Pope Soil & Water

Providing Quality Conservation Resources since 1949

Providing Quality Conservation Resources Since 1949

Lundebrek Selected As Finalist For State’s Outstanding Conservationist Award

Pope SWCD is pleased to share that Kevin Lundebrek has been selected as one of eight finalists for the State’s 2025 Outstanding Conservationist Award.

The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) has named Kevin Lundebrek of Starbuck, MN as one of eight Area Finalists in the 2025 Outstanding Conservationist Award Program. They will be recognized at a Dec. 3 luncheon at MASWCD’s 89th annual convention in Bloomington. The awards program recognizes farm families, individuals, conservation organizations, and other groups for their accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources.

This year’s finalists are:

Area 1: Blue Line Farm; Tom, Tyler, and Margaret Trieglaff, and Char Putnam of Frazee in Becker County

Area 2: Kevin Lundebrek of Starbuck in Pope County

Area 3: Maple Grove Farm; Jon and Carin Stevens of Rush City in Pine County

Area 4: Oldenburg and Brabec Farms LLC; Belle Plaine in Scott County

Area 5: Lower Sioux INdian Community; Joey Goodthunder, Deb Dirlam and Robert Prescott of Morton in Redwood County

Area 6: Scott Haase of Blue Earth in Faribault County

Area 7: Claire Bender and Sue Ramthun of Chatfield in Winona County

Area 8: Flying W Ranch; Pequot Lakes in Cass County

Of the eight finalists, one will be announced as the State’s Outstanding Conservationist of the Year at the Dec. 3 luncheon.

“We’re proud of Kevin for what he has done in conserving the natural resources in our area,” said Keith Nygaard, supervisor of the Pope Soil and Water Conservation District, which nominated the Lundebrek for the award. “It’s great to be able to recognize the work he has done locally. A link is provided below to an article announcing the finalists in The Farmer magazine.

MASWCD sponsors the Outstanding Conservationist Award Program, with support from The Farmer magazine.

https://www.farmprogress.com/…/conservationists-to-be…

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Kevin Lundebrek Selected As 2025 Pope SWCD’s Outstanding Conservationist

Kevin Lundebrek 2025 Outstanding Conservaationist

Pope Soil and Water Conservation District each year along with other SWCD’s from across the state of Minnesota recognize landowners for implementing conservation projects or conducting work of an exemplary nature that helps improve and protect our lakes, rivers, streams, and land.

This year we are pleased to select Kevin Lundebrek as the 2025 Pope County Outstanding Conservationist. He operates a 1,700-acre MDA Water Quality Certified farm raising corn and soybeans.  Working closely with Pope SWCD and NRCS he has implemented: cover crops, a shelterbelt, 63 water and sediment control basins, wildlife and pollinator plantings, grid sampling, nutrient management plan, and reduced till and no-till.  He applies below the University of Minnesota recommendations for phosphorus and nitrogen on all acres.  His practices are estimated to reduce 2,535 pounds of phosphorus and 3,911 tons of soil saved annually from gully and sheet and rill erosion. Implementing this work, we are making improvements to nearby high priority lakes and streams.  This is lifetime work, and Kevin has had a far-reaching impact.  Kevin exemplifies the definition of an Outstanding Conservationist and Pope SWCD is proud to recognize him for his efforts. Congratulations Kevin!

We will present Kevin his award and recognition at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Conference December 3rd in St. Paul and on December 16th at the Pope County Commissioners Meeting.

Congratulations again to Kevin Lundebrek. We are proud to select him as this year’s recipient for this recognition and his conservation efforts.

Well Water Screening Event

Pope SWCD has partnered on this event. Landowners in the Sauk River Watershed in Pope County should have received a postcard in the mail with details about this well water screening event. We encourage you to participate. This event will be held on August 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Stearns County Fairgrounds. All are welcome to participate in this event. Please register by visiting the link below.

https://www.stearnscd.org/privatewell