FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Juhl; 612-358-5733
Alexandria, Minn. – Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Executive Director John Jaschke presented the 2022 Outstanding Watershed District Employee award to Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) Monitoring and Research Division Manager Bob Fossum today during the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts’ (MAWD) annual conference in Alexandria.
“Minnesota is fortunate to have dedicated, passionate professionals like Bob Fossum working to improve water quality throughout the state,” Jaschke said. “His commitment to water management is worth recognizing, and we appreciate all he does to protect natural resources in the CRWD.”
Fossum manages a team of employees who oversee 85 unique monitoring stations that track water quality and quantify pollutants in the district’s lakes, stormwater ponds and wetlands. He led an effort in 2019 to develop a Como Lake Management Plan, which aims to reduce phosphorus, improve water quality and support ecological health in Como Lake. He has overseen key district projects such as an alum treatment at Como Lake, which reduced the annual concentration of total phosphorus by 62%. One of his most noteworthy accomplishments is the landmark re-establishment of the Hidden Falls Creek and central water feature at the former Ford site now known as Highland Bridge in St. Paul.
“Mr. Fossum always uses his best professional judgement that exceeds his formal training, he has excellent communication skills and is very effective when communicating with our government partners, consultants, the public and city staff,” said CRWD Administrator Mark Doneux. “The relationships and trust he has generated with our partners are key to our success.”
Each year, BWSR celebrates the excellent work accomplished by local government staff to advance conservation efforts across the state. An award for Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee will be presented later this month during the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ (MASWCD) annual conference in Bloomington.
