Via the St. Croix River Association:

Local volunteer Dan Willius and the citizen group TA-COS (Take Action-Conserve Our Scandia) were both named the winners of the 2013 St. Croix Watershed Stewardship Award at the St. Croix River Association annual meeting.

The annual Watershed Stewardship Award is presented to an individual, business, organization or community for having made a significant contribution to stewardship of the St. Croix River. Recipients of the award support good stewardship of the natural resources of the St. Croix River watershed, demonstrate measureable results, and demonstrate work that is clearly above and beyond their normal responsibility.

Dan Willius has served for decades on numerous organizations including the St. Croix Valley Foundation, the St. Croix Scenic Coalition, the Courage Center, and others in the St. Croix River valley. His community service spans politics, health care and environmental education. As past Board of Directors Chair, Dan played a critical role in helping to reshape the St. Croix River Association into the strong conservation-based organization we witness today. The wealth of Dan’s contributions will leave a lasting legacy throughout the watershed for generations to come.

Take Action Conserve Our Scandia (TA-COS) is a citizen group concerned about the impacts of a proposed gravel mine located near Scandia, along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Their dedication, research, professionalism, strong work ethic and focus brought forward important information and questions for the city council to consider. Their efforts created excellent public dialogue, and heighten civic engagement. TA-COS, in conjunction with many others, were able to help shape policy that will protect groundwater and surface, increase public safety, and reduce noise, dust, and traffic. Their efforts will benefit the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and its visitors, as well as the City of Scandia and surrounding communities.