The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) today announced that former U.S. Congressman James T. Walsh has been appointed to the organization’s Board of Directors for a three-year term.

Jim is currently serving as a government affairs counselor for K&L Gates, a law firm based in Washington D.C. He and his wife DeDe live in Spafford on Otisco Lake and have been members of the FLLT since 2011.

Jim joins the board after serving in an advisory capacity on the organization’s President’s Council for several years. He is both an avid outdoorsman and a conservationist who enjoys fly fishing, hiking, and birding, and cares deeply about the Finger Lakes.

In addition to the FLLT, Jim serves on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations including the Onondaga Environmental Institute, U.S. Soccer Foundation, Saint Bonaventure University, and  Co-operation Ireland.

“We are delighted that Jim has joined our Board of Directors,” said Land Trust Executive Director Andrew Zepp. “His extensive background in public policy will be a valuable asset in achieving our conservation goals.”