Two nominees for reappointment to the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission introduced themselves to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee and answered questions about their qualifications and priorities; the committee said it will take the reappointments up at its next meeting.

Eric Olson, a working farmer from Bonners Ferry, described five years of prior service on the commission and local experience with the Boundary Soil Conservation District. Olson said the commission provides oversight for local conservation districts’ funding, technical project planning and guidance on conservation practices, and he identified funding and staff retention as the commission’s top challenges going forward.

Karen Sharpenack (presented as Karen J. Sharpenack), a reappointment candidate for Division 4, said she has served as a commissioner since February 2023 and is secretary of the commission. She also serves as an elected supervisor for the Wood River Soil and Water Conservation District and described a nonprofit and business background she said is useful on the commission. Sharpenack said she abstains from matters related to CREP when her husband, who works as a CREP manager, is involved. She told senators she has worked on strategic planning and called for more clarity about the commission’s administrative roles and responsibilities.

Senators asked both nominees about commission interactions with local districts, modern conservation techniques such as pivot irrigation and water-saving technologies, and the importance of funding and recruiting technical staff. Senator Leahy asked specifically about Sharpenack’s organizational goals; she said she had requested legal and human-resources briefings for the commission and proposed strategic planning with partner organizations.

The committee did not hold a confirmation vote at this meeting; the chair said the reappointments will be taken up at the next committee meeting.