Joe Murphy of the Linwood community was recently appointed the at-large director for Pike County on the board of directors of the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority. The appointment was made by the Pike County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Probate Judge Wes Allen administered the oath of office to Murphy during a ceremony at the Pike County Courthouse Tuesday.

“Our board is looking forward to the important contributions Joe Murphy will make to the agency in the next four years,” said Barbara Gibson, executive director of the Watershed Management Authority. “His knowledge of the land and the importance of an adequate water supply will make him an invaluable asset to our organization and a highly effective representative for Pike County on the board.”

Murphy said he was honored to have been chosen to represent Pike County on the board of directors of the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Water Conservation District.

“I realize the important role the board plays in the management and care of all aspects of the three rivers,” Murphy said. “I’m dedicated to doing as good a job as my abilities allow. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve.”

Murphy owns and operates poultry and cattle operations in the Linwood and Tennille communities.

The Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority is a state agency established by the Legislature in 1991 and manages 2.3 million acres in the 10 southeastern counties. The agency is responsible for developing plans and programs relating to water resource management in the areas of water quality, water quantity, flood control and water conservation education. It is the only watershed management authority that is a State agency.

The Watershed Management Authority is a non-regulatory agency and is governed by a 16-member board of directors selected from the 10 southeastern counties in Alabama.