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Excellence in Forestry Honored at 2023 Trees Bowl

: 2023 Trees Award winners, courtesy of James Olson, JMO Photography

Seventeen "Trees Award" winners from across the state were recognized at the 33^rd Trees Bowl and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 9th, 2023. The Trees Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities. Forestry activities can include: fire mitigation, protection and suppression; tree planting, preservation, or maintenance; community forestry efforts; forest or fire management practices; or environmental education. This event was hosted by the North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota State University (NDSU).

The winners were provided a noon luncheon in the Fargodome, which was followed by an awards ceremony. NDSU President David Cook and State Forester Thomas Claeys presented each winner with a plaque, and the winners were also recognized on the field at half-time of the NDSU football game vs. Maine. After the game, the North Dakota Forest Service distributed 3,000 Black Hills Spruce and Bur Oak trees to game attendees, courtesy of Towner State Nursery.

The 2023 award winners include:

COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR – Larimore

CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENT – Donald and Mary Lou Gentzkow, and Harlan Witt, all of Lamoure

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE – Duane Elness, Cavalier

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – Angela Bartholomay, Dakota College at Bottineau

EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENT – North Dakota Game and Fish Department

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Kindred Fire Department

FOREST STEWARDSHIP LANDOWNERS – Keith Knudson, Bottineau

MEDIA OUTREACH – Blake Nicholson, The Bismarck Tribune

NATURAL RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL – Brian Prince, North Dakota Game and Fish

2022 SMOKEY BEAR POSTER CONTEST WINNER – Mia Gasevic, Fargo

2023 SMOKEY BEAR POSTER CONTEST WINNER – Braxton Sangrait, Park River

TREE CELEBRATION – Lamoure

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION – Gackle Park Board

YOUTH TREE PLANTERS – Fargo Forestry Department and Fargo Park District

DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP – Dan Lambe, The Arbor Day Foundation

The Trees Bowl is an opportunity to speak to the value that trees provide to the quality of life for all North Dakotans. Our forest resources are unique. These native forests, windbreaks, and community forests provide essential benefits like shade, protection, food, fuel, and beauty to help us live happier and healthier lives. If you know someone who contributes to forestry and fire management to make a better North Dakota, consider nominating them for a Trees Award next year. Information about the Trees Awards can be found at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ndfs/about-north-dakota-forestry/trees-bowl.