Conservation Neighbors: Anne Rigor

August 2, 2006 by Aimee Brown

Anne Rigor is a woman on the go. As a Corvallis business owner, secretary treasurer of the Benton County Farm Bureau, chair of the State Women's Committee and board member for the Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District, she is known for juggling multiple duties and accomplishing more by Wednesday than many people do all week.

"Being in these organizations keeps me attached to my roots," says Anne, who grew up on a farm 12 miles south of Corvallis. "As a business owner I have contact with people that other organizations never reach, and I educate them. People come in for all types of advice -- I have people who ask me how to vote because they know I stay up on the issues."

Anne was elected as director of Benton SWCD Zone 2, the northeastern area of the county, in 2003. Since then she has been a strong advocate for area farmers, and has taken a large role in educating county residents about the availability of grants for conservation projects on private land.

"I like farmers; they're just good people trying to make it in an industry that's rarely easy," she says. "I'm a local girl, and being that I personally know the people putting these conservation practices into action, it makes it easier for me to see their successes and where they could use some help."

Anne is also a believer in landscaping with native plants, and she says one of the best and simplest things people can do for water and land protection is plant shrubs and trees that belong to this region.

"I really think we have to take an interest in the land and put back for future generations," she says. "We're responsible for protecting our resources, and we all have to get involved."