2007 Award Recipients

1. 2007 Award Recipients

2. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 District Employee Award of Excellence With her effervescent personality, Jan Boerger always sees the “good” in people and inspires others to be their best. Grant County Conservation District manager since 1984, she promotes District services such as tree cultivation, grass drill rentals, weed barrier fabric installation, mowing and tilling between tree rows. As part of her organization of Grant County Conservation District’s 60th anniversary celebration, Jan compiled a history book of the District. With the assistance of Dale Gold, she administered the Lake Farley Restoration Project and has been instrumental in securing other grants to promote conservation practices. Jan represented the Coteau area on the Employees Association board of directors. She and her husband Gene own a grain farm in Grant Center township, as well as Julie L’s Wedding and Party Rentals. SDACD president Jack Majeres presents Jan Boerger with the 2007 SDACD District Employee Award of Excellence

3. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 District Official Award of Excellence Member of the Potter County Conservation District board of supervisors since 1993 and chair since 1996, Art Beringer regularly provides input and direction to the District. This includes commenting on state & national legislative issues, reviewing District policies, mediating producer disputes, unloading fabric shipments, initiating several awards, supervising construction of the District’s new building and cooler, helping hand seed the District’s grass demonstration plot and assisting for three years with SD Rangeland and SDACD president Jack Majeres congratulates Art Beringer as his wife Joane and two of their children hold his awards. Soil Days. Art also represents the North Missouri area on the Association’s board of directors and co-chairs the Natural Resources Stewardship Committee. He and his wife Joane implement conservation practices in their operation, setting a great example for others. In his spare time this year, Art co-chaired Gettysburg’s 125th celebration parade.

4. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Professional Service Award Marshall, Day, Codington, Grant, Roberts and Clark Conservation Districts rely on Tom Wickstrom to spearhead projects such as rotational grazing systems, native grass plantings, livestock water development projects, and wetland restorations that are valuable to landowners, wildlife, and help meet the goals of the various Coordinated Conservation Plans of the area. US Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program technician at Waubay National Wildlife Refuge since 1989, Tom worked with over 800 landowners to install over $3 million of conservation work on the ground. In addition, he educates approximately 100 students annually about wetlands, wildlife and soil and water conservation. The SD Chapter of the Wildlife Society recognized Tom as their 2007 Wildlife Professional of the Year for his contribution to South Dakota’s wildlife resources. SDACD president Jack Majeres presents Tom Wickstrom of the USDI-Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program with the 2007 SDACD Professional Service Award

5. South Dakota Association of Conservation District Employees 2007 Outstanding Service Award While “director at large” for the South Dakota Association of Conservation District Employees, Sheila Bayer provided conservation district employees with a better insight on how their activities contribute to the natural resources “team.” Sheila takes special initiatives in her position in the NRCS Area Support Office in Brookings to consider and accommodate both conservation district and NRCS personnel in a team atmosphere. The conservation district employees in her area consistently praise her work accomplishments and positive attitude. As a member of the SD Chapter-Soil & Water Conservation Society scholarship committee, Sheila helped develop the scholarship criteria and evaluate nominations. She also actively participates in NRCS recruitment activities at SDSU. SDACDE awards committee co-chair Harvey Shafer presents Sheila Bayer of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service with the 2007 SDACDE Outstanding Service Award

6. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts Endowment Fund The South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts Endowment Fund provides a foundation of support for natural resource conservation in South Dakota. Contributions to the fund are held in trust and invested in government-backed securities. The interest from the investments is utilized by the Association of Conservation Districts to further the goals and mission of South Dakota’s conservation districts-sensible, voluntary, self-governed conservation management and development of South Dakota’s natural resources for ourselves and our posterity. Contributions to the Endowment Fund can be made in honor or recognition of an individual or organization. Conservation districts and others use the Fund to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the conservation district movement. Recognitions for contributions to the Endowment Fund occur on three levels: the Governor’s Award, the President’s Club and the Century Club. The Governor’s Award is presented when $2,000 is contributed by or in a person’s or non-district organization’s honor. The President’s Club is presented for contributions of $1,000. Conservation districts achieving additional levels of $1,000 receive special recognition in addition to the plaques they have previously won. The Century Club is awarded for contributions of $100

7. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund Governor’s Award Governor’s Award recipient Bill Bisgard (in memoriam) of Waubay was selected as the Coteau area 2007 honoree. Bill, who died on his family farm February 14, used every opportunity to promote conservation. A supervisor for the Day County Conservation District since 1995, Bill chaired the board from January 1997 until his untimely death. He became the Coteau Area representative to the Association board of directors in 2004 and was elected by his peers to the Association’s Executive Committee. Bill also served on the Big Sioux Nursery board of directors. Active in his community and a life-long Day County farmer, Bill enjoyed collecting and restoring old tractors, hunting, ice fishing, bowling and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife Rosanne, son Chris and daughter-in-law Kristin and two grandchildren, Ella and Charlie. SDACD president Jack Majeres presents Rosanne & Chris Bisgard with the plaque noting Bill Bisgard’s induction into the Association’s Endowment Fund Governor’s Award.

8. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund President’s Club President’s Club recipient Darrell Vig of Sturgis was selected as the Hills area 2005 honoree. In May, 2004, Darrell retired from the Natural Resources Conservation Service after 33 years. Born and raised on a farm near Veblen, he received his Mechanized Agriculture BS degree from SDSU in May, 1971. He started his federal career in Brookings as a soil conservationist, then moved to Plankinton. In 1973, he came a district conservationist in Menno and then transferred to Gettysburg in 1976. Darrell’s final NRCS move led him to Sturgis when he assisted the producers of the Elk Creek Conservation District for 24 1/2 years as their district conservationist. During his career, he trained over 40 soil conservationists, soil conservation technicians, range conservationists, summer trainees and conservation district employees. Now retired from federal service, Darrell and his son and wife build homes in the northern Black Hills. No picture available

9. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund President’s Club President’s Club recipient Mayola Horst of Kadoka was selected as the 2006 Prairie area honoree. A 21-year employee of Jackson County Conservation District, Mayola also served as president of the Employees Association and on the Big Sioux Nursery board along with many other positions & committees. Community involvement includes establishment of a community “tree bank,” an RC&D grant for city elm removal, local site for Master Gardener course, establishing Kadoka’s mini-state arboretum, past service on Kadoka City Council and Concordia Lutheran Church council and current membership on the Kadoka Economic Development Board. Mayola’s husband Jim and two children graciously accept her many activities and help make it possible for her to pursue her interests. Mayola Horst and SDACD president Jack Majeres upon her induction into the Association’s Endowment Fund President’s Club.

10. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund President’s Club President’s Club recipient Art Beringer of Gettysburg was selected as the North Missouri area 2007 honoree. In his 8th year as area director, Art chairs the North Missouri meetings and the Natural Resources Stewardship Committee. He also served several years on the Association’s Executive Committee. His dedication is evidenced by his involvement in activities at the district, area, and state levels, including attending NACD regional & national meetings. Member of the Potter County Conservation District Board of Supervisors since 1993, Art oversees District activities and projects. Art and his wife Joane implement conservation practices in their operation, setting a great example for others. Joane retired last year from the Auxiliary presidency. SDACD president Jack Majeres congratulates Art Beringer as his wife Joane and two of their children hold his awards.

11. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund President’s Club President’s Club recipient Corrine Ehlers of Flandreau was selected as the Vermillion-Big Sioux area 2007 honoree. For over 30 years, Corrine performed as Moody County Conservation District secretary, bookkeeper, and manager of the day to day business. Whatever was asked of Corrine, she found a way to accomplish the task. Over the years, she did it all - tree sales and nursery orders, tree cooler maintenance, drill rentals, Arbor Day programs, Soil & Water Stewardship Week activities, assisting with surveying and so much more. Corrine’s easy going manner and quiet sense of humor won her the respect of producers and co-workers. Although retiring in 2003, Corrine and her husband, Roger, keep busy with the local food pantry, their church, elderly parents and grandchildren’s school activities. Corrine Ehlers and SDACD president Jack Majeres upon her induction into the Association’s Endowment Fund President’s Club.

12. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund President’s Club President’s Club recipients Don & Lois Pueppke of Farmer were selected as the South James-Missouri area 2007 honorees. He serves on the Hanson County Conservation District board of supervisors, beginning in 1980 and is currently vice-chair of the Board. Don represented the area on the Association board of directors 1984 to 1992 and 1993 to 1996, including serving as secretary/treasurer from 1986 until 1991. While Don was an area director, the conservation districts established the Endowment Fund. Don and his wife Lois are familiar faces at conventions and conferences. Lois served many years in all positions as an Auxiliary officer. Don and Lois Pueppke and SDACD president Jack Majeres upon their induction into the Association’s Endowment Fund President’s Club.

13. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund President’s Club President’s Club recipient, the South Dakota Grassland Coalition was selected as the Prairie area 2007 honoree. As one of the Coalition’s founders, the Conservation Districts Association supports the Coalition's mission to enhance South Dakota's grassland resources. The Coalition encourages local leadership and guidance in a cooperative effort while providing the appropriate tools and training for grassland managers. In recognition of their grassroots approach and extensive range of partners, the Coalition recently received the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Excellence in Conservation Award, their highest award to honor those outside the Federal government for their work in conservation. SD Grassland Coalition representative Darv Peckham and SDACD president Jack Majeres upon the Coalition’s induction into the Association’s Endowment Fund President’s Club.

14. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund President’s Club Each year, a portion of the registration fee to the conservation districts’ convention is contributed to the SDACD Endowment Fund to honor those the SDACD Board of Directors feels have made an outstanding long-term contribution to conservation in South Dakota. The Board of Directors in 2007 recognized and inducted Michael D. Kuck of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service into the Endowment Fund President's Club. Mike was unable to attend to receive his award; therefore the Board of Directors will present the award at a later date. No picture available

15. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund President’s Club Conservation District Members of the President’s Club Who Have Reached Additional $1,000 Levels of Contributions Day County Conservation District - $10,000 Codington County Conservation District - $6,000 Grant County Conservation District - $5,000 Potter County Conservation District - $5,000 Brule-Buffalo Conservation District - $4,000 Hanson County Conservation District - $4,000 BonHomme County Conservation District - $3,000 No picture available

16. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund Century Club 2007 Endowment Fund Century Club recipients in photo: Back row: Jones Conservation District (Paul Thomas), Lincoln Conservation District (Merlyn Rennich), American Creek Conservation District (Terry Moore), Kingsbury Conservation District (Alan Vedvei), Gerald Thaden of Marvin, Richard Fossum of Canton, Jackson Conservation District (Terry Pinney), Brookings Conservation District (Darrell DeBoer), Marshall Conservation District (Wanda Franzen) Front Row: Mellette & Todd Conservation Districts (Kara Krogman), Gregory Conservation District (Richard Rubel), Brule-Buffalo Conservation District and Gail Stremel of Chamberlain, (Tina DeHaii), Beadle Conservation District (Delwin Hofer), Hutchinson Conservation District (Clinton Fuerst), Haakon Conservation District (Theresa O’Connell), McPherson Conservation District (John Weisser), and SDACD treasurer Fran Fritz.

17. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Endowment Fund Century Club Individuals: Paul Bainbridge of BonHomme CD Claire & Mary Bierschbach of Webster Rosanne Bisgard of Waubay Harold & Mabel Dufelmeier (in memoriam) of Chamberlain Angela Ehlers of Presho Richard & Arlene Fossum of Canton Vesta Fritz of Iroquois Lloyd Haisch (in memoriam) of Lincoln CD John & Alice Majeres of Dell Rapids Gail Stremel of Chamberlain Gerald & Darlene Thaden of Marvin Hills Area Conservation Districts Prairie Area Conservation Districts SD Assn of Conservation District Employees Conservation Districts: American Creek Conservation District Aurora County Conservation District Beadle County Conservation District Brookings County Conservation District Charles Mix County Conservation District Davison County Conservation District Deuel County Conservation District Douglas County Conservation District Edmunds County Conservation District Elk Creek Conservation District Faulk County Conservation District Gregory County Conservation District Haakon County Conservation District Hand County Conservation District Hughes County Conservation District Hutchinson County Conservation District Hyde County Conservation District Jackson County Conservation District Jerauld County Conservation District Jones County Conservation District Kingsbury County Conservation District Lincoln County Conservation District Marshall County Conservation District McCook County Conservation District McPherson County Conservation District Mellette County Conservation District Miner County Conservation District Minnehaha County Conservation District Moody County Conservation District Pennington Conservation District Roberts County Conservation District Sanborn County Conservation District Shannon County Conservation District South Brown Conservation District Spink County Conservation District Sully County Conservation District Todd County Conservation District

18. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Association Service Awards Irwin Symens of Claremont was elected to represent the Association as president and assumed his position at the end of the convention in September. Jack Majeres of Dell Rapids retired as president of the Association. He continues to be involved in the Association, having been elected to the National Association of Conservation Districts’ executive board. Fran Fritz of Iroquois was elected as the Association’s vice-president. Incoming president Irwin Symens expresses the Association’s appreciation to outgoing president Jack Majeres by presenting him with an engraved watch.

19. South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts 2007 Association Service Awards Art Beringer of Gettysburg retired after eight years as the North Missouri area representative to the Association’s board of directors. Tina Feyereisen of Hosmer was elected to succeed Beringer on the board of directors. President Jack Majeres expresses the Association’s appreciation to retiring director Art Beringer by presenting him with an engraved clock.