2023 annual meeting awards
The Butte Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Meeting honored conservation partners and members of our community for their commitment to natural resource conservation. Established in 1953, the Butte SWCD celebrated its 70th anniversary of natural resource conservation in Butte and Southern Custer Counties.
Service awards were presented to board members Mark Telford and Todd Perkes. Mark Telford has served on the volunteer board for 10 years and have been active in the District’s annual conservation tours and is an advocate for the conservation programs available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Earlier this year, Mark and wife Paige were chosen as the regional Hugh Hammond Bennett award winners for their innovative farming practices.
Todd Perkes was recognized for 15 years of service on the Butte SWCD board. Todd serves as the board treasurer and represents the District at local and state-level meetings. Todd has been instrumental in supporting grants received by the District and promoting NRCS programs.
Awards were also presented to the Producer of the Year, Contractor of the Year, and Partner of the Year. Awardees were chosen based on their commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in collaboration with private landowners and partner agencies to complete conservation projects.
This year’s Producer of the Year is Byron Pehrson. Byron has been a champion in the valley for water conservation. Byron has devoted years to research and countless hours to meetings and leadership bringing water users together to update and improve the efficiency of water delivery systems for irrigation users in the valley. These large-scale conservation projects would not have been possible without the efforts of Byron and his ability to bring the users together for a common goal.
Tom Darland, owner of Darland’s SkidSteer Services, was selected as the Contractor of the Year. With a skilled staff and the knowledge of various types of ground preparation, pipe laying and rock installation, Tom has been an invaluable asset to this valley. From pipeline installation, dam repairs, and streambank restorations, to various other project installations, Tom and his crew have been critical in the success of improving irrigation water delivery and erosion control throughout our District.
Partner of the Year awards went to Jordan Hennefer of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and to Brett Gullett of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Jordan Hennefer has supported collaborative efforts in the Lost River Valley by encouraging landowners, BLM, NRCS and others to complete projects with the Butte SWCD. He has been supportive of collaborative efforts with the NRCS’ Cheatgrass Challenge program as well as various water projects installed to encourage more sustainable use of resources while improving resiliency against fire and promoting habitat for sage grouse and other wildlife. Jordan’s dedication to producers and conservation in the valley and his tireless efforts in seeing projects through have been invaluable assets for advancing the goals of the Butte SWCD and the NRCS.
Brett Gullet, the Regional Habitat Biologist based in Idaho Falls, was also chosen as a Partner of the Year for his pivotal role in the success of improving the antelope migration corridor across the southern portion of our District. In partnership with the local NRCS office, BLM, National Park Service, and the Butte SWCD, Brett has sought and secured funding for numerous landowners to ensure that they have minimal financial impact for retrofitting their fence lines to reduce obstructions to antelope as they move to and from winter range sites. Brett has been a critical asset in securing Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Fish and Game funds, which has supported retrofitting over 20 miles of fence. Additionally, much of this partnership hinges on the volunteers organized through Fish and Game who have removed old fence and tabbed newly installed fence with visibility markers.
Pictured below: Jordan Hennefer (BLM), NRCS Team Lead Jesse Fullmer, Tom Darland, Mark Telford, and Todd Perkes
Service awards were presented to board members Mark Telford and Todd Perkes. Mark Telford has served on the volunteer board for 10 years and have been active in the District’s annual conservation tours and is an advocate for the conservation programs available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Earlier this year, Mark and wife Paige were chosen as the regional Hugh Hammond Bennett award winners for their innovative farming practices.
Todd Perkes was recognized for 15 years of service on the Butte SWCD board. Todd serves as the board treasurer and represents the District at local and state-level meetings. Todd has been instrumental in supporting grants received by the District and promoting NRCS programs.
Awards were also presented to the Producer of the Year, Contractor of the Year, and Partner of the Year. Awardees were chosen based on their commitment to natural resource conservation and excellence in collaboration with private landowners and partner agencies to complete conservation projects.
This year’s Producer of the Year is Byron Pehrson. Byron has been a champion in the valley for water conservation. Byron has devoted years to research and countless hours to meetings and leadership bringing water users together to update and improve the efficiency of water delivery systems for irrigation users in the valley. These large-scale conservation projects would not have been possible without the efforts of Byron and his ability to bring the users together for a common goal.
Tom Darland, owner of Darland’s SkidSteer Services, was selected as the Contractor of the Year. With a skilled staff and the knowledge of various types of ground preparation, pipe laying and rock installation, Tom has been an invaluable asset to this valley. From pipeline installation, dam repairs, and streambank restorations, to various other project installations, Tom and his crew have been critical in the success of improving irrigation water delivery and erosion control throughout our District.
Partner of the Year awards went to Jordan Hennefer of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and to Brett Gullett of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Jordan Hennefer has supported collaborative efforts in the Lost River Valley by encouraging landowners, BLM, NRCS and others to complete projects with the Butte SWCD. He has been supportive of collaborative efforts with the NRCS’ Cheatgrass Challenge program as well as various water projects installed to encourage more sustainable use of resources while improving resiliency against fire and promoting habitat for sage grouse and other wildlife. Jordan’s dedication to producers and conservation in the valley and his tireless efforts in seeing projects through have been invaluable assets for advancing the goals of the Butte SWCD and the NRCS.
