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Media Contact
Name: Sarah Blaney
Title: Executive Director
Phone: (517) 763 - 8609
Email address: sarahblaney@okconservation.org
Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Celebrates Outstanding Awards Recipients
OKLAHOMA CITY — This year marked another year of great conservation work from individuals and districts in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts in partnership with the Noble Research Institute and The Nature Conservancy continued the tradition of honoring individuals exceling in their conservation efforts.
Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts is proud to highlight the recipients of this year’s Outstanding Conservation District Director Justin Miller, Outstanding Conservation District Cooperator, Eric Eyster, and Outstanding Conservation District, Oklahoma County Conservation District.
“Oklahoma is home to the best conservationists in the country. We are honored to be able to highlight the incredible work of the Oklahoma County Conservation District, Mr. Justin Miller, and Mr. Eric Eyster for their continued effort to conserve Oklahoma's natural resources.” OACD Executive Director, Sarah Blaney, said.
Justin Miller, recipient of the Outstanding Conservation Director Award, was nominated by the Ottawa County Conservation District’s Board of Directors and staff for going above and beyond in his efforts to conserve and protect the natural resources associated with his land and home. Those efforts include but are not limited to his display of leadership qualities and dedication to conservation, outreach activities dating back to 2003, his dedication to being involved in youth outreach activities, and his consistency to actively serve on the district board for over 10 years. Justin Miller has been a great asset to not only the Ottawa County Conservation District, but to conservation work in Oklahoma.
Eric Eyster, recipient of the Outstanding Conservation District Cooperator Award, was nominated by the Deer Creek County Conservation District board and staff for his conservation efforts, conservation management practices, and his involvement in many community conservation activities. Eric is a fifth-generation farmer who kept the family tradition of planting the same plants in the same fields alive by switching from conventional tilling to no-till in 2004, improving the land for generations to come.
“Mr. Eyster has attended district meetings and also OACD state meetings. It is a honor for me to nominate Eric Eyster for the Outstanding District Cooperator, someone who signifies conservation and natural resources.” – Larry Bryen, Deer Creek County Conservation District.
Oklahoma County Conservation District, recipient of the Outstanding Conservation District award, was chosen due to their commitment to the mission of OACD, their creative use of resources, and their hard work. One of the key ways they demonstrated their commitment to the mission of OACD and conservation of natural resources was through their use of the Watershed Program. The Oklahoma County Conservation District currently has two watershed structures in their district, of which they proactively addressed hazards to these structures and worked hard to maintain them and keep them in good condition. They participated in the Cost Share program, conducted and/or participated in numerous education and information programs, as well as participated in the NACD Technical Assistance Grant and the 2501 CARE Grant. The Oklahoma County Conservation District has been an excellent partner in their dedication to conserving the renewable natural resources of the land and the mission of OACD.
The 2021 OACD Awards are sponsored by the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, Noble Research Institute, and The Nature Conservancy.
About the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts
The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts is a nonprofit organization representing Oklahoma's 85 conservation districts to provide leadership, resources and partnership opportunities for those who manage the land to enhance our natural resources for a better Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.okconservation.org.