AWARDS

Each year, at MASWCD's Annual Convention, several awards are given to recognize the outstanding achievements in conservation that occur in our communities across Minnesota. These ongoing successes only occur because of the many strong partnerships among our SWCDs, agency partners and landowners. 

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To view photos of all the 2025 awardees, visit the MASWCD Facebook page.

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The following awards were recognized in 2025: 

• Community Conservationist - Kathy Wagner

        nominated by Cass SWCD

        (sponsored by MPCA & MASWCD)

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• Forest Stewardship Award - Keith Pelto

       nominated by North St. Louis SWCD

       (sponsored by DNR & MASWCD)

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• Wildlife Habitat Steward - Steve Welle

        nominated by Stearns SWCD

        (sponsored by Pheasants Forever & MASWCD)

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• DNR Ecological & Water Resources Appreciation Award - Stearns SWCD

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• MN Dept. of Health Drinking Water Protection Award - Rock County / Arlyn Gehrke​

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• Teacher of the Year - Christa Williamson of Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg School District

        (presented by MASWCD)

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• MACDE Extraordinary SWCD Contribution Award - Holly Hatlewick, Renville SWCD

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• SWCD Administrator of the Year - Holly Kovarik, Pope SWCD

       (presented by BWSR)

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• Outstanding SWCD Field Staff - Wes Drake, Becker SWCD

       (presented by NRCS)

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• Outstanding SWCD Supervisor - Tom Schulz, Wadena SWCD

       (presented by MASWCD)

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• SWCD of the Year - North St. Louis SWCD

       (presented by MASWCD)

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• Outstanding Conservationist of the Year - Blue Line Farm, The Trieglaff Family

        presented by The Farmer)

 

The award celebrations occur at the Awards Luncheons on Tuesday and Wednesday during the MASWCD Annual Convention held each year in December.

 

Every year, Outstanding Conservationists are nominated by their local SWCDs to honor and recognize a landowner or organization for their commitment to conserving Minnesota’s soil and water resources. This is the SWCD's opportunity to thank and appreciate the people and organizations that partner with them on conservation projects. Some of these collaborative projects have spanned over many years and some decades.

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From all of the nominated Outstanding Conservationists, eight area finalists are chosen by the MASWCD Awards Committee and the final 2025 Outstanding Conservationist of the Year is announced at the MASWCD Annual Convention. 

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MASWCD thanks all of the SWCDs for their nominations and we want to thank all the Outstanding Conservationists for their dedication to conserving Minnesota's soil and water resources. ​​​​​​

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CLICK HERE to view the

2025 MASWCD Awards Booklet​

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​Visit the MASWCD Facebook page to view all photos of the MASWCD Annual Conventions and Award Recipients.