DON STEINBACH HONORED AS ‘FRIEND OF CONSERVATION’
A Burton resident and a member of the Washington Soil and Water Conservation District #348 was recently honored for his efforts in wildlife conservation.
Dodier, Don Steinbach, ATSWCD board
member Leroy Wolff, Washington SWCD
chairman Ronnie Schulte
(courtesy Washington SWCD)
Don Steinbach was named earlier this month as the Area 3 Friend of Conservation for his contributions to the Texas Soil and Water Conservation Program. He received the award at the Conservation Awards Banquet for Area 3 in Refugio.
The Conservation Awards Program recognizes Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and individuals who have dedicated their time, efforts and talents to making wise use of renewable natural resources.
Area 3 consists of 46 counties in the South Texas area, with other award categories including Outstanding Conservation District, Conservation Rancher, Conservation Farmer, Conservation Teacher and Wildlife Conservationist. Awards were also presented to area youth in poster and essay contests.
Washington SWCD Board Chairman Ronnie Schulte said Steinbach was chosen because of his “relentless influence on many of the statewide conservation initiatives in Texas.”
Steinbach’s work in wildlife conservation was described in a press release as “in the background, building support and influencing action.” He is considered a driving force in establishing several programs in wildlife conservation that are still successful today. The youth and adult programs are sponsored by the Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Agri-Life Extension 4-H, Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Chapter of The American Fisheries Society and others. He has also advocated for land owner rights through the Texas Agricultural Land Trust.
The Washington SWCD honored Steinbach with a luncheon on May 17th at the W.J. “Bill” Rankin Agricultural Complex on the Blinn College campus in Brenham.
Steinbach was also recently entered into the state competition, competing with the five state areas that consist of 216 districts. The state banquet will be held October 28-30 in Arlington.