State conservation officers honored

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State conservation officers honored
(Released April 14, 2011)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Enforcement has named Greg Abraham its 2010 conservation officer (CO) of the year.

The 30-year DNR employee who works out of the New Ulm station, is a proven leader, distinguished marksman, exceptionally skilled investigator and standout officer, said Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement director.

“He’s among one of the most hard-working, motivated self-starters I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and he deserves this award,” said Konrad.

Abraham’s career is filled with accomplishments that meet and exceed the expectations of a CO.

“Considering the very high caliber of officers in this outfit, and the storied history of previous recipients, this comes as an unexpected and humbling honor,” said Abraham.

Other conservation officers honored for 2010 activities included:

COs Gary Nordseth of Worthington and Alex Gutierrez of Forest Lake received the Education Achievement Award for their work with in conducting a Hispanic Firearms Safety program in the Worthington area. The award recognizes an officer based on overall career performance with emphasis on involvement in the division’s education programs; support and involvement with volunteer instructors; and educational efforts through the media and special presentations.

CO Rick Reller of Buffalo received the Waterfowl Enforcement Achievement Award. The annual award is presented to a conservation officer dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s natural resources, serving the public and preserving our waterfowl heritage.

CO David Schottenbauer of Princeton received the Willard Munger Wetland Achievement Award. The award is named after the long-time legislator who died in 1999 leaving a 43-year record of extraordinary environmental activism to the people of Minnesota.

CO Jackie Glaser of Mound received the Boat and Water Safety Achievement Award. The honor is based on demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in boating safety education, Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) enforcement, and service to other law enforcement agencies.

These annual awards recognize the work conservation officers perform while enforcing natural resources and recreational laws designed to protect Minnesota’s water supply, to promote personal safety and to ensure healthy game and fish populations.