Special Recognition

Texas NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Recognized

Wade Ross of Wheelock,Texas has been named Earth Team Volunteer of the year for 2005.  USDA NRCS presented Ross the award
at the 65th Annual State Meeting of the Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) held in Corpus Christi.

“Wade has demonstrated a commitment to conservation that transcends cultural and historical boundaries,” stated NRCS State Conservationist Larry Butler when presenting the award. “His goal is to help more people understand the best way to take care of natural resources and he is constantly seeking new ways to meet that goal.”

Ross began serving as an Earth Team volunteer in 1999. He is a rancher, District Cooperator, member of the State Technical Committee and Chairperson for the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community Based Organization (CBO). He has chaired this position since 1998 and worked very hard to ensure an effective cooperative partnership between the USDA-NRCS and the organization.

Ross has volunteered numerous hours to expand the CBO in central, east and northeast Texas. As a result of his efforts, the CBO now serves over 36 counties. His efforts have also increased minority landowner and Limited Resource Producer participation in governmental programs.

He has dedicated his time and personal financial resources for the cause of conservation. During fiscal year 2005, Ross accrued 266 hours of volunteer time supporting NRCS sponsored programs and supplying information to CBO members and others on agency meetings, tours and NRCS programs. Through the CBO he has held several land management field days in various locations, including his own ranch, using NRCS and other agency personnel, to educate landowners about conscientious management of natural resources.

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