COVER Photo: Jim Michael (right) and his wife Jackie after he received the 2020 Carroll Greene Award during the WVACD quarterly meeting.

Jim Michael, a longtime supervisor in the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District who had the opportunity to work with Carroll Greene many years ago, received the West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts’ award named for Greene, which is the highest award given to conservation supervisors in the state.

Michael received the 2020 Carroll Greene Award during the Association’s quarterly meeting on Oct. 19th and 20th.

Jim has long been involved in watershed issues, and he has emphasized the establishment of local watershed associations to improve and manage water quality. In Morgan County, the Sleepy Creek and Warm Springs Run watershed associations have developed outstanding programs featuring streambank protection, community tree plantings and replacement of failing home septic systems.

He’s also taken an interest in the state’s dam infrastructure. He has regular conversations with local, state, and national representatives to express his concerns about funding and maintenance of the dams. For instance, he is currently working with the West Virginia Division of Highways for the current 522 Bypass, which will affect several local dams. 

Jim also has taken his watershed work across the state as chairman of the Association’s Water Resources Committee. On the EPCD, he chairs the watershed and legislative committees and also sits on the budget, finance, education and equipment committees.

He’s on the phone daily with lawmakers of all levels to ensure that West Virginia and EPCD are being recognized and receiving the support needed to further conservation efforts.

He and his wife Jackie own and operate a 284-acre farm and rent an additional 200 acres near Berkeley County for their cattle, hay and grain operation. The Michaels have implemented many soil and water quality practices in their operations.

Jim is a 1957 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Agriculture. He worked for 35 years with the USDA Soil Conservation Service, which preceded the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Also at the meeting:

| The Eastern Panhandle Conservation District received the inaugural Excellence in Conservation Communication Award for their excellent social media posts, YouTube videos, media outreach and special publications that promote conservation.

| Capitol Conservation District supervisor Terry Hudson received the WVACD Rookie Supervisor Award for achievements and leadership in the protection and enhancement of natural resources.

| The Northern Panhandle Conservation District received the 2020 Education District of the Year award, which recognizes outstanding conservation education efforts in the state.