “He has a wealth of experience in assisting Maine ­­farmers and forest producers. His dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership will serve the people of Cumberland and York counties very well.”

Aponte grew up in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science (specializing in Horticulture) from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. He started his career in 2014 working as an agronomist for a banana farm and then moved to Maine to work with NRCS in Augusta in November 2015. In June 2020 he relocated to Oxford County to serve as the district conservationist, and has done extensive work with a variety of farmers in southern Maine including livestock, fruit and vegetable, and woodlot owners.

Aponte can be reached at luis.aponte@usda.gov.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides leadership and technical assistance to address natural resource conservation issues on private land. NRCS employees work to improve and protect natural resources in partnership with Maine’s 16 Soil and Water Conservation Districts, federal, state and local agencies, farmers, landowners and communities.  The partnership’s commitment to conservation provides a solid foundation to a locally led program delivery system.  The partnership is also committed to a voluntary, incentive-based approach to private land stewardship and conservation treatment.

–USDA NRCS Maine