2011 Outstanding
Conservationist of the Year

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, and others 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 2011, the Becker Soil and Water Conservation District have chosen Randy and Judy Lefebvre of Detroit Lakes as the recipients of the Outstanding Conservationist for Becker County.

The Lefebvres own approximately 1000 acres of which 750 acres are cropland that they rent out. As a landlord, Randy has invested a lot of time and money in land stewardship practices. Past conservation measures include CRP, five water and sediment control basins and wildlife food plots. In 2010 and 2011, they installed a 1300 foot long grassed waterway draining approximately 1300 acres. Components of this practice includes subsurface drain, two water and sediment control basins, turf reinforcement matting, and CRP grass seeding on both sides. Funding sources also included State Cost-Share, CRP, and AgBMP loan program. Total cost of the project exceeded $100,000 with approximately 50% being paid by the Lefebvres. Congratulations to the Lefebvres.

Randy and Judy Lefebvre will be recognized at the MASWCD's annual convention in December. The Becker SWCD will also present the Lefebvres with a plaque.