Troy Daniell of Minnesota was selected as the 2024 Outstanding State Conservationist. The announcement was made during the NRCS National Leadership Team meeting held in Salt Lake City during NACD’s Annual Meeting.

NASCA presents the award each year to an NRCS State Conservationist who demonstrates outstanding “service, dedication, cooperation and partnership.”

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) nominated Daniell. “Troy has made the conservation mission really go and grow in Minnesota,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “His results-driven leadership and can-do problem solving is acknowledged and appreciated by many partners in Minnesota and beyond.”

The nomination was accompanied by several letters of support from partners in the state. Jaschke and Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) Executive Director LeAnn Buck were in attendance for the announcement.

Daniell began his career as a range conservationist in Louisiana in 1996. He later became a district conservationist in Oklahoma for six years, followed by seven years as an assistant state conservationist in Illinois. He has served as Minnesota’s State Conservationist since 2018.

NASCA launched the Outstanding State Conservationist award in 2015. CLICK HERE to view a list of past winners.