Our annual Land Conservation Leadership Awards Celebration takes place each fall and recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of individuals, policy makers, and land trusts who are working to protect the places that make Wisconsin special. The awards honor the power of committed citizens and offer inspiring examples of conservation success.

It's never too early to nominate someone for this year's Land Conservation Leadership Awards.  Please let us know who you think is doing the most to protect the places that make Wisconsin special.

Once again, we'd like to congratulate all of the 2011 Land Conservation Leadership Award winners

 2011 Land Conservation Leadership Award Winners

Land Trust of the Year

Ozaukee Washington Land Trust - One of Wisconsin's most productive and innovative land trusts.  To date they've protected nearly 5,000 acres of land in two of Wisconsin's fastest growing counties while engaging young and old alike in education and management activities that serve as a model for all land trusts.

Policy Maker of the Year

Kathleen Falk - Kathleen stepped down as Dane County Executive this year after 14 years of service. Previously, she served 12 years as Wisconsin's Public Intervenor and, among many other accomplishments during an impressive public service career, was a driving force behind the landmark land protection agreement surrounding the expansion of Hwy 12.

Rod Nilsestuen Award for Working Lands Preservation

Alan Sweeney - Alan is a farmer from Rock County, has been a leader in developing the county’s PACE Program, serves as a County Board Supervisor, and chairs the county’s PACE Program Committee.

Rod Nilsestuen Award for Working Lands Preservation

Jim Matson - Jim recently retired from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection after 36 years of service, including 28 as chief legal counsel.  Jim was a driving force within the agency on the Working Lands Initiative.

Harold "Bud" Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award

Elward Engle - Elward, who began an impressive career with the Wisconsin DNR in the 1950s, is credited by landowners, farmers, DNR board members, land trusts, and agency colleagues as one of the most hard-working and humble of land champions.  During his career with DNR and continuing through today, he has been an invaluable part of protecting some of northeast Wisconsin’s most significant natural treasures.

Gathering Waters Conservancy would like to specially thank the sponsors who supported the 9th Annual Land Conservation Leadership Awards Celebration:

Lead Sponsors

Benefactors

Partners

Madison Gas & Electric Foundation, Inc.

Contributors

Individual Sponsors