OKLAHOMA CITY — Leaders from Logan County Conservation District attended the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), Feb. 23-25 in Edmond. Kevin Carey, Board Member, joined more than 350 conservation leaders from across the state for educational sessions, workshops and networking.
This year’s meeting theme, “A Vision for Conservation,” celebrated the achievements of local conservation districts in Oklahoma and provided tools and resources to help them plan for the future. Meeting-goers heard from a line-up of prominent conservation leaders on the diverse range of natural resource challenges and successes districts across the state are facing.
“The OACD meeting had great attendance at a new venue.” OACD President Larry Wright said. “It was exciting to come together with so many conservationists from all across Oklahoma who are willing to build partnerships to improve our natural resources. The training opportunities OACD offered through our area meetings and the state meeting are excellent. With various presentations and the latest program information, each district was able to take away something to their advantage to be the best they can be.”
Top youth from throughout the state were recognized on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the state youth contest awards ceremony. In 2019, more than 7,500 youth participated in the OACD/OACDE youth speech, essay and poster contests. Bringing home awards from the Logan County Conservation District were Breanna Privett of Guthrie.
Monday morning was kicked off with the Oklahoma Association of Conservation District Employee’s meeting, where they awarded OACD Executive Director, Sarah Blaney, with the OACDE President’s Award for her exceptional work for conservation districts in Oklahoma.
“Conservation District employees are at the heart of voluntary, locally led conservation in Oklahoma. I’m very happy that the chose to give me the award.” OACD Executive Director Sarah Blaney said.
Monday’s opening general session was opened by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell where he welcomed the districts and discussed the value of the preservation of Oklahoma’s natural resources.
Grant Victor and Salvador Salinas were the keynote speakers for Monday’s lunch. Several awards were given at the lunch, including OACD President presenting the President’s Award to his mentor Charles Tarrant, Cindy Bierig from Major County was awarded the Outstanding Conservation District Employee, Darren and Julie from Buck Farms in Texas County were awarded the Conservationist of the Year Award, Wade Helms of Lincoln County was recognized as the OACDE Employee of the Year. In addition, Chuck and Ruth Coffey were awarded the Leopold Award in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold to recognize farmers, ranchers, and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private working land.
Monday evening, Representative John Pfeiffer was honored with the Legislator of the Year Award, Wayne Sexton of Pittsburg County received the Elmer Maddux Conservation Advocacy Award and Gary O’Neill, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Oklahoma State Conservationist was inducted into the Conservation Hall of Fame as a Friend of Conservation. In addition, Kim Farber of Garfield County was inducted into the Conservation Hall of Fame for her work as a Director.
Receiving service awards from Logan County Conservation District were Chris Hopfer,Chairman of the Board for 10 years and Eric Lynch, Board Memberfor 5 years of service.
The meeting concluded on Tuesday, Feb. 25, with two soil health tracks, one specific to producers and one specific to those interested in Urban/Suburban Conservation. Attendees heard from leading experts on a variety of soil health topics including conservation landscaping, native grazing, the interconnection between soil and water conservation, and more. Speakers included Dr. Jill Clapperton from Rhizoterra, Kim Barker, Malarie Gotcher, Oklahoma Champion Russ Jackson, Mark King from Maine School of Composting, Loren Steinlage, Mike Bays, Connie Scothorn, Bill Payne, Ray Moranz of the Xerces Society/NRCS, Jason Weller of Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN/Truterra, and Barry Knight from Indigo Ag & Field to Market.
The 2020 OACD State Meeting was sponsored by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Association of Conservation District Employees, Invenergy, Indigo Ag, and other great organizations committed to conservation.
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