Andy Aldax Award

Dan Greytak and TCID Honored with 2024 Andy Aldax Watershed Award

The Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD) Board of Directors presented the 2024 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award to Dan Greytak and the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District (TCID). The award, named for longtime CWSD Director Andy Aldax, recognizes the exemplary service of individuals and organizations who devote 10 years or more to conserving and protecting the Carson River Watershed.

Dan Greytak’s contributions to the Carson River Watershed span more than 40 years. Shane Fryer, one of Greytak’s many well-wishers at CWSD’s Jan. 17 Board meeting and award presentation, praised his efforts. “Dan has made significant contributions toward achieving the Carson River Watershed Vision,” said Fryer, a former CWSD employee who worked extensively with him.

A “tireless advocate” and “voice of reason” for the Carson River, Greytak initially started his work in the Carson River Watershed with the Washoe Environmental Protection Department (WEPD).

Dan and Jude Greytak with Mike Workman, CWSD Chairperson

For 14 years he directed many restorations and stabilizations within the tribe’s reach of the Carson River, including multiple watershed-protection projects in all three of the tribal colonies, “getting in the muck to get things done,” according to former WEPD co-worker Darryl Cruz. He initiated many of the tribe’s monitoring programs and as a volunteer continues to support bird and fish monitoring on tribal land.

Prior to his time with the WEPD, Greytak founded the Nevada State Tree Nursery in 1978. Over the next 25 years, he expanded the nursery’s facilities throughout the state, raised and sold more than 10 million trees, and established the Nevada State Seed Bank. According to Dan Kaffer, former Coordinator with Western Nevada Resource Conservation and Development and current Alpine Watershed Group Board member, Greytak became Nevada’s “Johnny Appleseed.”

“Everyone in this room probably has some trees growing on their properties that came from that nursery,” said Kaffer. “Those trees have affected all of western Nevada and eastern California and are still used to this day.”

From 2001-2009 Greytak sat on the Carson River Advisory Committee and helped lay the groundwork for many of today’s parks, open spaces, recreation areas and river-conservation activities. As an early member of the Carson River Coalition, a watershed-wide stakeholder group, he regularly volunteered for bank-stabilization crews, wire-wrapped trees for beaver protection, and supported CWSD’s rafting, canoe, and kayaking tours. He also provided advice and direction for CWSD’s weed-abatement program and revegetation projects.

Retired Nevada State Parks Ranger and former Tahoe Rim Trail Association Executive Director Mark Kimbrough lauded Greytak’s approach to conservation. “Emotion drives what he says, but he uses good science to explain why things need to happen,” said Kimbrough. “He’s always been a consistent, strong voice for the river, and this (award) is long overdue.”

Greytak expressed his gratitude for the river access his work afforded him and to his wife of 50 years, Jude, for her support and encouragement. He paid tribute to the endeavors of deceased colleagues and looked ahead to the future.

“There’s a lot of like-minded, enthusiastic people working in our watershed to protect the resource, and so I think the river’s going to be okay,” he said.

TCID General Manager Ben Shawcroft also acknowledged his predecessors during his acceptance speech. “(The award) certainly recognizes all who came before me. You all know Rusty (former TCID General Manager Rusty Jardine) and his tremendous work that he did for a long time, Ernie Schank here for his tremendous work on the Board for many years, and countless others. It really recognizes their tremendous effort and work in that part of the watershed.”

Ben Shawcroft, TCID General Manager and Mike Workman, CWSD Chairperson

During remarks, former longtime TCID Board President Schank, the current CWSD Board Vice Chairperson, reflected on TCID’s origins. “I think the people we’re really honoring tonight for the most part are five generations of farmers, because the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District is made up of those water rights holders who are in the lower part of the Carson River,” he said. “My father taught me a reverence for the pioneers that came to the Lahontan Valley…many of them gave their lives so that we who live there now might have a nice area to live, an area with lots of wildlife and trees, and a wonderful area to raise a family.”

