Several Methow Valley residents have been recognized for their conservation work by the Okanogan Conservation District.
Methow Valley rancher Craig Boesel received the Norm McClure Lifetime Achievement in Conservation Award for his work on watershed councils and with many organizations and fellow ranchers. Boesel also served two separate terms on the Conservation District’s board of supervisors over the past several decades, according to Craig Nelson, conservation district manager.
Board members develop strategic goals, supervise employees and promote voluntary conservation of natural resources, said Nelson.
“These folks give a considerable chunk of their personal time to promote something that has far-reaching impacts on current and future generations. They promote a wise use of the soil, water, animals, plants, air and more for the benefit of all of us, without diminishing a person’s rights,” said Nelson by email.
Jason Paulsen, executive director of the Methow Conservancy; rancher Vic Stokes; orchardist Keith Stennes; and Mike Liu, the Methow Valley District Ranger; along with six others from state and federal agencies, were recognized for their assistance to landowners after the Carlton Complex Fire.
The awards were presented at the Conservation District’s 75th-anniversary celebration on Feb. 25. Bud Hover, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and past Okanogan County commissioner, delivered the keynote address.
