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 because of the many strong partnerships among our SWCDs, agency partners and landowners. 

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The following key awards will be recognized this year: 

• Community Conservationist (sponsored by MPCA & MASWCD)

• Wildlife Habitat Steward (sponsored by Pheasants Forever & MASWCD)

• Forest Stewardship Award (sponsored by DNR & MASWCD)

• MN Dept. of Health Drinking Water Protection Award

• MACDE Extraordinary SWCD Contribution Award

• Teacher of the Year (presented by MASWCD)

• Outstanding SWCD Supervisor (presented by MASWCD)

• SWCD Administrator of the Year (presented by BWSR)

• Outstanding SWCD Field Staff (presented by NRCS)

• SWCD of the Year (presented by MASWCD)

• Outstanding Conservationist of the Year (presented by The Farmer)

 

The award celebrations occur at the Awards Ceremony & Luncheons on Tuesday and Wednesday during the MASWCD Annual Convention.

 

The Outstanding Conservationists are chosen by their local SWCDs who nominate one landowner or organization to be recognized as an Outstanding Conservationist for their work in cooperating with that SWCD and for their commitment to conserving Minnesota’s soil and water resources. Some of these collaborative projects have spanned years and some decades.

 

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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We thank all the SWCDs for their submissions and thank all the Outstanding Conservationists for their dedication to conserving Minnesota's soil and water resources.