REGIONAL- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) awarded Ely Community Resource (ECR) the 2022 Community Conservationist Award during the MASWCD annual convention in Bloomington.
 North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District with support from Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District nominated Ely Community Resource noting that the organization has consistently provided enriching, immersive, and authentic opportunities for youth to engage with natural resource issues and investigate the natural world around them. Recent activities included:
 Stormwater drainage awareness and Eco Club: Students designed both a storm drain stencil and door hangers to educate the community about the importance of keeping pollutants from entering the storm drain system.  
 Ely Water Project: Students participated in investigative projects related to aquatic invasive species and native species from crayfish to zooplankton and also supported the collection of water chemistry data.
MASWCD hosted its award luncheon on Dec. 13, in Bloomington. Hazardous travel condition kept ECR from accepting the award in person. A video recording of Lauren, one of the Ely Water Project students, and lead staff Jill Swanson accepting the award was played at the luncheon. The award was then presented in person to Executive Director Julie Hignell, Ely Water Project lead Jill Swanson and student participants Lauren and Abby by the North St. Louis Soil & Water Conservation District at their December meeting in Virginia.
Ely Community Resource was nominated because their programs spark interest in science, raise awareness about natural resource issues, and motivate youth to care and understand about water issues in their community and across the globe as they become our future conservation leaders. They also truly are a part of the community of the Ely area and help build that sense of community with Ely youth.
“We are so happy Ely Community Resource received this award,” said Becca Reiss, Community Conservationist with North St. Louis SWCD. “At the award luncheon, people commented how they wish they had an organization like ECR around where they grew up. I think people in Ely are well aware how great ECR is. It’s wonderful to see them get state level recognition also.”
The MASWCD partners with the MPCA by representing the soil and water conservation districts of Minnesota like North St. Louis and Lake County, delivering education and leadership opportunities that support effective conservation practices.
For more information on Ely Community Resource and their programs, contact 218-365-5254. For more information on local Soil & Water Conservation District Programs, contact North St. Louis SWCD at 218-749-2000 or Lake SWCD at 218-837-8370.