POLK COUNTY — The fifth annual Land and Water stewardship awards were presented at the December 3rd, 2025, Environmental Services Committee meeting in Balsam Lake, WI.
In 2021 the Polk County Land and Water Resources Department (LWRD) developed a Stewardship Award program in appreciation of the service and commitment that individuals in the community have taken to advance the Land and Water Resources Department mission to preserve, protect, and enhance Polk County’s natural resources.
The Stewardship Award is given to a person, or a group, that has demonstrated commitment to the improvement and protection of soil and water resources in Polk County, WI.
The 2025 Land Stewardship award winners were Ryan Lind and Mark Serier of Ag Strategies, LLC; and the 2025 Water Stewardship award went to David J. Butler of Half Moon Lake.
Mark Serier and Ryan Lind of Ag Strategies were awarded the Land Stewardship award for incorporating soil and water conservation into their agronomy services. Ag Strategies LLC has contributed to many soil health and conservation field day events and promoted environmentally sound agricultural practices as a part of their business model.
David J. Butler received the Water Stewardship award for his long history of community engagement and water quality improvement efforts through land preservation on Half Moon Lake in Polk County. David chaired the Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District for many years and was active in developing the Half Moon Lake Conservancy which was incorporated in 2003.
Since formal incorporation, the Conservancy has protected critical land areas surrounding Half Moon Lake from development through conservation easements to improve water quality.
Pictured on the attached image (L to R): Eric Wojchik (County Conservationist - LWRD), David J. Butler (Half Moon Lake), Mark Serier (Ag Strategies, LLC), Ryan Lind (Ag Strategies, LLC), and Katelin Anderson (Water Quality Analyst – LWRD)
Last Update: Dec 05, 2025 9:47 am CST
