RICE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
District Staff
Steve Pahs
District Manager
507-260-5242
Steve Pahs has been with the Rice SWCD since November of 2003 as the District Manager. He provides oversight for the staff, develops budgets, and oversees the fiscal responsibilities of the district. In addition, Steve is responsible for grant writing and implementation. He also assists with programming for soil health practices including cover crops, no-till/strip till, and structural practices.
Teresa DeMars
Outreach Coordinator
507-260-5246
Teresa DeMars has been with the Rice SWCD since March of 2017 as Outreach Coordinator. She also worked with the District from 1999 to 2002, first as a District Technician and later as Office Manager. Teresa maintains the District’s websites and social media outreach and assists with organizing events for the District. She also creates educational materials and conducts educational outreach to area schools.
Emmie Scheffler
District Technician
CRWJPO Administrator
507-260-5247
Emmie Scheffler has been with the Rice SWCD since September 2017 as the District Technician and is the Administrator for the Cannon River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (CRWJPO). Emmie works with local landowners to design and engineer conservation practices for the State Cost Share Program. She also writes conservation plans for the Conservation Reserve Program and for easements through the state. Emmie is the main contact for the CRWJPO and oversees the day to day operations of the organization.
Alan Kraus
Soil Health Specialist
507-260-5245
Alan Kraus joined the Rice SWCD in August of 2024 as a Soil Health Specialist. Splitting his time with the Steele SWCD, Al works with producers and landowners in both counties to implement soil health conservation practices. He also promotes the District’s Soil Health Incentives Program and Custom Interseeding Program.
