Fayette County SWCD Honors Conservation Award Winners at Annual Banquet

Each year, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts sponsor the Texas Conservation Awards Program to recognize and honor those who dedicate themselves and their talents to the conservation and wise use of renewable natural resources.

Conservation Districts are local units of government responsible for conservation work within their boundaries. The district’s role is to increase voluntary conservation among land users. The district and the Natural Resource Conservation Service work together in order to reach the district’s goal of conservation applications. The NRCS is vital to the success of all the Fayette SWCD’s conservation objectives. The conservation awards program provides competition and incentives to expand and improve conservation efforts, resource development, and increase the wise utilization of renewable natural resources.

The directors of the Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation District are: Lee Fritsch (Chairman), C.R. “Bob” Devine (Vice Chairman), Carol Friedrich (Secretary/Treasurer), Rick Schilling, and Gary Kainer. District clerk is Carissa Karisch. NRCS employees are Robert Bankston and Dustin Sanders.

Retiring board of director, Howard Frick, was also recognized at the banquet for his 16 years of dedicated service to the organization.

The Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation District #341 held its annual Conservation Awards Banquet on Feb. 19, 2026. Winners for this year include the following: Poster Contest Winners (Division 1 – Grade K-2) presented by Megan Cooper - Cadence Bank and Gene Kruppa - Colorado Valley Communications: Reeanna Ramirez - Sacred Heart School and Daniela Albiter - Sacred Heart School.

Poster Contest Winners (Division 2 – Grade 3-6) presented by Mark Friedrich Fayette Saving Bank and Scott McManus - National Bank & Trust: Sophie Janda - Sacred Heart School and Emma Mc-Court - St. Rose of Lima.

Essay Contest Winners (13 and Under Division) presented by Roy Wied - Carmine State Bank and Ashley Firkins - Prosperity Bank: Rilan Karisch - Homeschool and Bailey Brown - Round Top-Carmine.

Essay Contest Winners (14-18 Division): Reisy Janca - La Grange High School and Deacon Wick - La Grange High School Conservation Rancher: Robert J. “Bob” and Darlene Stryk presented by Sherry Pfluger - Round Top State Bank and Jessica Montez Fayette Electric Cooperative.