MARTIN SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

923 North State Street, Suite 110, Fairmont, MN  56031 

(507) 235-6680

 FAX:  (507) 235-8171

 

2010 LOCAL WINNERS

Local Conservationist honored at Soil and Water Conservation District Convention

JIM DROEGEMUELLER
Jim Droegemueller Farms was recently honored as outstanding conservationist at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, December 6-8, 2009 in Duluth, Minn.  He was selected by the Martin SWCD for the award.
 

Each year, the state's SWCDs recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota's natural resources.  The award program is conducted with support from The Farmer magazine.
 
According to Martin SWCD, Jim Droegemueller was recognized for a variety of reasons.  Jim is an environmentalist who cares about his land and is constantly looking at how he can preserve what he has.  He has two wetlands that have never been tiled and their integrity and local ecosystem have been maintained while many others have sadly disappeared and converted to cropland.  Jim farms some of the hilliest acres located in Martin County and he works hard to save his topsoil.  Jim’s farm edges two lakes that he has protected with riparian areas along their edges.  They also provide wildlife habitat and improve water quality. 
 
"We're really proud of Jim and what he has done for conservation in Martin County," said Kathy Smith, District Manager.  "Jim provides a wonderful example for conservationists.  Jim says his goal for his land is, “I want to leave the land better than I received it…”.  Jim has been active in partnering with Martin SWCD, NRCS and FSA to implement programs such as CRP, terraces, waterways, mulch-till, wildlife enhancement projects, installing a water & sediment control basin, tree program and rock inlets with CWP.  It is these qualities that have made him Martin SWCD’s  outstanding
 

2009 Outstanding Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Supervisor Award DUANE PETROWIAK

 

Each year the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) honors a SWCD Supervisor who has demonstrated leadership and achieved significant results in the conservation of Minnesota’s soil and water resources. In 2009, Duane Petrowiak, Martin SWCD was named the winner of this award.  The award was presented at the 73rd annual MASWCD convention, held Dec. 6-8 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN.
 

Duane has provided the Martin SWCD with over 21 years of dedicated service and through all those years has led through his great sense of justice, high values and ethics.  He continues to farm and practice good stewardship within his SWCD over the last 54 years.  Conservation practices incorporated on his own land include reduced tillage, tree planting and participation in the Conservation Reserve Program and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.  Petrowiak, a humble and private person, doesn’t look for acknowledgement in his many works.
 

Not only has Duane served at the local, area and state levels to the utmost, he has also provided his time, energy and leadership toward many other endeavors in his community including:  Township Supervisor for 33 years; Ditch Appraiser for the County; Member of the School Board and member of the County Planning Commission. 

 
In addition to promoting conservation education among our youth, he is active in the Knights of Columbus and shares conservation education materials with his church family.  In the presentation of the award to Petrowiak, MASWCD President Steve Sunderland noted that, “Duane is a leader and stands strong in conservation and the importance it has for future generations.”  Congratulations Duane! 
 
There are 91 SWCDs in the State of Minnesota and five Supervisors are elected to serve for each District.  This is a huge honor and very well deserved.  We at Martin SWCD are proud to be able to work with Duane Petrowiak. 
 

Fairmont Photo Press wins the 2009 MASWCD Media Award

 

Martin SWCD was proud to nominate the Fairmont Photo Press for the 2009 MASWCD Media Award.  This award honors an individual or organization for enhancing the visibility of SWCDs and their programs in Minnesota. 

 
Martin SWCD enjoys working with Fairmont Photo Press wanted to acknowledge the tremendous job they have done in promoting our programs and getting the word out about conservation in Martin County.  The paper has been instrumental in printing articles, pictures or other information submitted by the SWCD.  They have been a significant source of conservation information in our area.  Through the efforts of Fairmont Photo Press, Martin SWCD has become a more visible entity that readers have become comfortable asking for technical assistance.  MASWCD and Martin SWCD applauds the efforts of the Fairmont Photo Press in getting conservation news and information out to its readers.  Congratulations Fairmont Photo Press from the Martin SWCD! 
 

KATHY SMITH NAMED OUTSTANDING DISTRICT EMPLOYEE
Martin SWCD is proud to recognize and nominate Kathy Smith, District Manager for the 2009 Outstanding District Employee Award.  Kathy has been employed by the District for 26 years.  Many things have changed over those years for the District and for conservation buy Kathy has always maintained her dedication and vision to excel in getting conservation on the ground. 
 
Kathy recognizes and understands the many challenges that the District faces financially and economically.  Kathy is often the person behind the scenes who makes sure the District stays on course and remains viable.  She provides staff with opportunities to improve their knowledge and is supportive of their needs.  She deserves this award.  She is not one to seek accolades or acknowledgment for her achievements but it is important to note she is willing to lead by example and to do so through change.  Martin SWCD is a very active District, continuously implementing good conservation practices as well as offering educational workshops.  Her management style and  visionary leadership are reflected by the District's ability to work within itself as well as collaborate effectively with its many partners.
 
 
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS COMMUNITY CONSERVATIONIST AWARD NOMINEE:  STEVE MAURICE
Steve is honored for his continual community involvement in conservation and his quiet leadership0 that is leaving a big impact in our county.  Steve is a re tired NRCS District Conservationist (32 years) who worked in the Martin SWCD office and has continued to promote and educate our citizens on protecting our resources.
 
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS TEACHER AWARD NOMINEE:  LEEANN STEEN, Martin County West Teacher
LeeAnn teaches at Martin County West (MCW), Sherburn, MN and has been teaching for 23 years in Biology, Advanced Biology, Anatomy and Physical Science.  She has been an inspiration to her students and Martin SWCD staff with her enthusiasm and ability to provide opportunities to get students involved in environmental careers.
 
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION NOMINEE:  ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOL (SJV)
SJV, Fairmont, MN is for students K-6 and has been integrating and promoting conservation in their students' learning for years.  It has been inspiring to witness the growth and learning opportunities that are available for these students pertaining to conservation.  Congratulations to these area nominees and for a full description of their award and important services.
 
 
 
 

Barbara Ward"We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do."

- Barbara Ward, Only One Earth, 1972.
 

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