March 15, 2016
Kansas Forest Service District Forester Receives Conservation Achievement Program Award
Submitted by Jennifer G. Williams
For 14 years, Thad Rhodes has been assisting the people of Kansas with the management and care of their forests, woodlands, and shelterbelts. In recognition of his efforts, Rhodes was selected to receive the 2015 Forest Conservationist of the Year award. He received the award at the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s 65th annual meeting in Wichita, held on February 27.
The purpose of the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Achievement Program awards is to recognize those with outstanding long-time commitment to natural resources in Kansas with a significant effort during the past year. Awards are presented in 13 categories to capture the wide range of efforts that benefit wildlife and the cause of conservation. Some of the categories include wildlife conservationist, water conservationist, land and soil conservation, conservation education, forest conservation, conservation communicator, and youth conservationist, among others.
Rhodes was awarded the forest conservationist of the year for outstanding achievement in forest and woodlands management, including reforestation, preservation of wilderness areas, and wildlife habitat development. He is the district five rural forester with the Kansas Forest Service, responsible for 14 north-central Kansas counties.
“Thad Rhodes is devoted to conserving the natural resources of Kansas,” said Bob Atchison, rural forestry program manager with the Kansas Forest Service. “His expertise, conservation work ethic, and quality of service to the people of Kansas is deserving of this award.”
"It's a great honor to be recognized by the Kansas Wildlife Federation,” Rhodes said. “I'm happy to continue working with the people of Kansas, to achieve their forestry goals. My favorite part of the job is working with people, and I'm lucky to get to do that every day."