December 13, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Juhl; 612-358-5733

Bloomington, Minn. – Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Executive Director John Jaschke presented the 2022 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee award to Becker Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Administrator Bryan Malone today during the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ (MASWCD) annual convention in Bloomington. Malone also serves as Host District Manager for the Red River Valley Conservation Service Area (RRVCSA).

“Minnesota is fortunate to have dedicated, passionate professionals like Bryan Malone working to improve and protect our valuable water and soil resources throughout the state,” Jaschke said. “His commitment to this important work is worth recognizing, and we appreciate all he does to further conservation efforts in Becker County and beyond.”

Malone manages 12 employees in his role as Becker SWCD Administrator and three employees as Host District Manager for the RRVCSA. Malone helped revitalize the 16-county RRVCSA by securing Performance Review and Assistance (PRAP) funding from BWSR to pursue structural improvements to the organization; he also facilitated shared staff and services agreements between the RRVCSA and Becker SWCD to boost efficiency. In his capacity as Becker SWCD Administrator, Malone has successfully applied for and received grant funds from BWSR to support district projects and initiatives. He’s also been involved in multiple One Watershed, One Plan partnerships to identify and pursue common water quality goals across county boundaries.  

“Bryan has managed to elevate an already high performing SWCD through his skills as a communicator and expertise in project management,” said Brett Arne, BWSR Board Conservationist and one of three BWSR staff who nominated Malone for the award. “His approach makes conservation delivery across several watersheds much more efficient and effective.”

Each year, BWSR celebrates the excellent work accomplished by soil and water conservation district staff to advance conservation efforts across the state.

Bryan Malone
Becker Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Administrator Bryan Malone (left) received the award for 2022 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee from BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke (right) at today's Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts annual convention in Bloomington.

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BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. BWSR's mission is to improve and protect Minnesota's water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners