Conservation Officer Gary Nordseth honored with DNR Education Achievement Award

[HD]

Conservation Officer Gary Nordseth honored with DNR Education Achievement Award
(Released June 16, 2011)

Conservation Officer Gary Nordseth of Worthington was honored with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Education Achievement Award for implementing the first Hispanic firearm safety program in the state.

 

Nordseth saw an opportunity to reach out to the local Hispanic community with a Firearm Safety and Hunter Education (FASHE) program. Teaming with Conservation Officer Alex Gutierrez of Forest Lake, the officers worked with local community leaders and volunteers to develop a program that would not be limited by cultural or language barriers.

 

“This is exactly the type of innovation and determination that we encourage from our team,” said DNR Director Laurie Martinson. “This program is serving as a model for other conservation officers across our state.”

 

Nordseth also used an interpreter in the classroom to teach the importance of a FASHE program and shared the recreational opportunities that would open up for those who took the course. School District 518 and Worthington area firearm safety instructors were also vital to the success of the project.

 

As a result of the positive feedback from the program, volunteers, educators and FASHE instructors are already implementing similar programs in Willmar, Austin and Albert Lea.

 

Nordseth is well known for the considerable time he spends teaching people of all ages and backgrounds to be ethical, legal and responsible users of Minnesota’s natural resources.