John Maile Appointed Administrator of Stearns Conservation District

Stearns Conservation District Administrator John Maile

The Stearns Conservation District (SCD) is pleased to announce John Maile as the new Administrator of the District. John Maile will be joining Stearns Conservation District on June 30th succeeding Dennis Fuchs who retired in May after 29 years with the District.

John Maile grew up along the banks of the Sauk River near Cold Spring, Minnesota where he was surrounded by “natural resources, community, and family values”. He currently resides just outside of Eden Valley with his wife, Sarah, and their two sons, John J. and Jack. There, Maile says they have “built a life rooted in outdoor activities, hard work, and close-knit connections that make central Minnesota a special place to call home".

Maile, a lover of the outdoors, enjoys hunting, fishing, and recreation with his friends and family. Maile never misses the opportunity to practice stewardship of the land and takes time to work with the family dogs and engage in hands-on building projects. He is also passionate about sports and finds great fulfillment in coaching young people.

Maile has built his career around a deep commitment to conservation and land stewardship. He previously worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) section of Wildlife where his work focused on wetland restoration, clean water protection, waterfowl habitat and sustainable land management. His work at the DNR also involved close collaboration with private landowners through conservation programs that support grazing and other efforts. In addition to his time with the MN DNR, Maile also served alongside the Minnesota National Guard at Camp Ripley as the Natural Resource Manager and has also worked for The Nature Conservancy.

Maile’s rural upbringing, surrounded by agriculture, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, helped him develop a strong appreciation for the land and the need to care for it. Maile says, “Conservation isn’t just about protection—it’s about stewardship and wise use. I believe in utilizing our natural resources in a way that supports both production and sustainability, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same opportunities we have today. This balance of use and care has always been central to how I view conservation.”

As Administrator for Stearns Conservation District, Maile plans to maintain a positive and supportive work environment where staff feel valued, respected, motivated, equipped, and empowered to do their best work. He believes a strong team is the foundation of a successful organization. “Together, we can sustain a District that not only meets today’s challenges but sets the standard for conservation into the future,” says Maile.

Stearns County is facing a variety of resource concerns and environmental issues that are growing in urgency. These challenges range from extreme weather events to the county’s growing population. Maile plans to approach these challenges with a holistic and inclusive mindset by integrating modern conservation practices with active rural engagement. He plans to foster open dialogue within the community to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered and believes this will help lead to more effective and widely supported solutions.

Maile’s vision for the Stearns Conservation District focuses on establishing clear pathways rooted in strong leadership and a commitment to delivering real results for the land. Maile also says that continued education will be a fundamental element of their efforts. “My goal is to ensure we are recognized as a leader in conservation—both locally and beyond—by delivering high-quality programs, sharing success stories, and staying connected to the needs of our residents. Through innovation, outreach, and strategic partnerships, I believe we can enhance our role in protecting natural resources and supporting sustainable land use across Stearns County,” says Maile.

“The Stearns Conservation District Administrator plays a key role in leading and representing the District in numerous ways. They are responsible for the oversight of our team of hardworking staff, collaborating with numerous agencies and partners, and representing our District's conservation work on the local, state and national level,” said Justine Meyer, Chair of the SCD Board of Supervisors.

Meyer shared that Maile comes with an abundance of knowledge and understanding of the ways that conservation work can be accomplished. “We believe that with his background, John is up for the future challenges in the name of conservation and embodies a strong leader that will guide our staff and partners into a better tomorrow for Stearns County's natural resources,” said Meyer.  

Dennis Fuchs, who recently retired after serving 29 years as Administrator for Stearns Conservation District, shared that he believes Maile’s unique set of skills will be a valuable asset in accomplishing the District’s mission and he hopes Maile can continue the positive trajectory of the District. Fuchs also shared some advice for Maile, “Continue to build and maintain trust with landowners, staff, and the Board of Supervisors. Listen carefully to both the staff and the Board to refine and improve processes. Support the staff’s development so they can further enhance their technical assistance to landowners. Most importantly, have fun doing it!”

Conservation Districts are local units of government that oversee and promote conservation efforts at the local level. The Stearns Conservation District is designed to manage and lead voluntary conservation programs associated with soil quality, water quality, healthy drinking water, wildlife habitat and protection, and many more programs.  

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

Stearns Conservation District Administrator, John Maile (left), with his family