Mark Craven | Steward
/What's your connection to the land?
As a farmer, I'm given the opportunity to be a steward. It is a privilege to make a living off the land, and a responsibility to take care of it for those who come after. We don't really own it. Having one's name on a farm gives us the opportunity to make choices, good choices, for now and for future generations.
What actions have you taken as a steward that you're most proud of and/or that you feel have made the biggest difference?
Serving on the Snohomish Conservation District Board of Supervisors and now serving as the president of the WA Association of Conservation Districts gives me the opportunity to meet and talk with decision-makers to get more funding for ALL Washington conservation districts - to help make a difference for the future statewide.
What’s your hope for the next 75 years? And/or what advice do you have for those next 75 years?
My hope is that we can get the funding we need to get done the work that needs to be done. We're not getting enough funding fast enough to save or restore lands we need to, whether agriculture, habitat, or forestry lands. Our natural resources are so important in this state. If we don't restore and protect them NOW, we won't have them in 75 years. My advice is to work better together and listen to each other, to find our common goals and compromise more quickly. Now things are moving in a more positive direction. There is better collaboration and I see better partnerships now than I have in the past.
Who are you?
- Name: Mark Craven
- Where is home? Snohomish - Craven Farm
Mark Craven meeting President Gerald R. Ford during the FFA Leadership Conference in Washington DC. At the time, Mark was the Washington State President of FFA (Future Farmers of America). July 1976
