2000 Trees for Minot receives state tree award

Fourteen “Trees Award” winners from across the state were recognized at the 35th Trees Bowl and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. The Trees Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities. Forestry activities can include: fire mitigation, protection and suppression; tree planting, preservation, or maintenance; community forestry efforts; forest or fire management practices; or environmental education. This event was hosted by the North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota State University (NDSU).

The winners were provided a noon luncheon in the Fargodome, which was followed by an awards ceremony. NDSU President David Cook and State Forester Thomas Claeys presented each winner with a plaque, and the winners were also recognized on the field at half-time of the NDSU football game vs. Southeastern Missouri. After the game, the North Dakota Forest Service distributed 3,000 Scotch pine and bur oak trees to game attendees, courtesy of Towner State Nursery.

The Trees Bowl is an opportunity to speak to the value that trees provide to the quality of life for all North Dakotans. Our forest resources are unique. These native forests, windbreaks, and community forests provide essential benefits like shade, protection, food, fuel, and beauty to help us live happier and healthier lives.

The 2025 award winners include:

• Community of the Year – Hankinson
• Conservation Achievement – Jerry Palczewski, Scranton
• Distinguished Service – Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension Cass County
• Environmental Educator of the Year – Dannah Schaffer, Minot State University
• Excellence in Government – Bismarck State College, TrainND Southwest program
• Fire Department Cooperator of the Year – Goodrich Rural Fire Department
• Forest Stewardship Landowner of the Year – Lee and Diane Reierson, Fordville
• Media Outreach – April Baumgarten, The Forum
• Natural Resources Professional of the Year – Brianne Kaufmann, Renville County Soil Conservation District
• 2025 Smokey Bear Poster Contest Winner – Weston Koenig, Park River
• Tree Celebration of the Year – Killdeer
• Volunteer Organization of the Year – 2000 Trees for Minot
• Youth Tree Planters – Rugby
• Distinguished Leadership – Oscar Knudtson