Oneida County held its first Oneida County Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteers and lake association/districts award ceremony earlier this month.

The Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD)/Committee honored all lake associations/districts with an award, including five lake groups that received a Leadership Award and five volunteers receiving a Distinguished Service Award.

Oneida County also presented the Clean Our Oneida Lakes (C.O.O.L.) founders Luke and Kyle Leonard a Distinguished Service Award for their generous commitment of time, support and inspiration in removing garbage from lakes in Oneida County.

The award ceremony was Oneida County LWCD/Committee's “thank you” for protecting the county's lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams.

"Whether helping youngsters learn about the importance of protecting our lakes, assisting the State’s and County’s Aquatic Invasive Species Programs with citizen lake and boat monitoring, or discussing conservation practices with lakefront property owners, volunteers provide a valuable service to our fellow citizens throughout Oneida County," said Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Jennifer Holman.

Guest Speakers for the award ceremony included:

* Thomas Rudolph, Chairman, Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Committee;
* Jennifer Holman, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department;
* Jeff Bode, Lakes and Wetlands Section Chief, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources;
* Erin Heneger, Aquatic Invasive Species Volunteer Coordinator for "Clean Boats, Clean Waters," University of Wisconsin-Extension Lakes;
* Bob Williams, President, Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association
* Northern Field Representative Elisa Farmilant for Sen. Steve Kagen.