In addition, CWSD General Manager Edwin James highlighted TCID’s current efforts to address water rights issues and to keep farming active in the Churchill County area through its approach to irrigation, as well as its work in the aftermath of last winter’s historic snowpack.

The presentation of the Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award is an annual highlight for the CWSD Board of Directors. Created in 2007, the award honors the legacy of the late Andy Aldax, a 53-year CWSD Board Director and a tireless agricultural advocate and watershed steward for the Carson River Watershed.

Robb Fellows Honored with 2023 Andy Aldax Watershed Award

The Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD) announces Robb Fellows as the 2023 winner of the Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed! The award recognizes individuals or organizations who demonstrate a 10+ year commitment to implementing projects that improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed (CRW). Created in 2007, the award honors the legacy of the late Andy Aldax, a 53-year member of CWSD’s Board, tireless agricultural advocate, and watershed steward for the CRW.

During the award ceremony on Jan. 18, colleagues from area counties and agencies hailed Fellows as a mentor and champion for the community. They lauded his insights and willingness to answer questions, even ones outside his jurisdiction “I really appreciate being nominated and accepting this award. I know I’ve done a lot of things, and it’s amazing what people remember,” said Fellows. “It’s been fun…certainly I think myself and the others at Public Works have done a lot of good things for Carson City, and we’re in a good place.”

Robb Fellows & Stacey Giomi, CWSD Chairperson

As chief stormwater engineer and floodplain manager for Public Works, Fellows supervised management of Carson City’s 18 sub-watersheds. As an integral part of the Carson River Coalition (CRC) team that created the CRW Regional Floodplain Management Plan (RFMP), Fellows promoted the RFMP’s “living river” concept while implementing critical projects throughout the city. Through his guidance and participation in the CRC, Carson City has become an important role model for other counties on how implementation of the RFMP can be achieved.

During his 21-year tenure with Carson City Public Works, Fellows’ floodplain-management efforts to implement the vision and guiding principles of the CRC improved flood hazard mitigation and water quality throughout the city. Fellows worked with Carson City Open Space to designate more than 71 percent of Carson City’s Special Flood Hazard Area to reduce flood hazards and improve recreation access throughout the city.

Among his many accomplishments, Fellows:

• Spearheaded a $4.5-million investment to incorporate storm water improvements along South Carson Street to alleviate flooding during storm events.
• Expanded Vicee Canyon Detention Basins following the 2004 Waterfall Fire.
• Oversaw flood awareness and emergency preparedness outreach including the Eagle Creek mural project.
• Managed nearly $1.5 million in flood insurance rate map updates for the Carson River, Eagle Valley, Goni Wash, Voltaire Canyon, and Clear Creek.
• Coordinated FEMA’s Community Rating System, providing a 20% discount to flood insurance premiums for Carson City residents living in Special Flood Hazard Areas
• Updated the City’s Stormwater Ordinances to include a Drainage Manual and Low Impact Development (LID) ordinances that weave water quality increases into stormwater infrastructure and flood protection improvements.

BRUCE SCOTT & ALPINE WATERSHED GROUP RECEIVE
2022 ANDY ALDAX CARSON RIVER WATERSHED AWARDS

The Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Bruce Scott as the individual who will receive the 2022 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed.  Alpine Watershed Group will also be awarded for their group’s exemplary service that benefits the Carson River Watershed in their stewardship of our river’s headwaters. The award, created in 2007, recognizes individuals or organizations that actively demonstrate a 10+ year commitment and accomplish plans and projects to improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed.

Since the late 1970’s Bruce Scott has discreetly promoted water resource protection in our beautiful community and in the Carson River region.  He served on the Carson City Open Space Advisory Committee many years.  Bruce was instrumental in getting the water rights for the big productive wells along the river and he was one of the visionaries that helped to get the water exchange pipeline coming from Douglas County.  Bruce was instrumental in making the Aquatic Trail a reality.  In 1999, Resource Concepts, Inc. hired an enthusiastic river guide who loved the Carson River.  Bruce, as principal of RCI, strongly encouraged taking community leaders down the Class I and III stretch of the Carson River.  Bruce understood how critical it was to show people the amazing resource.  He contacted people he thought should see the river and helped to coordinate the early trips.  He was nominated by his colleague, Lynn Zonge, who says Bruce Scott has done more to conserve and protect the Carson River and its watershed as a community resource than any single person I know.  Bruce is a highly respected Water Resource Engineer who CWSD is proud to honor with the Andy Aldax Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed.

