Agricultural News
Ben Pollard Retires; Leaves 35 Year Legacy in Conservation
Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:57:59 CST
Fellow of the Soil and Water Conservation Society and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservationist of the Year were just a few of the accolades recounted from the career of Ben Pollard, Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) Assistant Director, who has retired after 35 years of distinguished service.
Among the many recognitions and awards bestowed upon Pollard at his retirement reception were a governor's commendation and a legislative citation signed by Senator Ron Justice and Representatives Wade Rousselot, Jeannie McDaniel, and Joe Dorman.
"For over three decades, Ben has been integral to the causes of conserving, protecting, and restoring Oklahoma's natural resources. Though his absence will be dearly missed, we wish him many blessings in his retirement years," said Mike Thralls, OCC Executive Director.
Since the late 1970s, Pollard has seen OCC transform from a small group in the basement at the Capitol to a multi-division agency committed and equipped to keep Oklahoma's soil, water, and air safe and productive.
OCC and Conservation Districts were established in 1937 to combat the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl. In addition to those continuing efforts to defeat economy crippling wind and water erosion, Conservation Districts and the OCC operate and maintain 2107 small watershed flood control dams, reclaim abandoned mine land, monitor the quality of state water resources, and voluntarily restores wetlands.
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