A dedication to soil and water conservation has earned Frank Svojanovski of Minitonas, Man., the L.B. Thomson Conservation Award for 2000.
The award is presented annually by the federal Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration to recognize outstanding achievements in soil or water conservation.
Svojanovski introduced several soil and water conservation projects into Manitoba’s Swan River Valley, both as a producer and as a member of conservation groups, said PFRA director general Bernie Sonntag.
“The award recognizes the contribution he has made over the years as an innovator and builder,” Sonntag said.
Svojanovski began farming in the Swan River Valley in 1975 but was forced to retire in 1997 due to ill health. His conservation practices included grass waterways, chemical fallow and minimum tillage.
In 1985, he spearheaded efforts to implement conservation projects in the district and has chaired the Northwest Soil Management Association since 1990.
Svojanovski also helped lead the implementation of the Swan Lake riparian management plan.
More recently, Svojanovski played a key role in establishing the environmental tax credit program and the Manitoba Sustainable Agriculture Association.