AWG Executive Director Kimra McAfee, right, and Rachel Kieffer, left, AWG Watershed Coordinator

Alpine Watershed Group (AWG) formed in 2001 as a grassroots effort by community members and other stakeholders in Alpine County, California.  In 2004, AWG joined the 772 other volunteer monitoring groups in the US in initiating a Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program.  In 2006, the group became a 501(c)(3) organization, and continues to grow and evolve every year.  Alpine County is located at the headwaters of five rivers – the Carson, Mokelumne, Stanislaus, Truckee and American– which provide water to Western Nevada and California’s Central Valley. Over the last 150 years, Alpine County watersheds have experienced extensive mining, grazing, timber harvesting, and road building.  Alpine County is a popular recreation area for thousands of tourists, anglers, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.  Recreational overuse has resulted in water quality degradation impacting the surrounding landscapes and communities extending well into the five watersheds.  For over twenty years, AWG has been instrumental in conserving and protecting the river through its network of stakeholders and volunteers who show up to steward our watershed. AWG staff and board members’ planning and communication in Alpine County actively engages participants in the county’s ongoing discussion about the water quality and natural resource management.

Awards were presented at the CWSD Board meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bonanza Room of the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St. (Hwy. 50), Carson City.

The Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD) is pleased to announce the selection of Phyllis Atkinson to receive the 2021 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed. The award, created in 2007, recognizes individuals or organizations that actively demonstrate a 10+ year commitment and accomplish plans and projects to improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed. Ms. Atkinson was proudly nominated by River Wranglers for this award.

Phyllis began teaching 7th grade science in Silver Springs, Nevada, near the Big Bend of the Carson River, in 1995. River Wranglers (RW) worked with her and because of her enthusiasm and
interest, students began science exploration on the banks of the Carson River at Ft. Churchill State Historic Park. When she left Lyon County, she took a teaching position at Carson Middle School where she maintained her relationship with River Wranglers and enjoyed many years teaching 6th through 8th grade science classes. She was awarded a water quality monitoring trunk from the Nevada Division of Water Quality Planning. The water monitoring trunk outfitted her students with chemical test kits, goggles, and gloves to perform tests to check pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. They also had boots, kick nets, and scopes to assess the biological diversity in the river. These are our future scientists, artists, beauticians, teachers, factory workers, writers, parents, mechanics, politicians, and voters learning the science and value of healthy
rivers.

While Phyllis was being paid to teach, her creativity and ingenuity made it possible to develop lesson plans using the Carson River as her platform. She was very inclusive and when not able to link the subject matter directly to Carson River education, she encouraged other teachers to work with RW. One year, with help from Phyllis, RW presented the Carson River History trunk to all 7th grade students studying Nevada history at Carson Middle School. She believes in the value of watershed-based education and encourages others to also value place-based education.

Phyllis Atkinson served on the board of directors for River Wranglers as well as the Silver Saddle Ranch. She was one of the key organizers of the High Sierra Camp which provided backcountry experiences for Nevada youth. She was selected as the Science Department Chairperson for the 6th and 8th grades at Carson Middle School. In 2001 she was recognized for her leadership by the Carson River Advisory Committee. Phyllis was selected as the Rotary Club Teacher of the Month, received the Golden Apple Award from the Carson City School District and was Teacher of the Year at Carson Middle School and Pioneer High School. Phyllis Atkinson, after her 25th year of education, retired from Pioneer High School in spring 2019.
She worked diligently to give students real life science opportunities along the Carson River. Her Leadership class was involved in a year-long Carson River Watershed mentoring program with Seeliger Elementary 4th graders.

