The National Conservation District Employees Association recently announced Ray Weaver of the Coffee County Soil and Water Conservation District as the recipient of its Outstanding District Board Member Award during the organization’s national awards presentation held alongside the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Conference.

Founded in 1992, the NCDEA works to strengthen conservation-district programs nationwide by supporting the people who guide and sustain them, according to a press release from the organization.

First presented in 1998, the Outstanding District Board Member Award honors an elected or appointed official whose long-term service demonstrates exceptional leadership, accountability and commitment to locally led conservation, the press release said.

Weaver has served on a soiland- water conservation district board for 25 years, including nearly a decade as chairman— providing steady governance, strategic vision and unwavering support for district employees and producers, the press release said.

During this tenure, the district entered into conservation contracts with 792 individuals, impacting more than 236,000 acres through nearly $31 million in cost-share investments supporting soil health, water quality and agricultural sustainability.

The Weavers farm in both Coffee and Franklin counties and live on the line in the Calls community of Estill Springs. They have spent their lives serving both counties as volunteers and upstanding citizens.

At both the local and state levels, Weaver played a pivotal role in strengthening district operations, securing funding, expanding access to conservation equipment and fostering partnerships across agriculture and natural resource organizations, the press release said.

His leadership extended statewide through service in nearly every elected role within the state conservation association and nationally as a representative to the National Association of Conservation District’s Board, ensuring district voices were heard in policy and program discussions.

Equally significant is Weaver’s personal commitment to conservation in practice, the press release said.

As a multi-generation farmer and recognized soilhealth champion, he adopted reduced tillage and cover crops decades ago, setting an example for producers locally and beyond.

Weaver’s service spans youth education, faith-based leadership, farm organizations, livestock associations and community outreach, the press release said.

“Strong conservation districts depend on strong board leadership,” Tim Riley, the executive director of the NCDEA, said.“Thisawardhonorsaboard member whose lifetime of service has elevated conservation districts, empowered employees and delivered lasting results for land and people.”

The NCDEA is a 501(c)(3) organization working nationwide to elevate the capacity of conservation-district employees and districts through professional development, partnership building and advocacy. More information is available at ncdea. us.