OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARD The Outstanding Employee Award provides an opportunity for IWUA Member Organizations to recognize the exceptional service of their valued employees. Member organizations nominate their employees for this award, which is given to those employees who are active in water resource issues, provide service to the public, coordinate and/or staff difficult tasks or otherwise provide exceptional service to their employers. The following individuals received Outstanding Employee Awards.
Jerri Floyd Boise Project Board of Control This recipient of an Outstanding Employee Award has been with her organization for 38- years. During that time, she has held many jobs from clerk to payroll to human resources. Since 2006, she has served as the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. This employee has been instrumental in keeping the water accounting and records in order and correct. As records have been converted from paper to digital, her attention to detail, patience and perseverance helped to ensure that the numbers and accounts are correct. She has a vast knowledge of the Boise Project, including its history, policies, procedures and the inner workings of the 1,400 miles of canals and laterals and is a mentor to all who work with her at the Boise Project. IWUA is delighted to honor Jerri Floyd, from the Boise Project Board of Control, with an Outstanding Employee Award. Jerri Floyd receives her award from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
Jim Plocher A&B Irrigation District This Outstanding Employee Award recipient has been working with his organization since 1994. However, the connection to his organization began long before that when he was the first baby born on the newly developed A&B Irrigation Project in the early 1950 s. Growing up on the family farm instilled a strong work ethic in this employee one that continues to this day. This employee has been a ditchrider on the same ride for 23 years. Over that time, he has developed a special connection to the farmers on his ride. This employee loves his job. He is the type of employee that you have to make go home when the day is done. He regularly goes the extra mile even heading out on hot summer evenings with his wife to burn or spray a few more weeds. His attention to detail in his ditchrider books is appreciated by the office staff who fight over his books every month because they know they will be in order. This employee is a true gentleman with a strong work ethic. He never speaks negatively about anyone. Even as health issues have slowed him down, he has not changed in any way. IWUA is honored to award Jim Plocher, from the A&B Irrigation District, an Outstanding Employee Award. Jim Plocher receives his award from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
Roger Wageman Burley Irrigation District This Outstanding Employee Award recipient has been with his organization for 37 years currently working as the Maintenance Foreman overseeing all of the operations and maintenance activities of his organization s 110-year old canal system. This employee and his crew operate with a keen focus on safety achieving and maintaining one of the best safety records in the State. During the widespread flooding in January and February, 2017, he was instrumental in coordinating the efforts of multiple organizations to mitigate flooding around the Burley area. At the height of the flooding, he oversaw 27 excavator crews and the associated support activities to keep the effort running around the clock for weeks. In the aftermath, he spearheaded an aggressive effort to repair the extensive damage caused by the flooding a feat accomplished in the space of a month, which allowed water to be turned into the system without any delay. This employee is a devoted husband, father and grandfather. When not at work, he devotes countless volunteer hours to the Cassia County Search and Rescue, Snowmobile Club and the Rupert Elks. IWUA is honored to award Roger Wageman, from the Burley Irrigation District, an Outstanding Employee Award. Roger Wageman receives his award from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
Melvin Tipton Milner Irrigation District Melvin Tipton has been with his organization since 1997. Although he was hired as a ditchrider, this employee s skills and abilities stretch far beyond those required by his job description. His ability to operate every piece of equipment owned by his organization has made him a valuable asset to his community. He is an accomplished welder, pipe fitter, mechanic, fabricator, pumping plant operator, and pump and motor mechanic. This employee has never met a stranger and he is first in line to offer assistance in any situation. If there is a problem, any time and any day, he is always there to lend his incredible skills to solve that problem. Perhaps the greatest compliment that can be given to this employee is that his organization can depend on him. IWUA is honored to award Melvin Tipton, of the Milner Irrigation District, an Outstanding Employee Award. Melvin Tipton receives his award from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
