A note of congratulations is long overdue for our area youth.  The “Water Bugs” Envirothon Team are the First Place Winners of the North Dakota Envirothon Competition that was held at Crystal Springs Bible Camp near Medina last month.  The photo at left shows the team: (L-R) Jordaan Thompson, John Breker, Maria Breker, Shelly Pherson, Brady Haussler, Bre’Anna Hanson. The “Water bugs” will travel to Flagstaff, AZ, to compete in the national competition July 28 through August 3, 2008.

The Envirothon Competition is a problem-solving,natural resource competition for high school students.  The students are tested on their knowledge of forestry, soils, water, wildlife, and a current environmental issue, which this year was “Recreational Impacts on Natural Resources.”

The goal of the Envirothon is to cultivate awareness and enhance knowledge of natural resources and environmental issues, while developing critical thinking skills, building partnerships, and being committed to take responsible actions as adults.  Thanks to the Wild Rice Soil Conservation District for sponsoring them, to Joe and Patty Breker for being advisors and to Amanda Slykerman for being their coach.  Others who helped them prepare for the competition also deserve recognition:  Aquatics—Trace Hanson, 319 Watershed Coordinator and Dales Esser, Bureau of Reclamation; Wildlife—Kristine Askerooth, Tewaukon Refuge; Soils—Dave Breker NRCS; Forestry—Joe Zeleznik, NDSU Forestry; Current Issues—Julie Hassebroek, NDSU Extension.

Good luck at the Nationals!