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Jason Brownknight is the new Executive Director at the Little Miami Conservancy, replacing Eric Partee who held the position for 40 years. Eric Partee will continue to work with the LMC to ensure a smooth transition.
Under Eric Partee’s direction, the LMC has grown to be a leader in local conservation efforts. During Partee’s tenure, the LMC and its partners have been a leading steward of the river, restoring 56% of the riverbanks through land conservation and restoration, acquiring and restoring 110 riverfront nature preserves, and educating kids and adults about river ecosystems. Partee has successfully negotiated conservation plans with 95% of the developers that have come into the river corridor, and led hundreds of “Clean Sweeps” preserving the Little Miami National Wild and Scenic River for all to enjoy.
“It has been a labor of love and an absolute honor for forty years to work with public officials, conservationists, landowners and developers to permanently preserve the Little Miami’s critical riverfront forests, incredible wildlife and stunning natural beauty for generations to come! In 1982 we saw dead fish, abundant junk cars and many run-down structures along the river’s course. The River and the LMC organization are in great hands moving forward!” noted Partee.
Jason Brownknight has an extensive background – both as a hands-on ecologist and conservationist and as an organizational leader. He has worked locally for the Clermont Soil & Water Conservation District, the Cincinnati Nature Center, and then established Brownknight EcoResource LLC, a company devoted to land and water conservation. Jason will bring a continued passion to the organization, furthering the goal of a “win-win” position with local stakeholders including local and state governments, and developers to ensure the Little Miami National Wild and Scenic River continues to provide a healthy environment for all fish and wildlife, adding to the beauty of the surrounding communities who continue to benefit from all the Little Miami has to offer.
Brownknight said, “I am honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director for LMC. This incredible opportunity speaks to my passions, skillset, and love for the Little Miami National Wild and Scenic River. I am grateful to lead this esteemed organization through its next chapter and am proud to have the support of LMC’s Board of Directors and Eric. For the past twenty years I have worked or lived within the watershed boundary of the Little Miami and I am eager to apply my passion and experiences to further the vital work that LMC has accomplished since its founding in 1967.”