Jared Bingham Minidoka Irrigation District This Outstanding Employee Award recipient is receiving this award for his exceptional service in light of the flooding of 2017. During the late winter and spring of 2017, extensive flooding wreaked havoc on Minidoka and Cassia Counties. This employee organized crews to move water though the canal system and to minimize damage to surrounding homes. After the flood waters receded, he organized the necessary repairs to the system to ensure timely and safe delivery of water during the irrigation season this alone, was a herculean feat that demands recognition. After the irrigation season, this employee then spent countless hours sifting through hundreds of pages of documents and files to prepare reports for FEMA. This employee s work went above and beyond the normal duties of a watermaster. IWUA is honored to award Jared Bingham, of the Minidoka Irrigation District, with an Outstanding Employee Award. Jared Bingham receives his award from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
WATER MANAGEMENT AWARD The Water Management Award is given to a manager of a Member Organization. It is given to those individuals who go above and beyond in their service to their organization and the water community. Tim Page Boise Project Board of Control This year s IWUA Water Management Award goes to Tim Page of the Boise Project Board of Control. Tim has been an exceptional manager and his influence can be seen throughout the Boise Project. In the field, he has lead the organization to improve canal maintenance, increased efficiencies in water delivery and innovations in the construction and maintenance of the New York Canal a major urban water canal in Boise, Idaho. Tim initiated a top-to-bottom cleaning program for the New York Canal removing accumulated moss and returning hundreds of cubic feet of flow to the canal. He spearheaded an experimental canal construction method that sandwiched a thick membrane lining with structural concrete to increase safety and extend the lifespan of the New York Canal. He has implemented an improved management style, instituting written annual evaluations for all employees to recognize the exceptional work of his employees. He has implemented a written safety plan to address training, inspections and testing to improve workplace safety throughout the Boise Project. With rising costs, Tim has pushed efficiency and improved technology to maintain a workable budget that has reduced the impacts of cost increases to the patrons of the Boise Project. Tim Page is the recipient of the Water Management Award. Tim Page receives his award from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD The Outstanding Service Award is provided to those who have given outstanding service to the water community. Ron Blickenstaff Boise-Kuna Irrigation District This year s Outstanding Service Award goes to Ron Blickenstaff. Ron was born in Nampa, Idaho graduating from Nampa High School in 1956. He has farmed in the Deer Flat area of Nampa, where he still lives today. After a failed attempt at retiring in 2008, Ron continues to farm. Ron served on the Board of Directors of the Boise-Kuna Irrigation District from January 1, 1988 until January 1, 2018 a span of 30-years. He held the same seat as his father (who served on the board from July 1950 to October 1957). During his time on the Board, Ron has served as Chairman of the Board, as representative of Boise-Kuna with Water District #63, on the Lucky Peak Power Plant and Arrowrock Steering Committees as well as committees relating to other hydro projects in the Boise Project. Ron is a collector of antique tractors and enjoys tinkering with them and participating in Antique Tractor Pulls throughout the valley. IWUA is delighted to recognize Ron Blickenstaff as this year s Outstanding Service Award recipient. Unfortunately Ron was unable to attend the ceremony so Lauren Boehlke, Secretary Treasurer of the Boise- Kuna Irrigation District accepted the award on his behalf. Lauren Boehlke accepts the Outstanding Service Award on behalf of Ron Blickenstaff from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
WATER STATESMAN The Water Statesman Award is given to an individual whose public service supported and strengthened Idaho s water community. Charles Chuck Cuddy We are honored to present this year s Water Statesman Award to Chuck Cuddy. Chuck has had a long and distinguished career in public service and has shown himself, time and again, to be a friend of the water community. In the 1980 s, Chuck helped with the development of hydro plants in Idaho including a 1.5 MW plant near Orofino. In 1991, Chuck was appointed by Governor Andrus to fill a vacant seat in the House of Representatives. He served in the House from 1991 until 2004. During that time, he served on a number of committees including Resource and Conservation Committee, Revenue and Taxation Committee, including as Sub-committee Chairman. He also served on the Rivers Governance Committee, Federal Lands Pilot Project Committee and on the Joint Interim Natural Resource Committee. During his time in office, he was a strong advocate for Idaho management of water resources including advocating for Idaho s involvement in the management of Dworshak Reservoir. In 2007, Governor Otter appointed Chuck to the Idaho Water Resource Board a position he held until 2017. During that time, he chaired the Board s Water Storage Projects Committee and was a strong advocate for additional water storage in Idaho. Chuck has been a strong advocate for north Idaho interests, including North Idaho Adjudication, Port of Lewiston, and addressing water supply challenges at Lewiston and Moscow. Chuck s love of service for his community is seen in his time serving on the Clearwater County Hospital Board of Directors, Riverside Water District Board of Directors and Orofino Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was a past member of the Orofino Volunteer Fire Dept., Big Canyon Rifle and Pistol Club, and the Governor s Advisory Committee on Education. He has been a member of the Grangeville Elks Lodge for the past 27 years Please congratulate Chuck Cuddy, recipient of this year s Water Statesman Award.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who, through their work as federal, state or local government employees, have provided high quality service to Idaho s water users. This year, we are honored to present two Distinguished Service Awards. Both recipients are former members of the Bureau of Reclamations and have provided years of service to Idaho water users. Mike Beus (left) and Robert Hap Boyer were both awarded the IWUA Distinguished Service Award. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
