NASCA is proud to announce that one of its own, Mike Thralls of Oklahoma, received the Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award at the 2015 NACD Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA. Mike served as the Oklahoma Conservation Commission Executive Director for 17 years and NASCA President in 2014.
Former NACD President Olin Sims was a rancher from McFadden, Wyoming and was distinguished by years of volunteer service to conservation at the state and national levels. In tribute to his memory, and to help further promote and recognize outstanding conservation leadership at the state and local levels, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and NACD have jointly established an Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award.
The award was presented to Mike’s wife Donna and son Derek by NRCS Chief Jason Weller. “Mike is a pioneer of voluntary conservation in Oklahoma, both in his service to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and on his farm,” said Weller. “I am grateful for his leadership in protecting our nation’s natural resources and encouraging fellow farmers to use conservation practices that boost soil health, promote clean water and air, and enhance wildlife habitat. Mike has cultivated a strong relationship between the conservation districts and NRCS, which has broadened the footprint of sustainable agriculture across Oklahoma.”
Mike Thralls acceptance speech