Boozer, Astor
Astor Boozer
Astor Boozer, a native Texan and a passionate advocate for conservation spent his early years on a farm and ranch, learning the values of environmental stewardship from his family. Boozer’s career has seen him take on various roles, including state conservationist for the USDA and, since December 2011, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) regional conservationist for the West Region. In this capacity, he provides leadership on natural resource issues, strengthens partnerships, and works to improve private and public lands conservation while reducing the administrative burden on landowners.
Astor Boozer’s deep-rooted connection to land conservation began early. He grew up on a small crop farm with a cow-calf operation and forestland management. His earliest memories revolve around conservation practices like rotational grazing and forest management instilled by his father, who often emphasized, “If you take care of the land, it will take care of you” (2020). This upbringing laid the foundation for Astor’s lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
His family’s efforts extended to water, soil resources, and habitat preservation, establishing that these natural resources were everyone’s collective responsibility. These principles became integral to his ethos.
Boozer began his college career at McMurry College where he studied electrical engineering from 1982 to 1984. He later attended Prairie A&M University where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1987.
Boozer spent time in Washington, D.C., where he was introduced to urban conservation, and shifted his focus to local yard management and water quality. Here, he became acutely aware of the impact of runoff into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed from street drains.
Astor Boozer’s career in conservation began when he served as a district director on the Starr County Soil and Water Conservation District in Texas, where he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of conservation practices. Collaborating with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) (formerly the Soil Conservation Service), his family implemented a conservation plan that led to establishing a terrace system and rejuvenating the ranch. The positive impact of livestock water distribution systems, prescribed grazing, and habitat management practices became evident through the healing of gullies, the resurgence of healthy cattle, and the return of native grasses and wildlife.
As he progressed in his career, Boozer assumed various roles, including serving as the state conservationist for the USDA from 2009 to 2011. Since December 2011, he has held the esteemed position of NRCS regional conservationist for the West Region. In this role, he provides dynamic leadership on natural resource issues and oversees the conservation programs and technical assistance activities across 13 Western States. He is committed to strengthening partnerships, improving private and public lands conservation, and enhancing collaboration with state and federal agencies. He aims to reduce the administrative burden on landowners seeking assistance and access to USDA programs. In 2013, Boozer took on the additional role of Acting Deputy Under Secretary of NRE.
Boozer is a staunch advocate for science-based conservation and consistently works to leverage partner funding to implement these practices on the ground. He values employee development and actively fosters the growth of future agency leaders through training, temporary career-enhancing assignments, and mentoring opportunities.
A native Texan with an enduring passion for the Dallas Cowboys, Boozer combines his agricultural background with his career experience, creating a legacy of conservation and environmental advocacy spanning 34 years. His commitment to outdoor activities and his love for hunting, fishing, and horseback riding further enrich his multifaceted journey.
Astor Boozer. n.d. Home [LinkedIn Page]. LinkedIn. Retrieved October 20, 2023 from https://www.linkedin.com/in/astor-boozer-aa17b333/
Farm Journal Editors. (2020, December 22). Meet Your Local Conservationist. https://www.agweb.com/news/business/conservation/meet-your-regional-cons…
USDA. 2023. Regional Conservationist Astor Boozer. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/leadership/regional-conservationist-asto…