Our Conservation Awards recognize and honor those who have made a significant impact on conservation in Wisconsin. At our annual conference, we celebrate their achievements and share their inspiring stories with the people of Wisconsin.

Every year, individuals and organizations throughout Wisconsin dedicate their time, energy, and resources to conservation efforts. They work tirelessly to protect our waters, restore habitats, reduce pollution, and raise awareness about conservation issues specific to Wisconsin.

Learn More About Our Awards:

Outstanding Conservation Employee

This award recognizes a land conservation department employee who has made significant contributions to land and water conservation. There are three categories in which you can nominate an individual:

  1. County Conservationist/Administrator/Supervisor
  2. Technician/Planner/Project Manager/GIS Specialist/Agronomist
  3. Administrative Assistant/Clerical

See guidelines and nomination form »

Outstanding LCC Member

This award recognizes a land conservation committee (LCC) member who has provided strong and effective leadership in promoting resource conservation through their own actions and work in their community.

See guidelines and nomination form »

The Brad Matson Youth Education Award - Outstanding Youth Educator

This award is in honor of Brad Matson, Iron County LCC and his work involving youth education and all of its programs. The Brad Matson Youth Education Award will carry on Brad’s legacy which recognizes the importance of educating our youth about protecting and managing our natural resources for the next generations.

See guidelines and nomination form »

Conservation Legacy Award

This award recognizes an individual who through their personal dedication, commitment, and selfless service has made direct and lasting contributions to Wisconsin Land+Water, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Departments, and most importantly, the citizens of the State of Wisconsin.

See guidelines and nomination form »

Friend of Conservation

This award recognizes an individual, business, organization, agency, etc. outside of the association and its membership for outstanding contributions dedicated to protecting and conserving Wisconsin’s natural resources.

See guidelines and nomination form »

Conservation Farm Family of the Year

This award promotes total farm conservation accomplishments by recognizing farmers performing outstanding work, including community involvement and conservation education. The state winner is asked to host Conservation Observance Day and will receive reimbursement up to $3500 from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

See guidelines and nomination form »

2021 Award Winners

BRAD MATSON YOUTH EDUCATION AWARD: Tracy Arnold, Portage County

OUTSTANDING CONSERVATION EMPLOYEE - TECHNICIAN/ENGINEER: Fay Amerson, Walworth County

OUTSTANDING CONSERVATION EMPLOYEE - COUNTY CONSERVATIONIST: Greg Leonard, Eau Claire County

OUTSTANDING SUPERVISOR: Dan Nankee, Iowa County

SPECIAL RECOGNITION/FRIEND OF CONSERVATION: Drew Zelle, DATCP

CONSERVATION STEWARD: Short Lane Ag, under the leadership of Matt and Craig Oehmichen

2020 Award Winners

BRAD MATSON YOUTH EDUCATION AWARD: Zach Wilson, Iron County

OUTSTANDING CONSERVATION EMPLOYEE - TECHNICIAN/ENGINEER: Seth Ebel, Dane County

OUTSTANDING CONSERVATION EMPLOYEE - COUNTY CONSERVATIONIST: Eric Fehlhaber, Sheboygan County

FRIEND OF CONSERVATION: Representative Katrina Shankland

CONSERVATION FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR: Kevin and Carolyn Parr - Harmony Hills, Vernon County

See previous winners, including WALCE awards

2023 Conservation Award Winners

Justine Bula

Sauk County

Brad Matson Youth Education Award

Marie Raboin

Dane County

Outstanding Conservation Employee – Conservation Specialist

Mike Sorge

Department of Natural Resources

Friend of Conservation

Paul Sebo

Washington County

Outstanding Conservation Employee – County Conservationist

Melissa Luck

Richland County

Outstanding County Supervisor

Andy Holschbach

Retired from Ozaukee County

Conservation Legacy Award

Conservation Farm Family of the Year

The Schoepp Family, Columbia County


2022 Conservation Award Winners

Travis Tulowitzky

Bayfield County

Outstanding Conservation Employee, Technician/Agronomist/Planner

Becky Arneson

Trempealeau County

Outstanding Conservation Employee, Administrative/Clerical

Anne Bartels

Marinette County

Brad Matson Youth Education Award for Outstanding Youth Educator

Larry Sommer

Forest County

Outstanding Supervisor

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Special Recognition/Friend of Conservation