The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Millions of people live near a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit www.tpl.org.
The Trust for Public Land announced the winners of its 9th annual Conservation and Park Leadership Awards, which recognize leadership in protecting and investing in Minnesota’s special places, at an event held March 29, 2017 at St. Paul’s Science Museum of Minnesota.
“These awards recognize leaders working hard to create and protect Minnesota parks and natural lands,” said Susan Schmidt, The Trust for Public Land’s Minnesota state director. “Minnesota’s parks and outdoor destinations for hunting, hiking, fishing and bird watching are prized by residents and visitors alike, and these leaders deserve to be recognized for their contributions.”
State Senator Mary Kiffmeyer is one of The Trust for Public Land’s 2017 Conservation Leadership Award winners for her work to secure the funding needed to acquire and protect the William H.Houlton Conservation Area (WHHCA).
State Senator Mary Kiffmeyer represents Senate District 30, which includes parts of Hennepin, Sherburne, and Wright counties. State Senator Mary Kiffmeyer was recognized for helping to secure the Outdoor Heritage Fund support needed to protect the William H. Houlton Conservation Area for outdoor recreation and enjoyment. The Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) is one of four state funds created by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, which was passed in 2008, and is guided with input from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
The OHF is intended to protect, enhance and restore habitat for wildlife to thrive and for Minnesotans to enjoy fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation purposes. The William H. Houlton Conservation Area is a beloved 350-acre habitat-rich site in the heart of the Elk River, a longtime dream of many, now open for public recreation including fishing and hunting.
An Elk River contingency (Michael, Steve B., Justin, Jerry Olsen and Dave Anderson) attended the TPL (Trust for Public Land) 9th annual Conservation Leadership Awards breakfast on March 29th to honor Senator Mary Kiffmeyer. Her award states “Conservation Leadership Award for helping to secure the funding needed to protect the WHHCA William H. Conservation Area for outdoor recreation and enjoyment” Dave Anderson received the leadership award last year.
In the attached picture L-R- Tom Edgeton - TPL, Steve Benoit – Recreation Manager, Dave Anderson – Parks and Recreation Commission Chair, Justin Femrite – City Engineer, Jerry Olsen – Council Member, Susan Schmidt- TPL State Director, Steve Christensen- TPL Event Emcee, Senator Mary Kiffmeyer and Michael Hecker – Parks and Recreation Director.