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2022 Conservation Awards
On November 8, 2022, the South Platte Natural Resources District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service hosted the 2022 Conservation Awards Banquet. This year four awards were presented: Conservation Farm, Tree Planter, Grassland Manager, and the Community Environmental Impact. Below are highlights of the award recipients.
2022 Conservation Farm Award
Tony Walker, Walker Farms in Cheyenne County, was awarded the Conservation Farm Award. This award recognizes producers that use best conservation practices and incorporate a total farm plan that benefits not only their operation but helps preserve natural resources for future generations. Tony is a progressive farmer and has utilized many conservation practices to improve soil health, decrease herbicide and pesticide use, and reduce soil erosion.
2022 Grassland Manager Award
Marian Yoshimoto, Deuel County, received the Grassland Manager Award. This award recognizes individuals who show good stewardship in grassland use and management. The Yoshimoto’s drilled a new well, installed a solar pump system and replaced their stock water tank which were instrumental in helping them manage their grasslands. They monitored their grasslands weekly and based their rotational grazing system on the rangeland conditions.
From left, Les Yoshimoto, Marian Yoshimoto and Bill Halligan, SPNRD Board Chair.
2022 Tree Planter Award
Gene Dickinson, Cheyenne County, was awarded the Tree Planter Award. This award recognizes the commitment to tree plantings and the care and maintenance that has been given after the initial planting. For nearly 20 years, Gene has been dedicated and consistent to replanting every year. He has one of the most diverse tree and shrub plantings in our district, which also addresses the needs of wildlife and wind erosion.
From left, Gene Dickinson and Bill Halligan, SPNRD Board Chair.
2022 Community Environmental Impact Award
John Heidemann and Jim Shoup, City of Kimball, received the Community Environmental Impact Award. This award recognizes programs carried out by groups, individuals, agencies, or businesses which have a significant environmental benefit for an urban area within a town or city. John is diligent about his work and instrumental in selecting new trees for Gotte Park to keep diversity in the tree inventory. In addition to their principal responsibilities, every year John and Jim host an Arbor Day celebration for the 4th grade students at Mary Lynch school. Students learn the various benefits of trees, review planting instructions and tree care. They also learn about post-planting practices of watering and mulching to improve the health of the tree. The Arbor Day celebration reminds students about the value and purpose of trees and that their existence is vital.
From left, Jim Shoup, Bill Halligan, SPNRD Board Chair, and John Heidemann.