Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Plant Materials Center manager wins U.S.D.A. employee award

Los Lunas Gregory Fenchel, Los Lunas Plant Materials Center manager, has been named Plant Materials Outstanding Employee for 2006 by the national headquarters for the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The award was presented to Fenchel in recognition for his outstanding leadership, skill and dedication in contributing to the Plant Materials Program both in New Mexico and nationally.

His plant materials expertise, which has focused in recent years on the development of riparian plant materials and associated practices, has been well documented and implemented throughout the region, according to a news release.

The Los Lunas Plant Materials Center develops native plants and new technologies for the United States Department of Agriculture that can be used in conservation applications throughout New Mexico and neighboring areas.

In presenting the award, the agency said that Fenchel has made a special effort to ensure the Plant Materials Center has a very active outreach program that will make conservationists throughout the region aware of the products the center is developing and how they may be used.

His expertise has been solicited by those involved in critical area treatment, mine reclamation and riparian restoration. He is called upon to be part of any program, workshop, tour, committee or symposium on riparian restoration being held in the area, the release said.

"His passion for his work reflects a deeply held belief that we all leave footprints on the earth, and he wants his to demonstrate positive landscapes we all, as Southwesterners, can take pride in," the release said.

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