Outstanding Conservationists

This award recognizes individuals, conservation organizations, and others for outstanding accomplishments with implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources. 

2011 Wadena SWCD Outstanding Conservationists

Wadena Area Replant Project Committee

This multi-disciplinary committee consisting of knowledgeable personnel and citizens from the city of Wadena, NRCS, Wesmin RC&D, Wadena SWCD, MN DNR, business owners and homeowners, proved that teamwork and cooperation works in restoring the natural ecosystem after the June 17, 2010 tornadoes.  A website was created and a donation fund was set aside through the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls with a goal of $100,000 to purchase trees for landowners. As of June 10, 2011, $69,889 has been raised.  Landowner surveys were utilized to determine numbers of trees lost and numbers of trees to replace.  Over 4800 trees and shrubs were planted in the city of Wadena and nearby communities with help from twelve Boy Scout troops, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Conservation Corps of Minnesota and numerous volunteers.  The Wadena SWCD’s Forestry Technician, Anne Oldakowski, and a Department of Natural Resources Forester, Elena Teich, helped in choosing the correct trees to plant and strived for diversity.  The city also received DNR bonding funds to hire a forestry consultant to do a complete boulevard tree inventory of the city after the tornado.