The recipient of the Andy Aldax Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed for 2020 was Richard Wilkinson. The award, created in 2007, recognizes individuals or organizations that actively demonstrate a 10+ year commitment and accomplish plans and projects to improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed.

Richard is an environmental resource sciences specialist.  Through his positions at the Carson Valley Conservation District, Dayton Valley Conservation District and Carson City, he has worked on numerous projects in the Carson River Watershed.  Richard takes it upon himself to provide exceptional support and service to landowners, the general public, and everyone he meets.  He discerns quickly their individual needs and moves efficiently to provide key information to projects and natural resource issues.

Richard was raised in the Carson River Basin and remains within the community today.  After receiving his degree in Environmental Resource Sciences from UNR, he went to work doing what he loves.  While his adventures took him to the east side of the state, it wasn’t long before he was back home in the Carson River Basin.  During his time with the Dayton Valley Conservation District, he was responsible for several streambank restoration projects.  Now, he finds himself at the Carson Valley Conservation District working tirelessly to restore streambanks in the Carson Valley area.  Richard believes in creating a river that can change freely without doing irreparable damage to those who live along the river.  His philosophy doesn’t end there; Richard is known for getting projects competed in a timely manner with minimal negative effects.  His river restoration projects are so successful that many would never know that the area was once in need of severe ecological restoration.

Fondly known as the “go-to” for most things within the Carson Valley Conservation District, Richard receives countless calls daily from government entities and private landowners calling upon his experience and knowledge for conservation information and advice.  He is devoted to protecting the agricultural infrastructure and natural resources of the unique watershed that he calls “home”.

The recipient of the Andy Aldax Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed for 2019 was Lynn Zonge. The award, created in 2007, recognizes individuals or organizations that actively demonstrate a 10+ year commitment and accomplish plans and projects to improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed.

Lynn is a specialist in fluvial geomorphology, surface water hydrology and geology of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin Regions.  Through her position at Resource Concepts, Inc (RCI) she has worked on numerous projects in the Carson River and other watersheds.

Lynn is devoted to protecting the resources of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin and their watersheds, especially her ‘home’ watershed, the Carson River.  One of her most noted projects was the Carson River Aquatic Trail.  She was instrumental in introducing and mapping this undeveloped primitive section of the Carson River which has become one the best river runs in Nevada.  The results of her planning efforts are evident in Carson City Open Space’s trailhead/picnic park site designed for launching watercraft and an educational/safety brochure for the watercraft enthusiasts.

Brad Bonkowski, CWSD Treasurer Steve Thaler, CWSD Board Vice Chair present the Andy Aldax Award to Lynn Zonge

Her work on the Open Space Plan for Carson City sets the planning for years to come to protect the watershed of the Carson River. She was a resource team member for the highly popular waterfall trail interpretive and resource protection project that developed a conservation theme to preserve the Kings Canyon watershed.  This project was an educational opportunity to enlighten the hundreds of trail users that the Kings Canyon Creek is a Carson City point source water supply and their stewardship was necessary to protect the drinking water of Carson City.

Lynn not only spends her working day protecting our watershed, she frequently provides volunteer assistance to Muscle Powered and the Eagle Valley Trails Committee [EVTC] assisting with trail design and development that will protect our watershed.  Much of these organizations accomplishments are due to Lynn’s tireless efforts, and especially, her welcome smile and vibrant personality that energizes all those around her.

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The recipient of the Andy Aldax Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed for 2018 was Dr. Steve Lewis. The award, created in 2007, recognizes individuals or organizations that actively demonstrate a 10+ year commitment and accomplish plans and projects to improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed.

For over 28 years, Dr. Steve Lewis has worked tirelessly to conserve and sustain the waterways throughout the Carson River Watershed. He has been the Extension Educator in Gardnerville, Nevada since 1990 and is well-known for his dedication to serving the Carson River community.

