POLK COUNTY, WI -- The fourth annual Land and Water stewardship awards were presented at the December 4th, 2024, Environmental Services Committee meeting in Balsam Lake, WI.
In 2021 the Polk County Land and Water Resources Department developed a Stewardship Award program in appreciation of the service and commitment that individuals in the community have taken to advance the Land and Water Resources Department’s mission to preserve, protect, and enhance Polk County’s natural resources.
The Stewardship Award is given to a person, or a group, that has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to the improvement and protection of soil and water resources in Polk County, WI.
The 2024 Land Stewardship award winner was Greg Friendshuh of Friendshuh Farms, LLC in Clear Lake, WI and the 2024 Water Stewardship award went to Deer Lake Conservancy with Jay Becker representing the Deer Lake Conservancy.
Greg Friendshuh was awarded the Land Stewardship award for his dedication to implementing agricultural best management practices that improve soil health and water quality on his farm. Greg is a member of the Western Wisconsin Conservation Council, a farmer-led organization dedicated to improving agricultural systems to minimize environmental risk.
Jay Becker received the Water Stewardship award on behalf of Deer Lake Conservancy for their Deer Lake Herons Homeowner project. The Herons Homeowner project rewards lake property owners who maintain at least 70% of their shoreline with natural vegetation that extends at least 35 feet back from the shoreline and impervious surfaces must make up 10% or less of the total lot area. Establishing and maintaining natural shoreline and minimizing impervious surfaces on shoreline properties has shown positive impacts on surface water quality.
Last Update: Dec 07, 2024 11:40 am CST
