RRF named Land Trust of the Year
by Gathering Waters Conservancy!
We are honored to be named Land Trust of the Year by Gathering Waters Conservancy's 2012 Land Conservation Leadership Awards!
The Land Conservation Leadership Awards are given to individuals and organizations to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of individuals,
policy makers, and land trusts who are working to protect the places
that make Wisconsin special. The awards honor the power of committed
citizens and offer inspiring examples of conservation success. We are thrilled to be a part of this years award winners. Thank you to all of our wonderful partners, supporters, and volunteers, as you are each instrumental in RRf receiving this award! Congrats to the other award winners this year! We are in great company!
Land Trust of the Year – River Revitalization
Foundation, Milwaukee’s urban rivers land trust since 1994, has increased
public access to Milwaukee’s rivers and enhanced the quality of life for residents
and visitors alike. Its partnerships throughout the community provide
opportunities for immersion into the natural world, educate about conservation
in an urban setting, and illustrate the synergy between land conservation an urban development.
Policy Maker of the Year – John Koepke, a member of the Department of
Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection board, as well as the Purchase of
Agricultural Conservation Easement Council, has championed efforts to promote
and defend the Wisconsin Working Lands Initiative. His committed actions
and voice as a farmer from Oconomowoc have proved invaluable to farmland
protection in Wisconsin.
Rod Nilsestuen Award for Working Lands Preservation – Dale Katsma,
Department of Natural Resources Area Wildlife Supervisor in Plymouth, has spent
the last decade quietly and successfully pioneering working lands preservation.
His patient and persistent efforts to build relationships and trust between the
DNR, landowners, and other conservation groups have played a pivotal role in
the protection of 1,887 acres of farmland and 684 acres of wildlife habitat
& natural areas in southeastern Wisconsin.
Conservationist of the Year – Ellen Kwiatkowski, the Executive Director
of Bayfield Regional Conservancy, a valuable asset to the state’s PACE Council,
chair of Wisconsin’s Land Trust Council, and co-owner of an easement-protected
farm, has been an essential player in the permanent protection of over 1000
acres of land throughout northern Wisconsin and in successfully leading BRC
through the national land trust accreditation process.
Harold “Bud” Jordahl Land Trust Pioneer Award – The Ridges Sanctuary
celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and was the first land trust in
Wisconsin. Inspiring stewardship of natural areas through educational programs,
outreach and research, The Ridges can undoubtedly be credited for positively
impacting the history of land conservation throughout the state and laying
groundwork for future conservation efforts throughout the Door Peninsula and
beyond.
***Save the date for the
Land
Conservation Leadership Awards Celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 on Thursday,
October 4th at the Monona Terrace in Madison***