Dr. Lewis is a founding member, champion, or sustaining supporter of dozens of movements to conserve our Carson River waters, floodplains, and natural resources: He has organized hundreds of public and private land conservation meetings and voluntarily facilitates planning workshops for local churches, schools, and any group that builds unity in our communities. He has been a respected technical resource for the Carson River Watershed at well over 4,000 meetings. Through the years, Dr. Lewis has authored numerous brochures and fact sheets about floodplain management and other best management practices for our watershed community.

Always with a smile, a kind word, and a readiness to lend a hand…Steve Lewis, a gentleman and scholar, exemplifies the Andy Aldax spirit and commitment to community and conservation.

The recipient of the Andy Aldax Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed for 2017 was Juan Guzman. The award, created in 2007, recognizes individuals or organizations that actively demonstrate a 10+ year commitment and accomplish plans and projects to improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed.

Juan Guzman is the retired Manager of the Carson City Open Space Program. In that capacity, Mr. Guzman was instrumental in leveraging several federal, state, and city funding sources to build Carson City’s vast Open Space Land Base, including many lands in the Carson River Watershed. During his tenure, this space doubled in size, protecting over 5,000 acres of watershed lands in perpetuity.

In addition to Mr. Guzman’s land acquisition efforts, he also participated in projects designed to allow Carson City’s citizens to access the watershed and the river itself, including improvements to the Morgan Mill River Access Area and creation of the Carson River Aquatic Trail. Additionally, Mr. Guzman worked to protect Buzzy’s Ranch, Golden Eagle, Mexican Dam, Prison Hill, Silver Saddle Ranch, Ambrose Natural Area, Riverview Park, and the Carson River Park.

Since retirement Mr. Guzman remains active with the Carson Valley Trails Association and Muscle Powered and is a current member of their respective boards. He also volunteers with Carson City Open Space. He acknowledges that the partnerships, relationships, plans, and projects he has helped foster, administer, and successfully implement should be credited to the many dedicated and passionate individuals with whom he has worked. This unselfish trait may also contribute to the tremendous impact he has made toward creating a healthy, sustainable Carson River watershed.

The recipient of the Andy Aldax Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed for 2016 was Mark Kimbrough. The award, created in 2007, recognizes individuals or organizations that actively demonstrate a 10+ year commitment and accomplish plans and projects to improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed.

Although Mr. Kimbrough was nominated for his most recent successes, the King’s Canyon Waterfall Trail and formation of the Eagle Valley Trails Committee, his work in the Carson River Watershed to protect the Carson River spans decades. Mark has focused on creating sustainable open spaces and trail systems throughout the Eastern Sierra Front and Carson City County personally and professionally. We appreciate all the benefits his work has provided to Carson City and our entire watershed community.

Mr. Kimbrough has lived along the Carson River since the 1980s. In 1993, he became a member of the Carson River Action Committee (CRAC) that was instrumental in creating the 1994 CRAC planning document. When voters passed a tax within Carson City to support open space, this document provided a framework to move forward to protect open spaces around the Carson River and within Carson City County. In 1997 when the largest flood on record brought a lot of attention to the Carson River, Mr. Kimbrough was an active founding member of the Carson River Coalition. Mr. Kimbrough also assisted in obtaining a a grant to build a road and self-guided trail at Ambrose Natural Area. He helped build a trail from the BLM office to Morgan Mill road. Mr. Kimbrough’s advocacy protected the Carson River when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) considered allowing a housing development at Silver Saddle Ranch. Instead, Carson City bought Silver Saddle Ranch for open space along the Carson River. Over the years, Mr. Kimbrough has participated in numerous environmental programs on the river including a two night stay at the Silver Saddle Ranch with high school seniors and a 10-day field trip “The River Runs Through” which included science components. He has worked with Dan Kaffer, Linda Conlin of River Wranglers and many other educators to expose adults and children to the Carson River and learn firsthand about the critical importance of protecting the river for the health of watershed. In accepting his award, Mr. Kimbrough encouraged the Carson Water Subconservancy District board and staff to continue monitoring and protecting the Carson River.

