Ben Lenth was sworn in as the newest board member of the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District during Thursday’s board of directors meeting in Salida.
Lenth now holds the seat vacated by former board Vice Chair Greg Felt, who was hired to succeed Terry Scanga as District general manager.
After his swearing-in, Lenth said he recognizes that the Conservancy District has done amazing work during its 45-year history, and “I’m really glad to be a part of it.”
Chairman Tim Canterbury welcomed Lenth to the board and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute, even though it may be “like drinking from a firehose” in the beginning.
Lenth acknowledged that he has a lot to learn and is looking forward to the challenge.
He brings to the board a background in land conservation and currently works as a senior conservation project manager with Colorado Open Lands. Prior to his current position, he worked for the Westcliffe-based San Isabel Land Protection Trust – first as a land protection specialist and then as executive director for five years.
Lenth has also worked as a field biologist for the U.S. Forest Service, as a tour guide and as a ranch manager. He also served in the Peace Corps in Mexico. He holds an M.S. in ecology from Colorado State University and a B.A. in Biology from Wesleyan University.
