A local man has been recognized for his efforts to leave something for future generations.

William H. &uot;Bill&uot; Bryson of Alden, a supervisor with the Freeborn County Soil and Water Conservation District, was named the 2002 Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) Outstanding Supervisor at the annual meeting of the MASWCD in St. Paul. He was nominated by the Freeborn SWCD.

&uot;I was flattered when I was nominated by the Albert Lea district, and I was modestly surprised to receive the award,&uot; Bryson said.

Bryson has held a number of leadership positions with the local district, the state association, and the national association. He was first appointed to fill a supervisor’s term in 1969 and served as chairman from 1974-1983. He is currently the SWCD secretary, and serves on the Legislative Committee, the Resource Conservation and Development Committee, and is the representative on the Basin Alliance for the Lower Mississippi in Minnesota.

Additionally, he held positions with the MASWCD board, including vice president and president. Bryson was a council member with the National Association of Conservation Districts from 1982-85.

In the nominating materials, the SWCD wrote that they were &uot;proud to nominate William H. Bryson for the 2002 Outstanding Supervisor Award. As a member of our board for over 30 years, he has contributed much to the success of our district and soil and water protection and enhancement here in Freeborn County. His efforts on the area, state, and national levels, as evidence by his activities, demonstrate a conservation ethic and commitment that is clearly extraordinary.&uot;

Bryson plans to fill out the remaining two years on his term. &uot;It’s been a good run,&uot; he said of his years of service to the district.

Bryson and his wife Arlene have been married for 52 years. Together, they have owned and operated a 376-acre grain and livestock farm in Freeborn County until their retirement in 1994. Although retired, they have been active in maintaining their land resources. Wildlife wetland development, tree plantings, retaining original oak. Savannah and C.R.P. acres, have been part of their personal mission.

The Brysons have also been active in the Albert Lea Audubon Society. Bill Bryson has also served as chairman of the Minnesota Council of State Parks, testified five times before the U.S. Senate, was on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Board for four years, and was one of the first to suggest Reinvest in Minnesota Coalitions.

&uot;I suggested that groups lobby together to get a broader base of support,&uot; Bryson recalled. &uot;Thirty-one diverse groups, all interested in the environment, got together and it’s held intact ever since.&uot;

MASWCD’s 66th annual meeting was held Dec. 8-10 in St. Paul. Members of the state’s SWCDs (including district staff and supervisors), along with conservation groups, state agencies, and other officials attended the meeting.