On January 21, 2015, the Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD) posthumously awarded Pete Livermore the 2015 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for Exemplary Service in Conservation and Protection of the Carson River Watershed.  The award, created in 2007, recognizes individuals or organizations that actively demonstrate a 10+ year commitment and accomplish plans and projects to improve and sustain the Carson River Watershed.  The award was presented to Laurie Livermore, Pete Livermore’s widow who graciously spoke of Pete’s love of Carson City and his pleasure in serving on CWSD’s board for 12 years.

Pete Livermore was instrumental in the passing of Carson City’s Quality of Life Initiative, known as Question 18.  Funding generated through this initiative, which created Carson City’s Open Space Program, was instrumental in leveraging other public funds needed to purchase lands along the Carson River, both in Fee Title and in Easements.  Question 18 funding further leveraged public funds to develop Carson River’s recreational potential with projects, such as the Carson River Aquatic Trail, improvements to river access facilities at the Morgan Mill site, and other trail projects, including the Mexican Ditch Bridge, that have improved the public’s ability to access open spaces in the Carson River Watershed.  Additionally, Mr. Livermore supported the State of Nevada’s Question 1 Program which helped fund Carson City’s purchase of open space along the Carson River in the majority of Carson River Canyon for the enjoyment of generations to come.

As a Director on the Carson Water Subconservancy District Board for many years, Mr. Livermore brought his passion
for outdoor recreation and open space accessibility to his service.  He earnestly cared about the health and safety of the Carson River Watershed and was proactive in understanding the many challenges of flooding, invasive species, river restoration and stabilization.  Mr. Livermore strove to find solutions that were best for the citizens of the Carson River Watershed

CWSD mourns Mr. Livermore’s recent passing and is grateful for his many years of dependable and enthusiastic service to the Carson River Watershed.

Judy Wickwire and Genie Azad receive Andy Aldax award from CWSD Chairman Ernie Schank & Andy Aldax.

Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD) selected Judy Wickwire of Alpine County, California, and Mahmood “Moody” and Genie Azad of Washoe Valley, Nevada to receive the 2014 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for exemplary service in conservation and protection of the Carson River Watershed.

Judy Wickwire is an active and tireless volunteer in the Carson River’s Upper Watershed in Alpine County.  She annually leads volunteer willow planting projects and completes water quality monitoring on the West Fork of the Carson River through Hope Valley.  She has served as Hope Valley Steward, Markleeville Creek Day team leader, and Snapshot Day educator.  Judy served as Vice President of the Alpine County Fish and Game Commission and was the first woman governor for Cal Trout.  Judy also served as a working member of the team that helped establish the Hope Valley Access Area and currently maintains the access sign for the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG).  She is the owner of Horse Feathers Fly Fishing School based at Sorensen’s Resort in Hope Valley and is a founding member of High Sierra Flycasters.  Judy assists with the Trout in the Classroom Program in Alpine County schools.  She is an avid photographer and photo documents projects for the Alpine Watershed Group, Friends of Hope Valley, and the Historical Society.

Mahmood “Moody” and Genie Azad employed their professional skills toward the protection, enhancement, and health of the Carson River Watershed.  Moody, who passed away in 2012, was an avid fisherman with an active love of the outdoors.  He was a professional engineer and worked over 25 years in the water resource field.  Much of his career was spent in the Carson River Watershed.  His work included stormwater management, water quality studies, and flood and river restoration/bank stabilization projects.  Moody communicated well with people on every level, sharing both his knowledge and enthusiasm for environmental protection.  He is best recognized for his work on total maximum daily load (TMDL) research. Genie Azad is a passionate environmental leader with over 17 years of experience in Nevada and Northern California.  She shared her knowledge and enthusiasm as CWSD’s Watershed Coordinator from 2002-2011.  Genie successfully coordinated the Carson River Coalition (CRC) process, helped develop the Carson River Stewardship Plan and the Carson River Regional Floodplain Management Plan, and managed grants for many projects and studies.  Genie currently serves as a volunteer board member with River Wrangler’s, a local watershed education non-profit organization.

