This year the Agency Partnership Award went to Sean MacDougall with the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board (PCNWCB), who over the past year helped both District and Stream Team staff with our knotweed project. Whenever a question on the most current method of treatment or an opportunity arose to educate the public through workshops or public meetings, Sean has always been willing and able to help with an enthusiastic “Yes!” Additionally, Sean has begun a Cooperative Weed Management Area within the Nisqually Watershed to bring several organizations to the table to work together in controlling knotweed and other invasive weeds. Sean has been with the PCNWCB for a short year and a half, but has already proven himself as a dependable partner over and over again.

The Conservation Practice Implementation Award went to Fred Long and Kathy Pontius Long of Eatonville. The Longs were highlighted in the winter 2007-08 edition of the Tahoma View for implementing various best management practices on their farm over the last few years to protect its natural resources, the most recent of which is a manure storage and composting structure. The Longs exemplify the hard work that many small livestock owners put into their farms, not only to make them nice places for themselves and their livestock to live, but also to make them environmentally responsible.

The recipient of this year’s Professional Services Award goes to Doug Corwin of Circle C Construction. Doug has been a friend to the District for many years and stepped in to fill a big role as contractor for many of the District’s facilities related projects. As the District has taken on the role of property management, contractor’s services have become increasingly important. Doug has consistently provided high quality, timely and friendly services to the District. Doug’s work has been especially evident at the District’s nursery facilities and at the South Prairie Creek Preserve. Doug has even risen above and beyond the call of duty to fill the new role of caretaker at the Preserve where he keeps a watchful eye on the property. The District thanks Doug for all of his hard work!

The Municipal Partner Award went to Alicia Lawver from the City of Tacoma for her enthusiastic hard work to bring together the TacomaGardens partnership. Alicia has coordinated TacomaGardens in a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the topic of sustainability, seek innovative ways to educate the public about the impacts of surface water pollution, help reconnect people to their environment (specifically with where their food comes from), and guide us all toward cultivating a better quality of life for Tacoma and Pierce County.

The Wildlife Steward Farm Award went to Shane McWilliams of Longbranch. When it comes to helping out his friends and neighbors, Shane McWilliams is the first to step up to the plate. Lending a hand whenever it’s needed also applies to the wildlife in Longbranch. Loathe to apply anything to his hay fields, Shane hand picks any unwanted weeds and monitors the grass growth during his daily walks up to his forested wetlands with yellow lab Dixie, his constant companion. With a passion for nature watching and a member of the Audubon society, Shane encourages birds, deer and bear onto his property by maintaining buffers and leaving large spaces for them to hide and forage. As development continues to encroach on rural communities, these remaining refuges will be invaluable not only to the plants and animals they support, but to the residents who appreciate a balanced ecosystem.

The Commercial Farm Conservation Practice Implementation Award went to Wilcox Family Farms for a habitat restoration project completed in 2007. Nearly 3,000 native trees and shrubs were planted by over 444 volunteers on the Roy farm which includes part of Horn Creek and borders the Nisqually River. Volunteers donated more than 1,085 hours of labor for 16 plantings during the two-year project. The Pierce Conservation District Stream Team, Nisqually Indian Tribe, and Nisqually Stream Stewards also partnered on this project.

The Commercial Partner Award went to Tim Richter of Richter Produce in Puyallup for assisting the District in the continuation of the Low Income Senior Food Box program. When it looked like the food boxes might not be completed due to the illness of another local producer, Richter stepped in to fill the need. Because of Richter’s work and enthusiasm for this program, many low income Pierce County seniors received their boxes of fresh local produce, including a special Thanksgiving box for recipients.

The Native Plant Program recognized volunteers who have assisted with the annual native plant sale for five years. The awards were specially designed tiles with a native plant motif created by local artist Nancy Alcott of Scribbles Illustration. This year, three people met the criteria. Thanks to Lyn Gordon, Keith Chadd, and Hermine Soler for their commitment and dedication to the Native Plant Program.