Two Harbors Locals Receive Prestigious DNR Awards

Two local employees of the Min­nesota DNR were honored and celebrated recently at a Commis­sioner’s Recognition Awards cere­mony. Both Jamie Juenemann and Todd Ronning received awards for their exceptional accomplishments across all disciplines and all areas of the state and exemplifying the DNR’s mission and values, includ­ing natural resources conservation, outdoor recreation, sustainable eco­nomic use of natural resources, and operational excellence. All award recipients were nominated by their colleagues and coworkers for go­ing above and beyond in their work with the DNR.

Jamie Juenemann was recognized by his peers for “displaying out­standing dedication and involve­ment in the development of the Conservation Easement Monitoring Program (CEMP) withing the fish­eries section. Over the past decade, Jamie had been the driving force behind the creation and implemen­tation of stewardship standards for Fish and Wildlife easements. He transformed a non-existent program into a well-run, statewide program in 2024.

Thanks to Jamie’s leadership and innovative efforts, the depart­ment’s monitoring of conservation easements has increased by sever­al hundred per year. He has proac­tively built and streamlined admin­istrative systems and protocols in response to this growth, His ability to free up capacity by creating ef­ficient processes, coupled with his passion for environmental steward­ship, has been fundamental to this expansion. In 2024, Jamie led the way be incorporating new technol­ogy to better track and monitor con­servation easements, saving em­ployees hundreds of hours of field and office work. His success stems from his keen ability to devise op­timal solutions and build trust and confidence among professional his administrative staff.

Beyond his administrative re­sponsibilities, Jamie’s role expand­ed to include multiple collections and archive-related activities. He has identified potential stream con­servation acquisitions and led ef­forts to secure many of these ease­ments. Jamie also collaborated with conservation organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, to con­duct multiple tree plantings within conservation easements, incorpo­rating climate adaptation strategies to plant climate-resilient tree ad shrub species.”

Todd Ronning’s coworkers not­ed him as a “skilled and principled grounds worker at Gooseberry Falls State Park. His enthusiasm and strong work ethic reflect his com­mitment to the DNR’s mission of conserving and managing Minne­sota’s natural resources, providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and supporting sustainable com­mercial use.

This season, Todd served as the liaison between the adult and youth CCMI crews, mentoring and train­ing the crews on projects including the C-steps and staircase on a trail reroute beneath the Lower Falls, and constructing a new staircase to the Fifth Falls. He has a way of sharing his knowledge while bringing humor to projects making Gooseberry a favorite work site for CCMI crews. He also celebrates successes and develops a positive relationship with each crew mem­ber, teaching life skills that will in­spire future careers.

As a responsible leader and role model, Todd emphasizes safety for himself, coworkers, and park visi­tors. He leads by example, adapts well to changing project scopes, and provides clear, organized di­rections. He wears appropriate PPE, ensures proper training, and provides hands-on safety training for various equipment. His train­ings have been well-received by coworkers. Todd’s commitment to high-quality work is deeply appre­ciated. He is an inspiration to new staff and an invaluable asset to Gooseberry Falls.”

Congratulations to Jamie and Todd for your excellence in exem­plifying the DNR’s mission and values.