Andy Aldaz presents the Minor Clan with the 2013 Andy Aldax Award with CWSD Chairman Ernie Schank.

The Minor Family of Dayton, Nevada, received the 2013 Andy Aldax Award for exemplary service in conservation and protection of the Carson River Watershed.  Nominated for demonstrating watershed conservation, community leadership, on-the-ground education and conservation projects, the Minor Family has been hard at work for 64 years.  Three generations of Minor Family members, patriarch Gene (deceased) and matriarch Delphine, with son Tom, and daughters Mary and Julie, and their respective families, have donated over 3,000 volunteer hours toward conservation efforts in the Carson River Watershed.  Over the years, the family has actively participated in multiple community boards, authored state legislation, received 4-H Leader of the Year (Delphine), and led numerous tours of their Dayton Valley ranch to demonstrate conservation measures.  They even host the annual community Easter Egg Hunt.  In her nomination letter, Linda Conlin, River Wranglers President, stated, “The Minor Family Ranch not only supports the vision of the Carson River Coalition, Tom actively participated in developing our vision.  The Minor Family is one of the founding families of the Middle Carson River Carson River Management Planning Group (CRMP) and the Dayton Valley Conservation District.  Generous with their time and resources, the Minor Family Ranch practices conservation, education, and service to community.”  CWSD is grateful for their many years of dependable and enthusiastic service to the entire Carson River Watershed.

CWSD Chairman Chuch Roberts and Andy Aldax bestow the 2012 Andy Aldax award upon John Cobourn.

The Carson Water Subconservancy District awarded John Cobourn the 2012 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for exemplary service in conservation and protection of the Carson River Watershed on January 18, 2012. This award was created in 2007 to recognize individuals or organizations for significant contributions in promoting and achieving the Carson River Watershed Vision Statement. Mr. Cobourn was nominated for his active involvement in the Carson River Coalition’s (CRC) efforts to raise watershed awareness, improve Carson River water quality and protect the River’s channels and floodplain from urban and residential development through educational programs and publications. Mr. Cobourn works for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and has been very active in the Carson River watershed since 1998. Mr. Cobourn helped organize the 1998 Carson River Watershed conference which established the concept of the Carson River Coalition. Since that time, Mr. Cobourn has continuously served on various Carson River Coalition committees and working groups. Mr. Cobourn authored/co-authored numerous publications about the Carson River and has helped to plan conferences, draft watershed plans, and obtain grant funding for watershed education programs. Most recently, he participated in river cleanup days, Project WET youth education, and dresses as a “watershed steward” in the Nevada Day CRC parade float. He has also served on the project team for Carson Clear Water Revival for the past two years, a program to reduce sediment flows of residential properties. Not only has he given his time as a water resource professional, he has also volunteered untold hours which benefited the Carson River watershed. We continue to be grateful for his many years of dependable and enthusiastic service to the entire Carson River watershed.

Debbi Waldear is presented with 2011 Andy Award from CWSD Chairman Doug Johnson and Andy Aldax.

Carson Water Subconservancy District selected Debbi Waldear to receive the 2011 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for exemplary service in conservation and protection of the Carson River Watershed.  Ms. Waldear was nominated for founding the Friends of Hope Valley, a group dedicated to the protection of Hope Valley for the sake of open space and recreation.  Ms. Waldear has been a tireless volunteer as an active member of the Alpine Watershed Group and regularly participates in the citizen water quality monitoring and bio-assessment programs, as well as the CWSD “Get On the Bus” tours and other community outreach programs.  We are grateful for her 20+ years of consistent, unpaid service to her community and the Carson River watershed at large.

Linda Conlin is presented with the 2010 Andy Aldax award by CWSD Chairman Doug Johnson and Andy Aldax.

