Atchison applauded for efforts to improve state’s woodlands
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Bob Atchison, whose 31-year forestry career in Kansas included working on projects that have brought millions of grant dollars to support the state’s woodlands, was named the 2022 Kansas Conservation Champion during the Kansas Natural Resource Conference.
Atchison, who retired from the Kansas Forest Service as the rural forestry coordinator at the end of 2021, was one of the key figures that helped to establish the Kansas Forest Action plan, a document that provides a road map for forestry efforts in the state.
He was also an advocate for on-the-ground forest work in Kansas, and helped to implement a USDA grant for $13 million awarded to the Kansas Forest Service to enhance water quality in Kansas watersheds.
Jason Hartman, director of the Kansas Forest Service, said Atchison “has earned a reputation as a conservation professional that all other conservation professionals – be it forestry, range, soils, wildlife or fisheries – can feel confident that he will put the conservation of natural resources as his primary focus.”
Atchison said during his more than three decades of service to the state, he is proud of “the thousands of acres of woodlands, forests and windbreaks we’ve been able to help Kansas landowners improve and sustain.”
In Kansas, he added, “95% of our forests, woodlands and windbreaks are privately owned. Helping people understand the value and role that trees play in a predominantly grass and cropland state through education and outreach has been a big part of my career.”
Atchison began his forestry career in 1990 as the district forester in Hutchinson, later moving to Manhattan in that same role. He also served a stint as the community forestry coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service.
He has served various roles for the Kansas Forestry Association, Kansas Tree Farm committee, Kansas Chapter of the Walnut Council and the state forest stewardship coordinating committee.
“I am humbled to receive this recognition when I consider past recipients and all the colleagues I’ve worked with over the years who are so dedicated to the conservation, protection and management of our natural resources,” Atchison said. “To receive this recognition from that community is an honor.”
Thad Rhodes, district forester for the Kansas Forest Service who nominated Atchison for the award, said he has been “an outspoken advocate for forestry” on USDA and Natural Resources and Conservation Service committees.
“Those who know Bob will easily attest to his passion and tireless efforts to promote forestry and conservation in Kansas,” Rhodes said.
“Whether it be networking with conservation agencies and organizations, finding ways to generate funds for implementing conservation practices, outreach and education, or just rolling up his sleeves…to get the job done, Bob has demonstrated the dedication, innovation and leadership that is indicative of the qualities illustrated by this award.”
More information about the Kansas Forest Service is available online.
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FOR PRINT PUBLICATIONS: Links used in this story
Kansas Forest Service, www.kansasforests.org
About the Kansas Forest Service
The Kansas Forest Service is the nation’s fifth oldest state forestry agency. The agency serves rural landowners, communities, rural fire districts, forest and arboriculture industries, and citizens of the state through its Conservation Tree and Shrub Planting, Fire Management, Community Forestry, Rural Forestry, Marketing and Utilization, and Forest Health programs. The Kansas Forest Service state office is located in Manhattan, Kansas, just west of the campus of Kansas State University. The Kansas Forest Service is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency receives its direction from a mission statement that reads: “Care of natural resources and service to people through forestry.”
About K-State Research and Extension
K State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Story by:
Pat Melgares
785-532-1160
[email protected]
For more information:
Thad Rhodes
785-560-3967
[email protected]
