Coshocton SWCD names Medley new district administrator
Ryan Medley is the new district administrator of the Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District following the retirement of Deb Bigelow. He took over the position in January 2024, but has been with the district since 2007.
“I was born and raised in Coshocton County, but in 2018, I moved across the line into Tuscarawas County. I have been married for 13 years and have two daughters, ages 8 and 4. Both my parents and grandparents live in Coshocton County,” Medley said.
“I decided to take the position after it was offered to me because of my experience and knowledge of how the district operates,” he said. “My previous administrator, Deb, had worked for SWCD in Knox County before coming here and that familiarity with SWCD’s helped her succeed as an administrator. I felt this was one way I could help the district move forward after Deb’s retirement by having someone familiar with it and the staff take over. I have been the technician since I started and will still have that strong technical background to help the district meet landowners’ needs.”
Coshocton SWCD is a subdivision of the State of Ohio. Their mission is to provide leadership to educate and assist landowners in the wise management of natural resources. They share information about suitable crops, rotations for types of soil and the development of conservation plans, among many other things.
Medley said he has no immediate plans for any changes in the district. “It will take a little bit of time to get my feet under me with this new role,” he said. “Supervisors and landowners will help the district with future resource concerns and priorities, and we will change to address those concerns.”
He also said, “There will be some new faces in the office, but if you worked with the district in the past, we want to continue to provide the same services as before. If you have never worked with the district, and have a resource concern on your property, feel free to contact the district to discuss how we could help you address it.”
The office number is 740-622-8087.
Category: People & Places
