MONTGOMERY, AL, April 30, 2008 – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Deputy
Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Gary Mast today
presented the 2008 Excellence in Conservation Award to Mike and Annie Dee of Dee
River Ranch, Aliceville, Alabama.
The award ceremony was held at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Convention
Center during the national observance of Soil and Water Stewardship Week, April
27 to May 4, 2008. Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Ron
Sparks, and NRCS Assistant State Conservationist, Zona Beaty, joined Deputy
Under Secretary Mast in recognizing the leadership, accomplishments and
cooperative efforts of Dee River Ranch.
“True conservation of our natural resources can be achieved only when groups and
individuals put their commitment to conservation into action,” said Mast. “Annie
and Mike Dee share their knowledge of conservation with communities and
individuals across Alabama regularly and with distinction.”
The NRCS Excellence in Conservation Award as a national award is the highest
award the agency gives to honor those outside the Federal government for their
work in conservation. This award is given to only one group or individual one
time per year. This annual award recognizes the voluntary contributions of
non-governmental individuals, groups, and Tribes through their conservation
efforts in areas of technical assistance, programs delivery, technology
transfer, outreach, or communication.
“In order to maintain our agriculture industry we must be good stewards of the
land. And through the partnership of individuals like Mike and Annie Dee, along
with local, state and Federal programs, Alabama has experienced the rewards of
proactive conservation,” said Sparks.
“It has been a great pleasure to work with these folks over the course of the
years,” said Beaty. “Their knowledge and expertise in using innovative
technology have positioned them to be leaders in the agricultural community in
Alabama. We are very pleased their communication and outreach efforts are being
recognized by this award.”
Soil and Water Stewardship Week is one of the world’s largest
conservation-related observances to increase public awareness of conservation
and stewardship, stressing the importance of partnerships in conservation. Since
1955, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has sponsored
the national Stewardship Week program.
Since its inception in the 1930’s, NRCS’ conservation delivery system continues
a unique partnership, delivering conservation that respects local needs, while
accommodating state and national interests. For more information on NRCS, the
conservation partnership, and conservation programs available in your community,
stop by your local USDA service center, or visit NRCS online at
www.nrcs.usda.gov.
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