DEQ chief Hardesty leaving to head Nature Conservancy

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Director Toni Hardesty is leaving her post to become the new director of the Nature Conservancy in Idaho, the conservation organization announced today; she’ll start her new job Feb. 27. Hardesty has headed the Idaho DEQ since 2004, serving under three governors. At the Nature Conservancy, she’ll focus on “collaborative projects that protect land and water for nature and people.” Click here for the full announcement from the Nature Conservancy.