Californian Wins NRCS Excellence in Conservation Award

Michael J. Byrne (right) holds his NRCS Excellence in Conservation Award as Chief Bruce Knight looks on

NRCS Chief Bruce Knight presented its 2004 Excellence in Conservation Award to Michael J. Byrne at the agency’s Honors Awards ceremony this week in Washington, D.C. Byrne, a California rancher from Tulelake – near the Oregon border, was recognized for his significant contributions to conservation through communication, outreach and leadership.

He is a key spokesperson for conservation-minded farmers and ranchers, speaking to local and national news media, legislative representatives, and government officials to help resolve water and endangered species issues in the Klamath Basin. He brought the local conservation district to a leadership role in upper basin communities. The district is now a critical part of a coalition of Klamath Basin districts working toward long-range solutions for the problems facing the basin.

Byrne was instrumental in securing special funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for water conservation in the Klamath Basin. His leadership and influence have contributed significantly to the outstanding participation rate in conservation programs in the basin. Byrne also serves in leadership roles in the California Cattlemen’s Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and numerous local organizations.

NRCS initiated the Excellence in Conservation Award to recognize the voluntary contributions of nongovernmental individuals and groups to the conservation effort in such areas as technical assistance and other types of program delivery, technology transfer, outreach or communications. Any nongovernmental individual group, tribe or organization is eligible. 
Your contact is Ted Kupelian, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 202-720-5776, or ted.kupelian@usda.gov.