WILLMAR - Local Conservation Officer Shane Vernier is being recognized for his work in protecting the area's water resources.
According to a news release, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources presented Vernier with this year's Willard Munger Wetlands Achievement Award. He was among conservation officers recognized for their work at the division's annual awards ceremony and training conference at Camp Ripley earlier this month, according to information from the DNR.
Conservation Officer Mitch Boyum, who patrols the Rushford area, was honored as the conservation officer of the year.
The award presented to Vernier, who patrols the Willmar area, recognizes an officer who's particularly devoted to water resource protection. It is named after the longtime state House of Representatives member who was focused on conservation and the environment.
"The water in (Conservation Officer) Vernier's patrol area receives heavy use, including from agricultural operations and people out recreating, but he does an outstanding job of making sure those valuable water resources are protected and preserved," said Rodmen Smith, enforcement division director for the DNR, in the release.
