The Foundation presented the Gerry Wilson Stewardship Award to the White Iron Chain of Lakes Association (WICOLA) for their leadership in civic engagement, outreach, research and partnerships. Teresa Sagen, WICOLA president, accepted the award on behalf of the Association and all its members who have worked for over 25 years to develop and conduct programs in partnership with Minnesota’s natural resource agencies to fill gaps in monitoring and science and engage hundreds of volunteers in work to protect the headwaters in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed. The Foundation presented the Gerry Wilson Stewardship Award to the White Iron Chain of Lakes Association (WICOLA) for their leadership in civic engagement, outreach, research and partnerships.
Teresa Sagen, WICOLA president, accepted the award on behalf of the Association and all its members who have worked for over 25 years to develop and conduct programs in partnership with Minnesota’s natural resource agencies to fill gaps in monitoring and science and engage hundreds of volunteers in work to protect the headwaters in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed.
WICOLA developed and runs an extensive citizen water quality monitoring network and invasive species awareness and prevention program. They have participated in septic system inspections and developed and distributed water quality testing kits and educational materials to engage citizens, the tourism industry and governments to work together towards clean water and ecological protection goals. Through the years, WICOLA has fostered strong working partnerships and built trusted relationships between residents, resource users and government agencies that is a model for us all for protecting and managing our shared resources. More information on the Wilson Award is available at the Foundation’s website: www.lowwsf.com/wilson-award.