Minnesota Ag Connection - Greenhecks Named Outstanding Forest Stewards

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Greenhecks Named Outstanding Forest Stewards
Minnesota Ag Connection - 02/08/2010

The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry have awarded brothers Mike and Pete Greenheck with the 2009 Minnesota Outstanding Forest Steward Award. The Wabasha Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) nominated them for the award.

The award was presented at the 73rd annual MASWCD Conventio. The award honors landowners who have implemented innovative forestry conservation activities, demonstrated leadership, and achieved significant results in the protection of Minnesota's forestry resources.

The Greenheck's have completed various woodland management activities on their land near Kellogg, Minn. These include: tree plantings; release activities to remove competition for younger healthier trees; thinning each year to control the amount and distribution of available growing space; and pruning. Other improvements have included oak regeneration and direct seeding of walnuts. They annually plant and harvest Christmas trees. The Greenhecks have a Forest Stewardship Plan for their property which aids them in their management activities.

In addition to activities focused on forest products, the Greenhecks have conducted several projects aimed at enhancing the other natural resources on their property. In order to improve water quality habitat for the native brook trout, they installed one mile of riparian buffer and completed other stream restoration techniques along a creek that runs through their property. The Greenhecks also created wildlife trails and observation areas, restored prairie, and work to control invasive species such as buckthorn and wild mustard. They have land enrolled in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program and follow a conservation farm plan.

But the Greenhecks don't stop with being wise stewards of their own land. They also share their knowledge and experiences with others at the local, state and national levels. They have conducted several education field days on their property. Mike is on the State Technical Committee for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Minnesota, and is a member of Minnesota Forestry Association, American Forest Foundation, and Aldo Leopold Foundation.

When asked why they own forestland, Mike Greenheck's response was, "We feel an obligation to be a good trustee of the land. We're always considering our impact on the environment. We are working to improve the land. Somebody owned that land before we got it and someone else would own it after we're gone. That land is always going to be there. Someone needs to take care of it."