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"Dennis brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and energy every day to the cause of soil and water conservation. The enthusiasm also contributes to a positive attitude among staff and a good work environment," reads part of his nomination.

Fuchs is a 1981 graduate of Paynesville High School and the son of Alvin and Yvonne Fuchs of Lake Henry Township.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources sponsors the award to recognize leadership and accomplishments of a soil and water conservation district employee. "We're proud of Dennis for the work he's done and for the work of his staff, said Urban Spanier, chairperson of the Stearns County Soil and Water Conser-vation District. "Stearns County has had two other staff members - Lori Persson and Joe Fitzgerald - receive the outstanding employee award in the past. Getting and keeping excellent staff has always been a priority of the SWCD."

"This award," said Fuchs, "was made possible because of the excellent staff, SWCD supervisors, and support of the Stearns County commissioners."

Accomplishments that were noted in Fuchs' nomination included: encouraging staff to participate in advanced training; implementing a long-term groundwater monitoring network in Stearns County; working with the Minnesota Milk Producers Association to develop and promote the Environmental Assurance Program, through which farmers can be certified as "Five Star Dairies"; securing grants; and working with Pheasants Forever to promote the Conservation Reserve Program.