One local organization’s efforts in water quality and habitat has won it a top state honor.

The Shell Rock River Watershed District was chosen to receive the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s 2010 conservation award.

“We appreciate the local support and are honored by the association’s regional support,” said Brett Behnke, Shell Rock River Watershed District administrator. “It’s nice to be recognized for the work that you do.”

Thom Soule, chairman of the awards committee, said the Shell Rock River Watershed District was chosen because of its “commitment to and actions employing sound ecological principles to improve water and aquatic habitat quality in Freeborn County shallow lakes and the Shell Rock River.”

He specifically spoke of the Pickerel Lake watershed reclamation project and the board’s partnerships with other conservation organizations.

“A key issue is that they really need to participate with lots of other conservation organizations that provide expertise and a lot of knowledge,” said Soule. “Partnership is very, very important locally and statewide.”

This award has been given annually since 1985 and winners are chosen by a nomination process. The Shell Rock River Watershed District was nominated by Jeanine Vorland, area wildlife manager with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, because of its dedication to water quality and the ecosystem as a whole in shallow lakes across Freeborn County and the Shell Rock River.

“While there is support for clean water and wildlife habitat in a general sense, there are also strong social biases against shallow lakes and aquatic vegetation that often torpedo efforts to restore ecological functions,” Vorland wrote in her nomination for the board. “The outreach and education efforts needed to gain permissions and public support for shallow lake restorations is daunting. Having local partners willing to put in the time and financial resources necessary to implement and sustain shallow lake restoration efforts is invaluable.”

The board was also acknowledged for its professionalism, leadership, public outreach and education, collaborative spirit and ethics serving as a model for both private and public conservation.

The award was presented at the Minnesota Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s annual membership meeting, held in conjunction with the 71st Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference, in Minneapolis on Dec. 13.

Behnke said in 2011, the watershed district will move ahead in the planning and designing phase of the restoration on Albert Lea Lake, as well as restorations on Lake Chapeau and Goose Lake.

The Shell Rock River Watershed District oversees efforts to conserve, protect and manage water resources within its 246 square miles in Freeborn County. It works closely with the city of Albert Lea, Freeborn County, Farm Service Agency and state agencies to accomplish its goal of improving water quality.

Ongoing activities include water quality monitoring, land management (filter strips, wetland restoration), lake water quality improvement efforts, education for elementary, middle and high school students as well as adults and the replacement of the Albert Lea Lake dam.