Brett Gullet, the Regional Habitat Biologist based in Idaho Falls, was also chosen as a Partner of the Year for his pivotal role in the success of improving the antelope migration corridor across the southern portion of our District. In partnership with the local NRCS office, BLM, National Park Service, and the Butte SWCD, Brett has sought and secured funding for numerous landowners to ensure that they have minimal financial impact for retrofitting their fence lines to reduce obstructions to antelope as they move to and from winter range sites. Brett has been a critical asset in securing Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Fish and Game funds, which has supported retrofitting over 20 miles of fence. Additionally, much of this partnership hinges on the volunteers organized through Fish and Game who have removed old fence and tabbed newly installed fence with visibility markers.
Pictured below: Jordan Hennefer (BLM), NRCS Team Lead Jesse Fullmer, Tom Darland, Mark Telford, and Todd Perkes
Mark and Paige Telford win regional hugh hammond benett award 2023
Mark and Paige Telford of Arco were awarded the regional Hugh Hammond Bennett Award in February. The Telford’s were nominated by the Butte Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for their commitment to conservation, civic involvement, soil health practices, and conservation innovation. Growing potato, hay, grain and livestock in Butte County, the Telford’s have participated in multiple Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs to conserve natural resources on their operation. The Telford’s have participated in NRCS special wildlife initiatives and have retrofitted livestock fences to be more wildlife friendly and they rotate their grazing schedule to benefit sage-grouse and other sensitive wildlife. The Telford’s have been a leader in soil health practices and implement a five-year crop rotation plan on their potato fields, plant cover crops, and utilize compost. The Telford’s have displayed self-driven conservation efforts through participation in research programs to learn more about preventing potato virus Y and research to conserve water in livestock watering systems. Furthermore, a portion of their potato fields have been USDA certified organic since 2017. Mark has served on the Butte SWCD board of supervisors for nine years and has been instrumental in bringing federal funding into the District to install irrigation efficiency improvement technology on area farms. Mark has been a vanguard for no-till drilling practices and was involved with helping the District purchase a no-till drill to rent to area producers. He has also served 12 years on the Idaho Potato Board’s research and education committee. During this time, he advocated for the University of Idaho Extension Agent position of a Potato Specialist. This position received funding for several years following its inception by the Idaho Potato Commission. The Hugh Hammond Bennett awards are named for the founder of the soil conservation service and acknowledge agricultural producers and professionals for their outstanding efforts to promote and implement natural resource conservation practices. Congratulations Mark and Paige!
2022 scholarship award
The Butte Soil and Water Conservation District awarded Sara Zollinger of Mackay a $4,400 scholarship to cover the cost of college courses needed for employment with the NRCS. Sara holds a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Idaho and was recently hired by the Butte SWCD to fill the technical assistance position funded by a grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts. Board Chairman Randy Purser stated, “As part of the grant, the District contributes a percentage as matching funds, we are pleased to be able to utilize this portion of the grant to help individuals reach their career goals. With these funds, Sara will obtain the additional soil science credits needed for employment with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.”
2020 Annual Meeting Awards
The Butte Soil and Water Conservation District recognized Board Supervisors and staff for their dedicated service during the 2020 Annual Meeting in Arco. Walt Johnson was recognized for thirty years of service as a board supervisor. Walt has represented the ranching interests in the District and has been an advocate for water conservation and range improvements. Walt also participated for many years as a presenter at the District’s 6th grade natural resources tour. Mindy Hawley was recognized for five years of service as a District employee. Mindy is responsible for organizing the District youth outreach activities every year including the 6th grade natural resources tour, stewardship week, the annual poster and speech contests, and spends countless hours assisting the state Envirothon committee.
Chris merrill recognized for 35 years
Chris Merrill started his career with the NRCS in 1985 as a soil conservation technician and has worked as a civil engineering technician for the last 25 years. In his 35-year career, Chris served as the state safety officer for 12 years and was a part of the SNOTEL team for 30 years. When asked what he felt were his biggest accomplishments during his time at the NRCS, Chris pointed to a project at the beginning of his career in the Little Lost River Valley where two miles of trenches were dug to facilitate sinking of the river to prevent flooding and icing in the town of Howe during the wintertime. Chris was also involved in a project on the Arco desert where 42 miles of livestock water pipeline and numerous watering troughs were installed. He is proud of how successful this project has been and how it has allowed more efficient use of the grazing available on the desert. Chris plans to spend his retirement working a few days a week for the court system, taking long rides on his Harley, and golfing.
2019 annual meeting awards
The Butte Soil and Water Conservation District recognized Board Supervisors and staff for their dedicated service during the 2019 Annual Meeting in Arco. Each were presented with a service award plaque and a certificate of appreciation signed by Governor Little. Frances Perkes was presented an award for 35 years of service. Frances has served as the administrative assistant, educational outreach coordinator, and is the current financial advisor and office manager. Frances has created environmental education materials for youth, coordinated farming and ranching workshops for residents, and been actively involved in our local and state levels of Envirothon. Board Supervisor Randy Purser was recognized for 33 years of service with the District. Randy has been very hands-on during his time as Supervisor and does everything from attending conservation meetings across the state to cooking hotdogs during the Annual 6th Grade Natural Resources Tour. Randy is the current Board Chairman and has been instrumental in keeping the District active in environmental conservation. Jeff Isham was also recognized for 30 years of service as a Board Supervisor representing the Little Lost River Valley. Jeff is a leader in conservation within his community and is always willing to share his experiences with his neighbors.
