Lake Stewardship Awards in 2011 recognize longtime leaders

LAKE STEWARDSHIP AWARDS IN 2011 RECOGNIZE LONGTIME LEADERS

June 21, 2011

MADISON -- A handful of veterans retiring from state service and those coming up to replace them topped the list of citizens receiving 2011 Lake Stewardship Awards.

The awards are given by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, a nationally recognized and successful collaboration of Wisconsin Lakes, DNR, and the University of Wisconsin-Extension. More information on the awards is available in a brochure on the UW Extension website [www.uwsp.edu] (pdf; exit DNR). They were presented during the annual Wisconsin Lakes Convention in Green Bay in April to:

Jeff Bode, longtime leader of DNR's lakes and wetland section, and Bob Korth, longtime leader of the UW-Extension lakes program, both received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Under their leadership, DNR and Extension began bedrock lake protection and restoration programs including the self-help citizen lake monitoring program, regional lake contacts for lake organizations, lake educational and assistance at UW-Stevens Point, Adopt-A-Lake and Project Wet youth education programs, financial assistance for lake planning and protection, and AIS prevention and control grants. Korth retired in July 2010 and Bode will be retiring this year.

Cheryl Clemens, owner of Harmony Environmental, Inc. of Amery, won the Business Category award for "demonstrating a commitment to meeting the needs of lakes and shoreline property owners that is well known among resource professionals, lake groups and citizens across northwest Wisconsin.

Chuck Thier of St. Germain received the citizen award for his work on behalf of lakes dating back to 1971, when he helped form the Found Lake Association. He has since expanded his efforts to include lakes in the St. Germain area.

Spencer Black, longtime state representative of Wisconsin Assembly's 77th District, received the Stewardship Award in the Public Service Category. Over his 26-year career, Black "worked tirelessly and with an unwavering commitment to advance the protection of the environment in the state. Protections for our water and lakes always were an important component of his efforts," the nomination says.

Friends of Lake Wingra -- This Madison-based organization won the Stewardship Award in the Group Category. Its accomplishments include bringing stakeholder groups together to create plans for stormwater management, control f invasive species and citizen involvement through a Lake Management Planning Grant in partnership with Dane County and the City of Madison.

Brad Baas of Elkhorn won the Stewardship Award in the Youth Category. The 13-year-old is deeply involved with the Turtle Lake Association in Walworth County. He helps with the put-in/take out of buoys, volunteers on committees that are traditionally staffed by adults and presents at the annual meeting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Carroll Schaal (608) 261-6423

Last Revised: Tuesday, June 21, 2011