Zimmerman is recognized for conservation efforts


Dean Zimmerman of Monticello poses with his conservation award. (Photos submitted)

Dean Zimmerman stands on the family farm property, which he purchased in 1991.

     Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever recently recognized several landowners in Iowa for their early and continual adoption of sustainable conservation practices at the organization’s state habitat convention in Ames on Jan. 28. Dean Zimmerman of Monticello was one of three award winners chosen for the 2017 Conservation Faces of Iowa award.

     Dean Zimmerman discovered his interest for nature and conservation early in life as he went on nature walks with his grandfather on their family farm. They flipped rocks and logs looking for new creatures and plants to grab their curiosity. This interest grew and was refined as Dean studied environmental science in college.

     Several years ago, Dean followed his passion for conservation and left a successful career as a finish carpenter to work as an employee for the Jones County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).  He does a fantastic job working with landowners on wildlife projects in the county.

     Dean purchased the family farm in 1991. The cropland on the property is farmed with conservation in mind as the tenant practices no-till and has implemented contour buffer and filter strips. He has several habitat projects going continuously: there is a savanna restoration, a remnant prairie, tree plantings, CRP grasslands, and bluff timber in the Maquoketa River watershed. In addition, Dean conducts prescribed burns on his prairie and timber as well as others’ land and is continually working on controlling invasive species. He has utilized several programs to aid in his conservation efforts including CRP, REAP, EQIP, and Partners for USFWS.

     When not working in the NRCS office, Dean loves to go exploring, camping, and canoeing. He volunteers regularly with river cleanups in eastern Iowa, Project AWARE (a week long river cleanup in Iowa), IOWATER (water quality testing), and has recently been appointed to the Jones County Conservation Board.

     

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