Washington State Conservationist Roylene Comes At Night has been named State Conservationist of the Year by the National Association of State Conservation Agencies.

The award recognizes a state conservationist for outstanding contributions to their state conservation partnership, service to producers, and enhanced delivery of NRCS programs.

“This award is such an honor, and it’s really humbling,” Comes At Night said. “This award is not just for me though, it’s for all of my amazing staff in Washington who support and enable me to do the very best I can.”

Shana Joy, deputy director of operations and programs for the Washington Conservation Commission, submitted Comes At Night’s nomination, calling her a “staunch advocate” of locally led conservation, nurturing and empowering local work groups.

“Roylene is proactive in sharing wisdom and providing bridges for enhanced relationships, which is evident through the Washington conservation training program that provides critical training for Washington Conservation District staff, state agency staff, and NRCS personnel,” NASCA stated. “Additionally, the rollout of deploying Inflation Reduction Act funding in the state of Washington is a model for other state conservationists to follow, as these funds have been deployed rapidly, effectively, and efficiently through Roylene’s leadership.”

“The most notable accomplishment of Roylene Comes at Night is her ability to grow and enhance tribal relationships on a local, state, and national level for all partners to benefit,” NACSA president Tyler Brown stated. “There is no doubt we are all better for her leadership in tribal relationships for locally led conservation.”

Comes At Night was named Washington’s State Conservationist in 2008 after three years as state conservationist in Rhode Island. She is the nation’s current longest-serving state conservationist.