Staff Update

December 2002

by Sea Grant Staff

Debbie Bowen, information specialist, has earned an Outstanding Service Award from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Bowen was recognized in a ceremony in November for her productivity under pressure, initiative in the use of technology and in working on several Web sites, her innovative ideas for publications production, excellent performance, and dedication to Minnesota Sea Grant and the University.

Cindy Hagley environmental quality specialist, and Barb Liukkonen, water resources educator, were recognized as members of The Shoreland Education Team, which won two awards: the University of Minnesota Extension Service's Dean and Director's Outstanding Team Award, and Excellence in Programming - Natural Resources and the Environment from the Minnesota Community and Natural Resources Association.

Hagley and Liukkonen were part of an eight-person team dedicated to tackling the deterioration of Minnesota's shorelands. The team organized educational efforts to reach shoreland owners, recreational lake users and other groups. They developed a "Shoreland Design" curriculum and trained a network of residents to become shoreland volunteers. The team was recognzied for creating a statewide education plan, producing a Web site and CD, and setting up demonstration sites. Almost 100,000 square feet of shoreland was revegetated to protect water quality, improve habitat, and decrease runoff and erosion.

Other team members include Mary Blickenderfer (Grand Rapids), Eleanor Burkett (Cass County), Julie Clocker (Sherburne County), Terri Port-Wright (Carlton County), and Ron Struss (MN Board of Water and Soil Resources).

The award was given in October at a statewide Extension Service meeting in St. Cloud, MN.

Return to December 2002 Seiche