The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) with the support from The Farmer magazine, offers the MASWCD Outstanding Conservationist Award to recognize individuals, conservation organizations, ad other for outstanding accomplishments with implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota's natural resources. Recognition will be given for accomplishments between July 1 of last year and June 30th of this year. The Becker SWCD has selected an Outstanding Conservationist every year since 1950. The SWCD was formed in 1948.

In order for an entry to be included in the recognition program the Becker SWCD must have completed and submitted the District Capacity Award score sheet to the MASWCD office by their deadline.

The Buffalo-Red River Watershed District Board of Managers includes (from left): E. Robert Olson, Jerry VanAmburg, Curtis Nelson, Roger Ellefson and John Hanson.

The 2009 Becker SWCD Conservationist of the Year Award was presented to the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District.

The Watershed District was recognized for its efforts in the 24 square mile Hay Creek sub-watershed located in Becker County. With the watershed receiving a $185,000 Clean Water Legacy Grant and matching it with $50,000, they were able to partner with the Becker SWCD and NRCS to secure other cost-share funds to address severe sediment and erosion problems in the sub-watershed. Construction began this past summer and will be completed in 2010. When complete, 54 sediment and erosion control basins, 170 acres of riparian buffers and 5 miles of tile for gully control will have been installed in the sub watershed. Congratulations, again to the Buffalo-Red Watershed District.

The Buffalo-Red River Watershed District was recognized at the MASWCD's annual convention last December. The Becker SWCD also presented the Buffalo Red-River Watershed District with a plaque.