Linda Schmitz

Education:

MBA, Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine 

B.S. Electrical Engineering, University of California, Irvine 

Current occupation/employer and/or relevant past information:

Linda Schmitz is a strategic planning and operations leader with over a decade of executive experience guiding large, complex organizations through long-range planning, budgeting, and governance. She has served as a senior advisor to executive leadership and boards, with responsibility for long-term planning, financial oversight, and organizational effectiveness. Her professional background includes managing large budgets, establishing transparent governance processes, and supporting mission-driven outcomes.  

List any memberships to groups/associations:

• Washington State University Extension Clark County Master Gardener Program, class of 2025 

• Backyard Habitat Certification Program (Platinum Certification) and Garden Tour Host through Bird Alliance of Oregon and Columbia Land Trust (and previously Watershed Alliance) 

• Washington State University Climate Action Team (CATs) 

• Washington Education & Climate Action Network (WECAN) 

• Washington Native Plant Society 

• Clark County Composter Recycler Program (in progress) 

• Volunteer with Squirrel Refuge, Clark County’s only Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife–licensed wildlife rehabilitation organization  

• Volunteer with Camas Earth Day Society creating curriculum for Prune Hill Elementary’s Earth Science outdoor living lab  

• Volunteer with Bird Alliance of Oregon supporting Backyard Habitat program 

• Volunteer with Vancouver Bee Project rewilding local areas and planting native seeds 

• Volunteer with Washington Department of Natural Resources planting natives in support of conservation efforts at Washougal Oaks and Lacamas Prairie 

• Volunteer with City of Vancover Urban Forestry planting trees in local parks 

• Volunteer at the annual Clark Conservation District Native Plant Sale 

• Volunteer supporting local school gardens and native habitat projects 

Explain your interest in the position:

As a Clark County landowner actively restoring local native habitat, I have seen firsthand the value of practical, science-based conservation that supports both people and wildlife. I am interested in serving as a Conservation District Supervisor to help strengthen voluntary stewardship, expand conservation education, and ensure the District remains a trusted partner for landowners across our diverse rural and urban communities. I am motivated to contribute my governance and planning experience in service of long-term ecological health and responsible use of public resources. 

Describe your past experience with Clark Conservation District, other Conservation Districts, or other relevant organizations:

My conservation experience is primarily hands-on and community-based. I have enjoyed volunteering at the annual Clark Conservation District Native Plant Sale, supporting community access to native plants and conservation education. I maintain a Platinum-certified Backyard Habitat with over 200 different species of local native plants, wildlife support, and also host a community Little Free Native Plant Library, stocked year around with local native plant seeds. Through the Clark County Master Gardener Program, I helped form the program’s first Native Plant Team and regularly support community education and outreach. I also volunteer with a WDFW-licensed wildlife rehabilitation organization and assist with habitat projects through community organizations and local schools. 

What is the greatest strength of the Conservation District model? 

The greatest strength of the Conservation District model is its voluntary, locally driven approach. By offering education, technical assistance, and trusted partnerships rather than regulation, conservation districts empower landowners to care for their land in ways that benefit soil, water, wildlife, and the broader community. The native plant sale and small tool rental are two great examples of opportunities the district provides to local residents in support of their mission.  This collaborative model builds lasting stewardship and practical conservation outcomes tailored to local needs.