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St. Paul, Minn.— Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Executive Director John Jaschke presented the 2020 Outstanding Watershed District Employee award today to Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District Water Resources Project Manager Maggie Karschnia. The recognition took place during the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts’ (MAWD) annual conference, held virtually this year.

“Local staff is key to effective conservation delivery in Minnesota,” Jaschke said. “Maggie Karschnia’s dedication to preserving our water resources is commendable, and we appreciate all she does to further resource conservation.”

Karschnia joined the district in 2015. During her time there, she has initiated and led projects such as an Integrated Carp Management Plan that implemented innovative strategies to reduce carp populations in two impaired lakes (Spring Lake and Upper Prior Lake). She revitalized efforts to monitor conservation easements to ensure compliance with water resource protections and oversaw efforts to implement best management practices in the district. Additionally, Karschnia helped re-energize a Farmer-led Council, a group of agricultural property owners within the district, successfully partnering with them to reduce nutrient loading to meet state water quality standards.

“Maggie has an unwavering ability to recognize what needs to be done,” said Diane Lynch, former district administrator, who retired earlier this week. “She’s a scientist, she’s an environmental educator, she’s a great project manager and a leader in so many ways.”

Each year, BWSR celebrates the excellent work accomplished by local government staff to advance conservation efforts across the state. An award for Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee will be presented later this month.

St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Executive Director John Jaschke presented the 2020 Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee award today to Pennington Soil and Water Conservation District Water Plan Coordinator Peter Nelson. The recognition ceremony took place during the December Pennington SWCD virtual board meeting.

“Local conservation staff are the driving force behind successful conservation delivery in Minnesota,” Jaschke said. “Peter demonstrates professional excellence alongside a commitment to collaborative planning efforts that benefit water quality within and beyond his district.”

Nelson joined the district in 2012. Taking on the role of plan coordinator, he was a key player in the successful completion of the Thief River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan this year, and previously played a key role developing the Red Lake River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan in 2017. He’s involved in SWCD education events, making classroom visits to promote conservation and playing a major part in annual events like the Northwest Minnesota Water Festival, Pennington SWCD Outdoor Education Day and Envirothon. Nelson administers multiple programs on behalf of Pennington SWCD, secures grant funding and works with landowners to find conservation solutions.

“Peter wears many hats, and wears them well,” said District Manager Bryan Malone. “He doesn’t go about his work looking for accolades, but his efforts make him extremely deserving of them.”

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