Each year, the Conservation District honors those within the county who have shown an outstanding commitment to soil and water conservation. Honorees for 2022 included Kevin White, recipient of the Outstanding Cooperator of the Year Award; Dan Bazzoli, recipient of the Outstanding Forest Conservationist and Alex Shultz, recipient of the Outstanding Conservation FFA Speaking Award. Eight District and Farmland Board directors were honored for years of service.
Kevin White and his family were honored as the 2022 Outstanding Cooperator of the Year. This award is given to local farms that have shown substantial improvements to their operations by committing to the use of conservation practices that are intended to improve soil and water quality. Mr. White’s farm is located in Greene Township near the White Covered Bridge. The White’s manage and farm 47 acres with a herd of 15-20 angus cattle. Mr. White has worked to improve pasture conditions, implement rotational grazing, develop water resources and control stormwater. By implementing these farming practices that protect our natural resources were leading factors in being selected for this award.
Dan Bazzoli was presented the Outstanding Forest Conservationist Award for his tireless work improving the forest stand on his Jefferson, PA farm. Mr. Bazzoli has implemented his 2020 Forest Management plan by planting over 200 trees and completed 18-acres of woody vegetative management. These practices only enhance Greene County’s local forests and valuable forest resources.
Alex Shultz, a 2022 graduate of Waynesburg Central High School and was recognized for her outstanding speaking skills at the county speaking contest with her speech entitled “Cover Crops: Why are they important?”. During the 2022 speaking contest year, she advanced won the Conservation Speaking contest. Shultz is the daughter of Kris Shultz and Cindy Orndoff.
The district honored eight for their years of service to either the Conservation District Board or the Farmland Preservation Board. Those members were Dominick Barbetta, 5-year Service Award-Conservation; 15-year Service Awards were presented to five Farmland Preservation Board Members including Bill Cree III, Chairman; Dave Shipman, Vice-Chair; Rick Thistlethwaite, Treasurer; Jim Willis and Charlie Day. Two 15-year Service Awards were presented to Greg Hopkins, Treasurer and William Wentzel, Secretary of the Conservation District Board.
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[Lisa Snider., presented Alex Shultz, the 2022 Outstanding Conservation FFA Speaking at the Greene County Conservation District’s annual award ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 14.]
[Lisa Snider. presented Kevin White along with his wife Andrea and children William and Jodine with the 2022 Outstanding Cooperator of the Year Award at the Greene County Conservation District’s annual award ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 14.]
[Dan Bazzoli was presented the 2022 Outstanding Forest Conservationist Award by Russell Gibbs, PA DCNR Service Forester at the Greene County Conservation District’s annual award ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 14.]
[William Wentzel, Jim Willis, Bill Cree III, Dave Shipman, Greg Hopkins, Dominick Barbetta and Rick Thistlthwaite were presented Service Awards at the Greene County Conservation District’s annual award ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 14.]
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