Mike Beus Bureau of Reclamation The first Distinguished Service Award goes to Mike Beus. Mike graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1973, and graduated from the University of Idaho with an engineering degree in 1979. After three semesters of graduate school, where his emphasis shifted from machine design to hydrology, he was employed by Twin Falls Canal Company from 1981 to 1986. In 1986, he went to work for the Bureau of Reclamation, where he worked in the Upper Snake Field Office until his retirement last year. Mike s career was spent operating the Minidoka and Palisades Projects. He worked through the flooding of 1997 and 2011 and the droughts of 1987, 1988, 1992 to 1994 and the early 2000 s. These experiences taught him that you can never say never and must be flexible. Mike s job called upon him to protect irrigators and conservationists, alike a very difficult job. In his leisure, Mike enjoyed floating, boating and skiing. He enjoys exploring back roads and often argues, out loud, with the GPS ultimately taking the long route. Mike retired from Reclamation in March of 2017 and has been spending his retirement traveling, mostly to see family in New Jersey, and skiing, mostly close to home. He is working to try his hand at sailing as well. One thing that folks may not know about Mike is that before he was born, his parents were certain that he would be a girl they chose the name Susan. After he was born a boy his parents chose the most popular baby boom boys name at the time. Mike was known for his unique, off-handed insights including: Things ARE bad, but not really bad. We had a good snowpack but I do not know where it went when it melted. Don t use water like you re using water. Speaking about forecasters: They re really getting nervous from years of being wrong. Mike Beus receives his award from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
Robert Hap Boyer Bureau of Reclamation Robert Hap Boyer started his career as a cowboy for hire and ranch hand. In 1984, he officially entered the water world as a manager with the Boise District Board of Control. Hap took a position at the Bureau of Reclamation in 1991, where he conducted Operations and Maintenance field exams of districts for the Pacific Northwest Regional Office. During his time at Reclamation, Hap opened the Lower Columbia Field Office, in Bend, Oregon. After about a year there, he came back to the Regional Office as the Field Services and Drought Program Coordinator. In this position, Hap worked with Tribal Governments and taught system management for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 11-years. In 2004, Hap began teaching irrigation system management in Denver. He conducted sessions each year for board members as well as district managers and ditchriders. In 2003, Hap was selected as the Upper Snake Field Office Lands and Resources Manager a position he held until he retired in 2017. Jim Plocher receives his award from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
TED DIEHL MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD The Ted Diehl Meritorious Service Award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond in their service to the Idaho Water Users Association. This year, we are pleased to present this award to a person who has served Idaho s water users for many years. Lynn Harmon Big Wood Canal/AFRD No. 2 This year s recipient of the Ted Diehl Meritorious Service Award is Lynn Harmon. Lynn began his career in water management when, as a child, he would follow his father around the farm playing in the irrigation ditches. In 1979 he went to work for the Twin Falls Canal Company as a watermaster in the east end supervising 12 ditchriders and the delivery of water to 100,000 acres. He worked in that position for 12 ½ years. In 1991, Lynn left the Twin Falls Canal Company to manage Russet Valley Farms and later to work for the City of Twin Falls in the wastewater collection department. In 1997, Lynn was hired as the manager of the Big Wood Canal Company and American Falls Reservoir District No. 2 a position he held for 20- years until his retirement in 2017. During his tenure, Lynn served on the Boards of the Idaho Water Users Association and the Idaho Water Alliance. He served on the IWUA legislative and education committees and worked closely with the Committee of Nine. For 20- years, he served as a member of the Wood River Advisory Group, dealing with water quality issues and 303-D listed streams in the Big Wood and Little Wood drainages. Lynn has worked tirelessly to promote aquifer recharge and was instrumental in the development of (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of several recharge sites on the Big Wood and American Reclamation) Falls Reservoir District No. 2 systems. As manager, Lynn guided the Reservoir District through the title transfer process, promoted water quality and conservation projects, installed numerous automated gate structures and several miles of pressurized pipeline. Lynn s influence in the water community will be felt for years to come.
