Who’s Conservation Commissioner of the Year? Dr. Livingstone, We Presume!

The Franklin Conservation Commissioners are, through the town, members in the Mass. Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC), and the MACC chose to honor a Franklin Commissioner, Jeff Livingston, as Conservation Commissioner of the Year at their 2023 Environmental Conference (which concluded yesterday).

According to Conservation Commission Chair, Patrick Gallagher, Jeff was nominated for the award by the Franklin Conservation Department and the Franklin Conservation Commission, with Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander leading the nomination effort and submission.

Jeff was also elected to the MACC Board of Directors at this year’s Environmental Conference.

“For my part, I would just note that Jeff is an invaluable member of the Commission, having served on the Commission for more than 12 years, including several years as Chair,” Gallagher said. “He also represents the Commission on the town’s Community Preservation Committee,” he added.

The Commission and Conservation Department announcement, provided details on Livingston’s professional accomplishments and many activities on behalf of the town:

Commissioner Jeff Livingstone has selflessly served on the Franklin Conservation Commission (FCC) for over 13 years and throughout the years has become a cornerstone of the FCC. Commissioner Livingstone has been described as having an "institutional knowledge", not just of the Wetlands Protection Act, but more importantly of the people in the community. He has proven himself time and time again to be fair, pragmatic, and committed to providing a service not just to the residents of Franklin, but to its natural resources. He is as much of an advocate for climate resiliency, wetland restoration, and natural resource protection as he is for the residents he serves.

Commissioner Livingstone has made a career in the biochemistry and IT world, but also has a great passion for wetlands, conservation commissions, and the environment. While having a technical background in the life sciences and holding a PhD in Biochemistry, Dr. Livingstone has been heavily involved with Conservation Commission work for 13 years and was even the chair of the FCC for five. He participated in the 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan, assisted with the master plan development for the DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area, and is currently on the Community Preservation Committee. In his spare time when not working or hiking, Commissioner Livingstone participates in the Franklin Keystone Cooperative, which focuses on preservation of native forests and woodland. In conjunction with serving as past Chair of the Franklin Conservation Commission, Commissioner Livingstone continues to be a leader in advocacy for community outreach and has unwavering devotion to building the relationship between the Town, its people, and the Conservation Commission. Commissioner Livingstone is truly the epitome of a dedicated and involved community volunteer.

Congratulations on your award, Commissioner Livingstone. Well done, well earned, and well deserved - the FCC and Town of Franklin is lucky to have you!

“We are very grateful for Jeff’s passion and expertise,” Gallagher added