Contact: Mary Juhl; (651)-215-9008
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) leadership presented Pope Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Manager Holly Kovarik with the 2025 Outstanding SWCD Administrator award today during the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ (MASWCD) annual convention in Bloomington.
“BWSR greatly values the passion and accomplishments of conservation professionals like Holly Kovarik, who works diligently to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources, working in broad coalitions to achieve her district’s goals,” BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke said. “The commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by local government staff is what drives successful conservation efforts throughout the state.”
Kovarik leads a staff of seven and oversees an annual budget of more than $1 million. Over the past five years, she has worked with the SWCD Board and staff to install nearly 60 conservation projects, which have prevented an estimated 6,400 pounds of phosphorous and 6,600 tons of sediment from entering rivers and lakes in Pope County. Kovarik regularly invests in district staff by encouraging them to attend trainings that will align with district needs and priorities. Beyond her role with the Pope SWCD, Kovarik oversees the financial management of the Chippewa River Watershed Partnership, a joint powers board that is the fiscal agent for the area’s watershed management plan.
“Holly realizes that effective conservation implementation requires engaging with partners and growing the foundation of those who are interested in enhancing and protecting Minnesota’s soil and water resources,” said Jason Weinerman, BWSR board conservationist, who nominated Kovarik for the award. “She is a firm believer in the larger vision of soil and water conservation in Minnesota and is always willing to step in to provide recommendations for how districts can work for the betterment of all Minnesotans.”
Each year, BWSR celebrates the excellent work accomplished by local government staff to advance conservation efforts across the state.
