RSVP for Land Conservation Leadership Awards

press release: 5:30-8:30pm, Thursday, September 26, 2019, Monona Terrace Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Dr.

Through their dedication, courage, vision, and passion, this year's Land Conservation Leadership Awardees are inspiring.

Come celebrate and enjoy delicious food and drinks while listening to a string quartet and mingling with friends who share your commitment to land and water protection in Wisconsin. 

We'll even have a raffle and a few fun surprises in honor of Gathering Waters' 25th anniversary.

Questions about registration? Contact Conor Moran at conor@gatheringwaters.org or 608-251-9131

“This year’s nomination pool was incredibly competitive,” said Mike Carlson, Executive Director of Gathering Waters. “We are pleased to host an event that recognizes the amazing accomplishments of these conservation leaders; they are helping us preserve valuable natural resources for the next generation.”

Conservationist of the Year – Chambers Island Nature Preserve Executive Committee   

The Chambers Island Nature Preserve Executive Committee is made up of four individuals who own property on Chambers Island in Door County: Mary Brevard, Suzanne Fletcher, Barbara Frank and Mary Jane Rintelman. Appreciating the unique ecological value the island holds, these four set out to create a 1000-acre preserve. With a clear vision, plan and resolve, they demonstrated commitment and leadership. By the end of 2019, nearly 850 acres will be permanently protected as a direct result of their extraordinary efforts. The Chambers Island Nature Preserve will be managed by Door County Land Trust.

Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award – Ben Niemann

Ben Niemann of Sawyer County has been improving conservation practices and outcomes in Wisconsin for over 50 years. Niemann used his background as a landscape architect and Director of Land Information and Computer Graphic Facility (LICGF) to harness the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to make informed decisions about land use, planning and conservation. The application of these technologies has helped to preserve innumerable acres throughout the state, including his most notable project, the establishment of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway.

Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award – Bryan Pierce 

Bryan Pierce of northern Wisconsin built an incredible conservation legacy throughout Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Iron, Price and northern Langlade Counties. He founded the Northwoods Land Trust (NWLT) in 2001 and went on to lead the organization for 18 years. His approach centered on sustainability, community cooperation, long-term thinking and integrity—resulting in the protection of over 13,000 acres of forestland and 70 miles of shoreline in northern Wisconsin.

Land Legacy Award – The Yawkey Lumber Company

The Yawkey Lumber Company of Oneida County made an incredible gift to the Northwoods Land Trust in 2018. Company shareholders, who are all great-grandchildren of the late Cyrus C. Yawkey, donated 431 acres, including woodlands, wetlands, islands, wildlife habitat and 4.4 miles of natural shoreline on Lake Katherine, a highly scenic, clear water lake in the town of Hazelhurst. The total appraised value of the property was over $12 million, making it one of the most valuable and sizable outright gifts of land to a land trust in Wisconsin. The Yawkey Nature Preserve’s natural shorelines and old-growth forests will now be protected and available for people in Wisconsin to explore and enjoy for years to come.

Land Trust of the Year – Landmark Conservancy

Landmark Conservancy, which serves 20 counties in western and northwestern Wisconsin, was born of a merger between two nationally-accredited land trusts: West Wisconsin Land Trust and Bayfield Regional Conservancy. The merger was completed in 2018, after 2 years of careful deliberation. The two organizations determined a unified and more robust organization could have greater impact on land and water conservation within their service area. The integrated staff of conservation and advancement professionals will help ensure the quality, visibility, and permanence of the conservancy’s work. Landmark Conservancy protects and preserves clean water, healthy soils, habitat for wildlife, sustainable food sources and the space to enjoy the beauty of nature.