William Hunt Receives Award

William Hunt, State Conservationist for USDA NRCS – Minnesota was named recipient of the President’s award from the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils in San Antonio, Texas on July 23, 2003.  Mr. Hunt was recognized for his exceptional leadership and devoted service to RC&D Councils Nationwide. 

State Conservationist William Hunt holding President’s Award. Joe Cantu, President of the National Association of RC&D Councils is standing to the right of Mr. Hunt. The rest of the people in this group photo are from Minnesota RC&D’s:  Coordinators, RC&D  Assistants,Council Employees and Council members who attended the National RC&D conference in San Antonio, Texas held July 20 -23, 2003.

Mr. Hunt received the prestigious national President’s award at the award banquet on July 23, 2003. RC&D Association council President Joe Cantu stated, “Here’s a guy who always does the right thing for RC&D in his State”.  Certainly, William Hunt has led by example throughout Minnesota by supporting RC&D’s. 

Mr. Hunt was congratulated by Netta, President of  North Central Association of RC&D’s.

RC&D is based on the idea that local people know what their areas need and can create the very solutions that will work for them and their communities.  Groups of local volunteers establish RC&D Councils, which represent sponsoring organizations within multi-county region.  RC&D Council members volunteer their time to address important issues in their communities.  The greatest strength of the RC&D Program is in the local people working together to solve their own problems.  The development of local leadership and community pride makes RC&D unique and special to rural America. 

William Hunt’s belief in RC&D’s is strong.  “RC&D’s are the backbone of our society as RC&D’s provide economic, environmental and social strength to rural communities. RC&D Councils bring to the table a cross section of people who are committed to working on problem solving in their communities. The investment that USDA provides through RC&D Coordinators and staff is further invested throughout the community through grants and various partnerships that are made possible through RC&D connections.”

Further information about Minnesota RC&D’s can be obtained on the Minnesota NRCS web page by clicking on:  http://www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/index.html

For additional information about Minnesota RC&D’s.  Contact Barry Hamilton Water Resources Staff Leader at 651-602-7886 or barry.hamilton@mn.usda.gov