Dr. Joe Walsh

Position: Executive Director 

Appointing Authority: Hillsborough County Soil & Water Conservation District

Phone: 813.347.6706

Email Address: walshjo@hcfl.gov

My name is Dr. Joe Walsh, and I am the current Executive Director for the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District, headquartered in Plant City, Florida. The "Conservation District" is a State of Florida Special District, with a narrowly defined mission to help agricultural landowners and operators get help with better land design and management practices, all for the purpose of conserving the natural resources associated with each property.

Please note that our Mission involves only voluntary partnerships between property owners and our funding partners, and outreach and education relating natural resource values to sustainable agriculture practices.  In this regard, we are very much interested in promoting land conservation easement programs.

While there is an advocacy aspect to our mission, which includes promoting compatible land uses at the community level, the District’s Board Supervisors have no legal authority to approve, deny or intervene in land use planning changes, land development approvals, or lawfully permitted activities.

We will do everything we can to connect rural landowners with the appropriate government officials, whether it be to report disaster impacts, or to engage with land use zoning and development approval processes.  Our best relationships will help you identify opportunities to better manage your land for agriculture and other natural resources (wildlife and wetlands for instance) and grant dollars to support your goals.  We can be reached via our homepage at https://www.hillsboroughswcd.com/ via email soilandwater@hcfl.gov or by phone at (813) 707-1652.

 

Emily Bruce

Emily Bruce is the Hillsborough County Soil & Water Conservation District’s Land Conservation Specialist. A fifth-generation Floridian from Manatee County, Emily grew up immersed in agriculture, sparking a lifelong passion for Florida’s farms, ranches, and natural landscapes. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a concentration in Livestock Production from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and is building a career dedicated to supporting those in the agricultural industry and community.

Emily and her husband run a growing first-generation cattle operation, combining hands-on experience with leadership in the agricultural community. She serves as Chair of Manatee County Young Farmers and Ranchers, actively participates in local and state agricultural organizations/associations, and volunteers for events that support both agriculture and conservation. Outside of her professional work, Emily enjoys spending time with family & friends, pursuing her photography business, and exploring wild Florida.

 

 

Dawn Chancey

Dawn Chancey is the Hillsborough County Soil & Water Conservation District's Office Manager. She has called the Tampa area home since 1980, when she relocated from Toledo, Ohio. She is a proud graduate of Gaither High School. Since 2001, Dawn has lived in the Keysville/Lithia community, where she has remained actively involved in local agriculture and community organizations.

She has been married to her husband, Charlie, since 2002, and together they have a son, Morgan, who currently attends Warner University.

Dawn’s passion for agriculture began when her son started showing livestock at the age of eight. He began with swine and later showed cattle, participating in shows throughout the state of Florida. Through these experiences, Dawn developed a deep appreciation for the agricultural community and youth livestock programs.

She attends Bethany Baptist Church and has been actively involved in supporting youth agriculture programs, including assisting the Turkey Creek 4-H Club in past years. Dawn also enjoys being an active member of the Hillsborough County CattleWomen.