James Weatherford, Resource Specialist, received the 2008 Southwest Region Employee of the Year. He was recognized for his hard work at the District. Some of the highlights include: educating Thurston County's Developmental Services staff on the importance of TCD's participation in reviewing applications regarding agricultural land use conversions, so that TCD can directly influence the outcome of projects and proactively preventing water quality problems before they can occur, and for co-chairing a statewide group in bringing affected parties together to developed a standardized conservation plan format.

The Thurston Conservation District received the 2007 Natural Resource Conservation Service Partnership Award at the Washington Association of Conservation Districts' Annual Meeting on November 28, 2007. NRCS recognized us for our cooperative efforts in getting conservation on the ground and assisting them with diminishing their huge backlog of projects.

At the Southwest Area Meeting for Conservation Districts on October 26, 2006, the Thurston Conservation District received awards in three of four categories.

The District received the 2006 SW Region District of the Year Award for the 2nd year in a row!

Here is what was said about us: "TCD demonstrates leadership in all aspects of District operations, resulting in excellent service to its constituents. In addition, its board members take an active role in the conservation community, serving on state and local committees such as the statewide livestock committee, Thurston County Shellfish Protection group, and WACD [Washington Association of Conservation Districts], where the District plays a major leadership role. The District has also done an excellent job of building partnerships. This past year, TCD developed a new partnership with the Squaxin Island Tribe to create a curriculum for students to learn about the history and ecology of the area's natural resources [shellfish]. Last, but not least, the District continues to be a leader in exploring new directions for urban outreach."

Kathleen Whalen, Administrator for Thurston CD received the 2006 SW Region Manager of the Year award.

Here is what was said about her: "[Kathleen] has provided outstanding service and stability to the Thurston Conservation District, and in particular has boosted morale through [her] fine leadership. [She] has been extremely responsive to Commission requests and provided an excellent presentation to state agency leaders, informing them of the mission and work of Washington's conservation districts. Since [her] beginning days in the early 1990s, as an intern, [she] has presented a positive image for the District and worked extremely well with all its constituents."

Mike Kuttel, Jr., Habitat Specialist for Thurston CD received the 2006 SW Region Employee of the Year award.

Here is what was said about him: "[Mike] has provided outstanding service to the Thurston Conservation District, having been the Habitat Specialist since 2003 and sharing the responsibility as Acting Administrator when the Administrator is away from the office. [He] works tirelessly to ensure that [he] can come up with the best outcome possible by bringing in other partners and identifying ways to put projects on the ground, in the most effective and efficient way possible, while looking out for the District's financial resources. In addition, [he] is a participant in the Watershed Data Pilot Project and is the District's IT person; during TCD's recently move, [he] coordinated the relocation of all the computer workstations, printers and servers and was successful in getting staff back on line within a short period of time."

At the SW Area Meeting for Conservation Districts on September 28, 2005, the Thurston Conservation District was awarded with the 2005 SW District of the Year Award, presented by the Washington State Conservation Commission.

Here is what was said about us: "The District has excellent staff, folks who are quietly competent and simply go about the business of helping people be better stewards of their land. They love their work, are good problem solvers, and genuinely enjoy helping people. They have survived several changes in district leadership, demonstrating great fortitude during tough times. Despite many challenges, District staff never lost sight of their missions to help people be better stewards. The staff and board work together well and have mutual respect; people genuinely like one another. The Thurston Conservation District has an effective district administrator who knows the district extremely well. Kathy [Whalen] started as an intern and came up through the ranks, learning and leading as she came along, and is now doing an excellent job as administrator. Effective district managment is a key component in the District's success."

"Thurston Conservation District board members are dedicated individuals. They rarely miss a meeting and all have headed up one or more of the District operating committees, as well as being on various local committees. Board members are active and contribute locally, regionally, statewide and nationally."

At that same meeting, Doug Ruston, Board Chair, received the 2005 SW District Supervisor of the Year Award.

Here is what the Conservation Commission had to say about Doug: "Doug has been a district supervisor since 1994 and for the past 4 1/2 years he has served as TCD's board chair. He is truly dedicated to the success of TCD in providing the resource management information and services needed by the people of Thurston County. Doug continually holds the needs of the local resources and the resource management industries in front of the district in making decisions on how to use District resources. As chair, he is very conscientious of his responsibility of keeping both the board and staff informed. Further, he is thoughtful about issues and is motivated to keep TCD moving in the right direction. He has been instrumental in helping to develop more positive and constructive relationships with other local and agency partners. This includes working closely with the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners in evaluating use of the TCD assessment dollars and directing annual use of certain assessment dollars in coordination with the Commissioners' interests. Doug is willing to approach difficult situations and works diligently to help formulate a positive outcome..." "Doug has even been known to shovel compost into a bag at the District Plant Sale to demonstrate that supervisors don't just sit at a table and discuss business once a month, but rather they are willing to 'get their hands dirty.' "

We are proud of our accomplishments and are committed to continuing our efforts in the years to come.