2008 OUTSTANDING CONSERVATIONIST NAMED
The Faribault County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has announced the selection of John Wettlaufer as the District’s 2008 Outstanding Conservationist of the Year. Each year, the state's SWCD’s recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding accomplishments with implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota's natural resources.
As a retired swine and crop farmer, John is constantly looking at ways to enhance his stream corridor for wildlife. In 2005 he enrolled 23 acres along the Maple River into a wildlife habitat buffer. The area was planted to a diverse native grass and forb mix. That same year he also enrolled 11.8 acres into buffer strips along his county ditch system. John is very conscientious about establishing his wildlife area to the fullest extent possible and maintaining the land as needed.
Again in 2008, John set-aside more land along the Maple River for wildlife. He enrolled 2.6 acres as a buffer strip. John is currently seeking assistance to prevent streambank erosion along a small stretch of the Maple River. He works closely with conservation staff to ensure what he is doing is the best for the environment. He researched a wetland restoration project in a more sensitive riparian area and opted to develop another 8.4 acre area as pheasant habitat, planting the area to a diverse native grass and forb mix. John has also installed 2 alternative tile intakes on his land. John Wettlaufer is an extraordinary example of what one person can accomplish to improve both our surface water quality and our wildlife habitat.
"We're really proud of John Wettlaufer and what he has done for conservation in Faribault County," said Larry Wigern, SWCD Board Chairman.
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