Terry and Carol Kvenvold, along with Alton and Sandy Kvenvold, were recently honored as outstanding conservationists at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Dec. 4-6 in Bloomington. They were selected by the Freeborn County Soil and Water Conservation District for the award.

Each year, the state’s SWCDs recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources. The award program is conducted with support from The Farmer magazine, and the award ceremony receives sponsorship from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

According to Don Kropp, Freeborn County SWCD Board Chairman one of the reasons why the Kvenvolds were chosen is because of their enrollment of 201.7 acres in a CREP Easement. They also encouraged their neighbors to enroll additional acres, bringing the completed project to 309.4 contiguous acres in a permanent wetland restoration involving five landowners.

As owners of an International Truck Sales, Leasing and Repair Business in Albert Lea, Terry and Alton are involved in the community. They’re members of the Albert Lea/Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce; Terry is on the Riverland Technical & Community College, Foundation Board and was a former instructor there. Alton is active as a Boy Scout Leader and also active with the Relay for Life.

“We’re really proud of the Kvenvolds and what they have done for conservation in Freeborn County,” said Kropp. “Conservation was always a consideration in the Kvenvold’s farming decisions in the past, now they’ve made it the focus for the future.”