The Odessa Record -

The Lincoln County Conservation District received the Northeast Area Conservation District of the Year award last week at the group's annual meeting.

The Lincoln County district was recognized for its commitment of service to the landowners and operators of Lincoln County. The district continues to set an example in its efforts to fill whatever role is needed in order to conserve natural resources and assist the cooperators of the district.

The district has been very active in a number of areas, including conservation planning, sage grouse habitat conservation, well monitoring, water quality, Voluntary Stewardship Program planning, fire recovery and the Firewise program sponsored by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

The district jumped into action after the fires of 2016 and in a very short time was able to learn how to approach affected landowners in a sensitive manner, assess recovery needs and develop alternatives to assist landowners who had experienced significant losses and protect resources for the future.

The district also worked over the past year to bring the Davenport Community Garden into reality. Through creative thinking, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, the seeking of donations and personal contributions, the district was able to play the lead role in creating a space where community can come together while learning about urban agriculture.

Mark Clark, executive director of the state's Conservation Commission wrote in his letter of commendation, "On behalf of the Conservation Commission, I am pleased to recognize your district for its excellent work with this 2017 Northeast Area District of the Year award."