2024 Award Winners
WACD is proud to recognize those in our community who went above and beyond this year, and were nominated by their peers for acknowledgement for all their extraordinary work. These will join the many other distinguished individuals and organizations the state association has honored over the years. All of these individuals were recognized at the WACD Annual Conference or will be recognized by their local conservation district.
You can view all past recipients, and learn more about WACD award categories at https://wadistricts.us/wacd/awards/
Award Winners
Conservation District Tribal Partnership Award – Granted to the Kalispell Tribe of Indians and Pend Oreille CD for for their collaborative conservation efforts in the Indian Creek Community Forest, including a partnership to expand the Kalispell’s nursery for locally sourced riparian plants for POCD bank stabilization efforts.
Professional Service Award – Granted to Kelsi Mottet for elevating Whidbey Island CD’s cost-share program and serving others in the state as a certified Conservation Planner and a Leadership Team member of the Center for Technical Development.
Special Service Award – Granted to Bobbi Lindemulder for her 27 years of service to Snohomish CD, and her work promoting agricultural viability and offering technical assistance to Snohomish County, Camano Island, and across Washington.
Wayne Reid “Young Tiger” Award – Granted to Jennifer Abermanis for her immediate impact as a new supervisor for Whidbey Island CD, focusing on the development and oversight of education programs for district supervisors and associate supervisors.
Vim Wright “Building Bridges” Award – Granted to Heather Wendt for her efforts as a “true bridge builder” in the conservation district community through her work at Benton/Franklin CDs and WACD.
WACD President’s Award – Granted to Sarah Moorehead for her service to both Thurston CD and the state’s conservation districts as a trusted partner, someone who’s focused on the wellbeing of the community, and her fearlessness in bridging any divide.
WACD President’s Award – Granted to Vicki Carter for her work at Spokane CD and the realization of her dream of turning an abandoned rock quarry into a community space for agriculture and conservation.
District of the Year – Granted to Kitsap CD in recognition for being on the cutting edge of innovation in conservation practices, leading the way for other conservation districts, the success of the GRACE Project, and their partnerships with Kitsap County to protect water quality.
Awards Committee
Credit is also due to the members of the 2024 Awards Committee for their selection of these individuals and willingness to serve. Kudos to:
- Alan Chapman, Whatcom CD
- Heather Smith, Grays Harbor CD
- Chevelle Yeckel, Okanogan CD
- Barbara Bailey, Underwood CD
- Sara Schlake, Spokane CD
- Amy McKay, Whitman CD