Carson Water Subconservancy District selected Linda Conlin to receive the 2010 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for exemplary service in conservation and protection of the Carson River Watershed.  Ms. Conlin was nominated for founding the River Wranglers, a program which promotes high school student mentoring to teach younger children about environmental stewardship in the Carson River watershed.  Ms. Conlin’s dedicated service over the past 15 years has helped to plan and organize various programs and events including Conserve and Celebrate the Carson River Workdays, Trout in the Classroom, Make a Splash with Project WET and Snapshot Day, as well as the Carson River Watershed Interactive Learning Center at the Northern Nevada Children’s Museum.

Norm and Sue Frey are awarded the 2009 Andy Aldax award by CWSD Chairman Gwen Washburn and Andy Aldax.

Carson Water Subconservancy District selected Norm and Sue Frey to receive the 2009 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for exemplary service in conservation and protection of the Carson River Watershed. Mr. and Mrs. Frey were nominated for their life-long professional and voluntary work with various community organizations focused on agriculture and conservation efforts.  The Frey family spent years working with Trust for Public Lands and several funding agencies to place a conservation easement on their property located on the Carson River in Churchill County.  For many years the Freys have invited schoolchildren to their property to educate them about the watershed, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and the importance of the river to the community.

Dan Kaffer is awarded the 2009 Andy Aldax Award by CWSD Chairman Bob Milz and Andy Aldax.

Carson Water Subconservancy District chose Dan Kaffer to receive the 2008 Andy Aldax Carson River Watershed Award for exemplary service in conservation and protection of the Carson River Watershed.  Mr. Kaffer was nominated by the Washoe Tribe for his more than 13 years of professional and voluntary work with various community organizations focused on conservation efforts.  Since the late 1990’s, Mr. Kaffer has organized educational river days throughout the Carson River Watershed, which has involved thousands of youth and adults, as well as initiating the Eagles and Agriculture Program in Carson Valley.

CWSD Chairman Bob Milz and Vice-Chairman Kelly Kite recognize Andy Aldax for his lifetime of work in the Carson River Watershed by awarding him the first annual award.

The Winter 2012 CWSD Newsletter article best describes why the late Andy Aldax (1934 -2020) is the namesake and first recipient of this award.

Andy Aldax served on the Carson Water Subconservancy District board for 53 years. He was CWSD’s longest standing director – serving on the board since its inception. Andy grew up in Carson Valley and, as a dairy farmer, was a tireless agricultural advocate for his community, the entire watershed, and the State of Nevada. He also served with the following groups:

• CWSD Director since CWSD’s inception in 1959 and didn’t retire until 2012
• Carson Truckee Water Conservancy District Director from 1981 – 2013
• Farm Bureau: Long-time member of this grassroots organization
• Agricultural Adjustment Act (Predecessor to Farm Service Agency): Board member
• Farm Service Agency: Various committees
• Carson Truckee Water Conservancy District: Director since 1981
• Alpine Land and Reservoir: Board Member (~1959-2008)
• Carson Valley Conservation District: Board member in the 1960’s
• Farmer’s Home Administration Board
• Western Nevada Resources Conservation & Development: 30-year board member
• 4-H youth program: Involvement promoting agriculture through the years

Over the years Andy devoted time to many local community causes. He has served as a school board member, an advisory board member for Douglas County branch of Western Nevada Community College, and an active member at St. Galls Catholic Church. Andy served as Chairman on the Allerman / Virginia Ditch Company’s Board in Carson Valley, ensuring water was transported efficiently through the system. He served with all these community entities while being, as his wife Carol states, “such a wonderful loving, caring, and thoughtful husband, father and grandfather” to their sons Mark (Alison) and Gary, their daughter Julie (Scott), and their grandchildren Lindsey, Rachel, Seth, and Lewis.

Andy’s extensive knowledge of the water delivery systems in the Carson Valley were invaluable. Even when Andy retired we were able to call him whenever a question arose. The CWSD Board and staff appreciate all Andy accomplished and will never forget how he infused CWSD meetings with his wry humor, courtesy, and thoughtfulness. We thank Andy, for his many years of faithful service – and we miss him!