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Longume w au 00xtenuon airector follows passion
By NATALIE JOHNSON
natalie@masoncounty.com
After more than 20 years working
for Mason County Washington State
University (WSU) Extension, Bob Sim-
mons is moving on to a full-time posi-
tion that allows him to follow his pas-
sion for water quality.
"My mission is really to protect and
improve water quality in Puget Sound
... for all of its uses," he said.
Simmons, 50, has worked at Mason
County WSU Extension since 1992 and
has been director since 2001. On March
1, he will begin a new job at the Jef-
ferson County WSU Extension office as
state water quality program leader and
a water resources specialist.
Simmons said the water quality pro-
gram leader position was created at his
suggestion.
"I really wanted to focus on water,"
he said. "WSU hasn't had a person pro-
viding leadership in statewide water
resources. I wanted to focus more of my
energy in this last part of my career on
water resources and water quality."
Simmons said he has enjoyed his
time in Mason County.
"I really feel blessed," he said. "I love
being part of all the programs we have
here."
Simmons said he has always loved
water, and described himself as the
Journal photo by Natalie Johnson
Bob Simmons, director of Mason
County WSU Extension, is leaving
this month after more than 20 years
in Mason County for a position as
state water-quality program leader
based out of the Jefferson County
WSU Extension Office.
last person to leave the water after a
day on the beach.
"I've always been drawn to water,"
he said.
After getting a bachelor's degree in
geomechanical engineering, Simmons
soon realized he wanted to work in wa-
ter quality.
"I went back to graduate school and
got a mastes degree in water resourc-
es management," he said.
After receiving that degree from the
University of Rhode Island in 1991,
Simmons packed up and headed west.
"I had been out to the Pacific North-
west the summer before I graduated
from grad school and I really was tak-
en by the mountains, the friendliness
of the people (and) the beauty of the
coastline," he said. "I got in my little
pickup truck and moved here."
Simmons worked for a short time for
the Environmental Protection Agency
in Oregon, then moved north after be-
ing accepted for a position at the WSU
Mason County Extension.
Simmons said he is proud of the suc-
cess of several programs, including the
Mason County Noxious Weed Control
Board, the 4-H Forestry Leadership
Summer Program and a partnership
with Mason Conservation District to
lend technical assistance to local farm-
ers. The partnership helps improve wa-
ter quality and make farms more prof-
itable, he said.
"I'm proud that we have really good
programs now," he said. "I'm proud of
my staff. I can't really take credit for
things."
Simmons said he is also proud of a
rain garden built about 3 ½ years ago
behind the Mason County Extension
building on the corner of Fourth and
Cedar streets.
Rain gardens are made up of na-
tive plants and permeable soil, and
help drain and filter excess rainwater
that might pool in a paved area, or flow
straight into a storm drain, bringing
contaminants such as oil along with it.
"It's really serving a need," Sim-
mons said.
When people come into the office
asking for information about rain gar-
dens, Simmons said extension staff can
take them out back and show them an
example firsthand.
"I feel like I'm leaving at a time
when our programs are very strong,"
he said. "I feel like I'm leaving the of-
fice in a good situation."
After being the extension director for
12 years, Simmons said he hopes the
next director brings a new perspective.
"I hope that the new person can
bring some new, fresh ideas," he said.
Simmons said the Mason County
WSU Extension is looking for a can-
didate with experience in natural re-
sources and economic development.
Until a new Mason County director
is hired, Lucas Patzek, Thurston Coun-
ty WSU Extension director, will man-
age the Mason County office.
In his years as director of the Ma-
son County WSU Extension, Simmons
has been an active presence at regular
meetings of the Mason County Board of
Commissioners, each week sharing in-
formation about the extension's work.
"We're one of the departments that
are really there for the people," he said.
Mason County Sheriff Casey Salis-
bury wished Simmons well at the Feb.
4 county commission meeting.
"You are one of the kindest people
I've ever met," Salisbury said. "Con-
gratulations to you and we'll deeply
miss you."
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