Commendation Award for 2003, Dennis Fuchs, Stearns County SWCD

Commendation Award for 2003, Steve Woltjer, USDA-NRCS

Honor Award for 2003, Larry Gunderson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Honor Award for 2003, Jeff Berg, Washington Conservation District

Merit Award for 2003, Rice Creek Watershed District, Steve Hobbs, representative

Education Award for 2003,

Les Everett, University of Minnesota

The Commendation Award is available annually to Minnesota Chapter SWCS members for their commendable service to the Minnesota SWCS. The Chapter would like to recognize Dennis for Chapter service in the past and his current work establishing the Chapter website and helping arrange the summer tours. Accepted by Dennis Fuchs.

The Commendation Award is available annually to Minnesota Chapter SWCS members for their commendable service to the Minnesota SWCS. The Chapter would like to recognize you for your leadership and accomplishments in the field of natural resources. For the past several years, Steve has served as District Conservationist in Nobles County, gaining the reputation of being a person that truly understands not only farm programs but knows how to put conservation on the land in a technically sound manner. Accepted by Steve Woltjer

The Honor Award is available annually to members or non-members for accomplishments in the natural resource field. The Minnesota Chapter of SWCS would like to recognize Larry for his work with the Minnesota River Basin Plan and the other projects he has been involved in to further advance conservation and the wise use of our resources in Minnesota. Accepted by Larry Gunderson.

The Honor Award is available annually to members or non-members for accomplishments in the natural resource field. The Minnesota Chapter of SWCS recognizes Jeff for his work with local planning commissions, Minnesota Water Fowl, as a BWSR board representative, MASWCD, and in various other civic and conservation groups. He is always thinking of better ways to make the Washington Conservation District an active player in urban conservation and utilizes technology such as GIS and GPS in the workplace. He is on the Tour Committee for the 2004 National SWCS Convention. Accepted by Gregg Thompson on his behalf.

The Merit Award is available annually to a SWCS member or non-member group, agency, business, product, etc. for accomplishments or contributions to the natural resource field. The Minnesota Chapter would like to recognize Rice Creek Watershed District for work with agricultural areas and cities/townships within the District; restoration of lakes, rivers, creeks, and ditches; and improvement of water quality in the District. Since 1972, RCWD has worked with growing cities and agricultural areas to make wise decisions on land use. In 2002 RCWD partnered with the City of Hugo to create the Hugo City Hall Raingardens. Accepted by Steve Hobbs.

The Education Award is available annually to an individual, group, agency, etc. for their contribution to the conservation education of adults and/or youth. The Minnesota Chapter of SWCS would like to recognize Les for his work with Equip education statewide and his other education efforts over the years. He has worked with Feedlot Rules Education with agency staff, agriculture professionals, and farmers. He coordinates with FMMAC, CINRAM and state and federal agencies. He brought small groups of farmers together to write nutrient management plans for their farms. Accepted by Les Everett.