WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Wildlife Federation and South Dakota Wildlife Federation honored Lynn Tjeerdsma with a “Conservation Legacy” award for his years of work to advance grasslands and wildlife conservation. Julie Sibbing, National Wildlife Federation’s associate vice president of land stewardship, presented Tjeerdsma with the award at his retirement celebration Wednesday night.

“Through his work supporting Senator Thune’s leadership on agriculture conservation issues, Lynn has been a champion for the Conservation Reserve Program and Sodsaver provision of the Farm Bill, two crucial programs to advance grasslands and wildlife conservation,” Sibbing said. “His leadership and dedication to empower land owners was an example on Capitol Hill and one of the many reasons we are so excited to present him with this award.”

“Lynn’s passion for his work could not be more evident,” said Chris Hesla, executive director, South Dakota Wildlife Federation. “Not only has he worked to write and support some of our most important federal habitat conservation programs, he has also implemented these programs on his own family farm in Bijou Hills, South Dakota.”

A lifelong sportsman, Tjeerdsma spent his career working for United States Department of Agriculture, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Senator Thune’s office. He has worked on multiple Farm Bills, developing and implementing policies to protect and enhance soil, water, and wildlife habitat on working lands.