FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Sheila Johnson
Public Information Officer, Nebraska Environmental Trust
Phone: (402) 471-5409
Fax: (402) 471-8233
sheila.johnson@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – February 12, 2009 - The Nebraska Environmental Trust is pleased to announce that Rod Christen from Steinauer has been named to the board by Governor Dave Heineman. Mr. Christen will replace Robert Ravenscroft from Lincoln who is retiring from the board on March 10, 2009.
The Trust board is made up of five agency directors and nine citizens appointed by the Governor, three from each of the three congressional districts. Appointments are for a six year term.
Rod and his wife Amy have two daughters, Dana and Leah and one son, Evan. They operate a cow-calf operation with Rod’s sister Kay and their parents, Richard and Sharon. The Christens were the recipients of the 2007 Leopold Conservation Award and the 2008 Nebraska Land Stewardship Award presented by the Partnership for All Bird Conservation as a result of their wildlife friendly practices and land stewardship.
On their ranch they use pasture rotation, cross fencing and multiple water sources as management and conservation tools to increase their productivity and income. They take advantage of state and federal programs like Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). Rod noted, "As a land steward and livestock producer, I'm excited and honored to serve on a board that has so much impact on conservation."
The Trust was established in 1992 and has funded more than $127 million to 1,135 projects across the state. Rod said, "I've seen and heard of a number of very positive conservation projects that have been made possible from the funding of the Nebraska Environmental Trust."
Mark Brohman, Executive Director of the Trust said, “We are excited to have Rod join us and bring his innovative ideas and rural experience to the board.” Rod stated, "As a member of the Trust board, I will work hard to promote and represent practical land management and conservation to maintain and improve Nebraska's natural resources."
The Governor also reappointed Robert Krohn from Omaha and Barbara Batie from Lexington to the Trust board. For more information, you may contact Ms Sheila Johnson at 402- 471-1714.
(The Christens - Photo Courtesy of Nebraska Cattlemen)
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