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.
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
Learn More About Our Awards:
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:
- County Conservationist/Administrator/Supervisor
- Technician/Planner/Project Manager/GIS Specialist/Agronomist
- Administrative Assistant/Clerical
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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
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