The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship hired Susan Kozak as division director for Soil Conservation and Water Quality. IDALS made the announcement April 11.

“Our economy is dependent upon agriculture, and agriculture is dependent upon our natural resources,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “I’m confident Susan will provide strong leadership as we continue to implement the state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, build on our rich history of soil conservation, and increase our focus on water quality. Susan is the right person to nurture key partnerships that help us execute our conservation work.”

Kozak’s appointment follows a recommendation from the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee. By statute, the committee recommends three candidates to the secretary of agriculture. She had been serving as interim director.

Oversees state conservation programs

Kozak joined IDALS as an environmental specialist in the Mines and Minerals Bureau in 2008. She was appointed chief of the Mines and Minerals Bureau in 2014, and has been serving as acting director of the Soil Conservation and Water Quality division at IDALS since January 2018. Kozak works closely with the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee, is a leader with the Monarch Conservation Consortium, and is the current secretary-treasurer for the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs.

Since Kozak stepped into the role of acting division director role last year, she has provided leadership for the state’s Water Quality Initiative and other soil conservation programs. The WQI was established during the 2013 legislative session to help implement the state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

WQI seeks to harness the collective ability of both private and public resources and organizations to support Iowans as they implement practices to reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this team of conservation experts, who are very passionate about their work and ensuring the wise use of our soil, water and mineral resources,” Kozak says. “I’m excited to continue our outreach efforts with the 100 soil and water conservation districts across the state, and our many other conservation partners.”

Showcase conservation efforts

In other news, IDALS celebrates Iowa farmers’ conservation efforts with the annual Conservation Farmer of the Year Award, and the Outstanding Soil Conservation District Commissioner Award. These awards recognize individuals for their achievement in conservation practices and the positive impact they are making in preserving and protecting the environment.

Do you know of a deserving farmer or outstanding commissioner in your area? Nominate them for an award. Provide a name and brief summary (100 words or less) to your local soil and water conservation district office, noting the person’s conservation efforts, how they protect soil and water, manage nutrients and foster wildlife.

Nominations, due June 1, can be emailed or dropped off at the county SWCD office. The winners will be honored at the 2019 Iowa State Fair and at the Iowa SWCD Commissioners annual meeting in August in Ames.

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