Tri-County News

Stearns County’s 2019 Outstanding Conservationist


Galen Wilczek, 2019 Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District Outstanding Conservationist.

A grassed waterway was installed on the west side of the farm to redirect water towards the ditches to avoid the formation of gullies.

Wilczek installed a 42’x110’ stacking slab with 6’ walls for poultry manure. Submitted photos.

By Brittany Lenzmeier, Stearns County SWCD

Each year, the Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District recognizes an individual(s) or organization for outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources on agricultural land.

Galen Wilczek, 2019 Stearns County Outstanding Conservationist, will be recognized for his conservation efforts at the 37th annual banquet of the Stearns County Chapter of Pheasants Forever (SCPF) in
St. Cloud. The SCPF has a standing tradition of honoring the Outstanding Conservationist at their banquet. Wilczek was honored at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Convention this past December, along with other Outstanding Conservationists.

Wilczek began farming in Stearns County in 1992 where he currently operates 370 acres of corn, soybeans, and alfalfa along with raising poultry. He began using conservation on his farm in 2015 when a grassed waterway, a terrace, and a water and sediment control basin were constructed on the west side of the farm. It was determined that a grassed waterway and terrace were the best practice to redirect the water towards the ditch to avoid the formation of gullies.

With the success of the 2015 projects, Wilczek installed a 42’x110’ stacking slab with 6’ walls for the poultry manure. This facility allows for long-term storage as Wilczek applies manure in the spring and fall. Additionally, Wilczek enjoys wildlife and loves to hunt and fish, so he worked closely with the Stearns County Chapter of Pheasants Forever on the planning and development of his seven acres of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land. “If you take care of your land, it will take care of the rest,” said Wilczek.

Wilczek also became certified in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) in 2017 by seeding a 30’ buffer, continuing to implement the U of M management guidelines, continuing to implement Integrated Pest Management practices, and continuing soil sampling every 3-4 years. The MAWCQP was developed to recognize and inspire conservation efforts and connect farmers with resources to continue enhancing their water-quality practices.

The Stearns County Pheasants Forever banquet will be held at the St. Cloud Holiday Inn Saturday, March 7. This event is open to the public and walk-ins are welcome. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the traditional “crowing hour,” with dinner and prizes starting at 7 p.m. The evening festivities include a live auction, silent auction, and a variety of raffles. Proceeds from the banquet are used for habitat projects, youth activities, and public use land acquisitions that protect water quality. If you are interested in attending the SCPF annual banquet, visit their website www.stearnspf.org/banquets/ or call Mike Windschitl, SCPF Banquet Chair at (320) 248-1116.

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