IWUA HALL OF FAME Induction into the IWUA Hall of Fame is given to those individuals with a long history of service in the area of water resources. These individuals are recognized as leaders in the water community. This year two individuals were inducted into the IWUA Hall of Fame.
Steven Fenton Russell Emmett Irrigation District Our next Hall of Fame inductee is the late Steven Fenton Russell of Emmett, Idaho. Steve was born and raised in Emmett, Idaho, where he spent much of his childhood learning how to work from his dad and grandfather on the family dairy farm. He was a member of the Emmett FFA strongly supporting the agricultural leadership organization s role in young people s lives. Steve and his wife, Claudia, started their farm with 30 Holstein heifers and 80 acres of feed crop and grew that five times over as he raised his children. Steve served on the Emmett Irrigation District Board of Directors from 1989 until his passing in 2017. He represented the District on the Boards of Water District No. 65 and the Lake Reservoir Company. He guided the District through several major projects including the hydro pumps at Black Canyon Dam, planning the pipe under the state highway for electric pump #5, piping District laterals, automation, and the spillways at Bissell Creek and Sand Hollow. Steve believed in working hard every day of his life and that he had a responsibility to give back to his community. His knowledge of the Payette River Drainage system and his service to the water community will be sorely missed. Stewart Russell accepted the Hall of Fame Induction plaque on behalf of Mr. Russell s family. Stewart Russell accepts the Hall of Fame plaque from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman on behalf of Steve Russell.. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
Dale Swensen - Fremont-Madison Irrigation District Dale Swensen of St. Anthony, Idaho has been invaluable to water users on the Upper Snake River and throughout the State. He served as Executive Director of the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District for 40-years. He served as secretary/treasurer of the Egin Bench Canals and Southeast Idaho Canal Company for 20-years. He served on the IWUA and NWRA Boards of Directors for 15-years. Dale has long recognized the need for cooperation and collaboration in the water community. He was instrumental in starting the Henry s Fork Watershed Council in 1993. The Council, which is co-facilitated by the Henry s Fork Foundation and Fremont-Madison Irrigation District, promotes cooperation among state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, water users, private landowners, businesses, and other watershed stakeholders on the Henry s Fork. Dale s commitment and contribution to the water community were recently recognized as he was awarded the NWRA s Lifetime Achievement Award. For these efforts, and many more, IWUA is honored to welcome Dale Swensen to the Water Users Hall of Fame. Dale Swensen accepts his Hall of Fame plaque from Julie Sievers, IWUA Award Committee Chairman. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)
IWUA PRESIDENT S AWARD The Idaho Water Users Association s President s Award is a special award given by the IWUA s current president to recognize and commend individuals for their personal efforts to advance the aims of the Association. Dale Swensen - Fremont-Madison Irrigation District Dale Swensen accepts the IWUA President s Award from Association President Jim Hudson. (Photo by Kirsten Strough, Bureau of Reclamation)