The Pope SWCD celebrated its 75th Anniversary with an open house last Tuesday.  The Board of Water and Soil Resources (state organization) was represented by Jason Weinerman at the local board meeting on September 17 he presented a plaque to the local board members and staff.  From left are: Jeff Hellerman (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist), Jason Weinerman (Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Board Conservationist), D. Gary Reents (Pope SWCD Board Member), Randy Pederson (Pope SWCD Board Member), Keith Nygaard (Pope SWCD Board Member), Randy Mitteness (Pope SWCD Board Member), Holly Kovarik (Pope SWCD District Manager), Tom Talle (Pope SWCD Board Member), Nicole Brede (Pope SWCD Habitat Resource Specialist), Senator Torrey Westrom, Dave Iverson (City of Glenwood Administrator), Representative Paul Anderson, and Alex Fellbaum (USDA Farm Service Agency Pope and Douglas County Offices Executive Director) Not pictured were Christopher Borash (Pope SWCD Conservation Technician), Mason Stewart (Pope SWCD Conservation Technician) and  Kimberly DeMorett (Pope SWCD Resource and Outreach Technician) who were at a training  and unavailable for the photo.  Below, Weinerman talked about the importance of the local decision to establish the Pope SWCD and then presented the plaque commemorating the 75th anniversary. Rep. Paul Anderson and Sen. Torrey Westrom also congratulated Pope SWCD for the anniversary and the work it does in the county.  

A more comprehensive story about Pope County SWCD will be featured in a coming issue of the Pope County Tribune & Times.