The Union Soil and Water Conservation District held its 74th annual meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at the Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City. An election of supervisors was held to start off the evening. The candidates starting a new term on Jan. 1, 2020 will be Andy Clarridge and Cheryl Trivisonno. Clarridge is currently serving his third term on the USWCD board and Trivisonno will be a new board member, replacing retiring supervisor Bill Conklin.
John T. Carl was presented the Wildlife Award by Wildlife Officer Josh Shields for his 40 years of dedication to hunter’s education in Union County.
Lucas and Lyndsay Braun were recognized as the 2019 Union SWCD Cooperators of the Year. USWCD annually spotlights one Union County cooperator for their outstanding contributions in advancing conservation locally. The Brauns used the Conservation Reserve Program to assist with the installation of a wetland and implementation of a wildlife-focused conversion of old farm fields to native friendly habitats.
USWCD Board Chairman Rick Weigand recognized Bill Conklin for his 21 years of service (January 1999 – Dec. 31, 2019) and his contributions to USWCD and Union County. Steve Robinson was also recognized for over thirty years of service, at the district and national levels.
Attendees also enjoyed hearing Katie Coon’s presentation on her trip to Iceland.