The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) named David and Carole Cartwright of Rush City as one of eight state finalists in the 2007 Outstanding Conservationist Award Program. The Cartwrights were honored on Dec. 4 at MASWCD's 71st annual convention in Rochester.

Each year, the state's 91 SWCDs recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota's natural resources. The award program is conducted with support from "The Farmer" magazine. This statewide awards program recognizes farm families, individuals, conservation organizations, and other groups around Minnesota for their accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota's natural resources.

According to Craig Mold, a supervisor on the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District Board, the Cartwrights were recognized for a variety of reasons. Following is a summary of some of the reasons why they were chosen:

• The Cartwrights have restored a series of small wetlands to filter runoff from the road and reforested property.
• A small area of native grasses and forbs has been seeded along their shoreline area.
• Over the last 4 years they have hand planted over 23,000 trees on their property between a 7.5 acre riparian buffer and 30 acres of reforestation of hardwoods and pines.
• They have begun thinning and release activities on their 20 acre mixed hardwood forest.

They do not plan to stop with this, interplanting in the woods and replacing all dead trees is in the management plan for the next few years as well as expanding the reforestation area by as much as 5 acres. The Cartwright's have a goal of producing high quality timber trees for their grandchildren to enjoy in the future.

"We're proud of David and Carole for what they've done in conserving our natural resources in our area," said Mold. "It's great to be able to recognize the work they've done locally. They've provided a wonderful example for us by being committed to improving water quality and wildlife habitat on their property.

MASWCD, with support from The Farmer magazine, sponsors the Outstanding Conservationist Award Program.

Chisago County has been honored with finalists for the state award four out of the last five years, with a state winner in 2005. Check out all of the past winners are listed on our District's Web Site at www.chisagoswcd.org.