Nominated by the Chippewa Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, George Kluempke and Roy Denne of KDK Partners were named 2023 Conservationists of the Year. Wildlife and habitat enthusiasts, George, Roy, and the late Dave Kluempke, began KDK Partners in 1991. Over the years they have grown to own 345 acres in Chippewa County. Of that, 78 acres are in a Reinvest in Minnesota easement, 114 acres are enrolled into 5 different CRP practices, 40 acres are planted in annual and perennial food plots, and 86 acres are cropped in a corn/soybean rotation. Since 2010, KDK has planted 2,300 trees establishing 7 field windbreaks and 4 wildlife block plantings.  KDK also constructed a wetland on their property and their ag fields are heavily buffered along the Chippewa River. The SWCD enjoys and appreciates working with KDK Partners annually as they manage and implement new habitat projects on their land. 

KDK Partners and their wives joined SWCD staff and board members at the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District’s Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Bloomington December 12-13, 2023. Here they were recognized for their works.

George and Roy also attended the Chippewa SWCD board meeting on December 4 where Board Chair Jerry Schwitters presented them with “The Conservationist” print by Terry Redlin as a token of the district’s gratitude for the conservation efforts KDK has implemented and continues to implement in Chippewa County over the years.