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   The Cass Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is proud to recognize Kathy Wagner as the 2025 Community Conservationist for Cass County. Wagner’s decades of work—both on her own property and across Cass County—have set a powerful example of what dedicated stewardship can accomplish.

Pictured L to R: Cass County SWCD Manager Dana Gutzmann, Kathy Wagner and Cass County SWCD Board Memeber Jennifer O’Neill. Photo submitted

   Kathy’s journey began on the land where her parents once ran Wolf Lodge Resort. Like many resorts of its time, the manicured, grassy shoreline was vulnerable to erosion. Determined to restore and protect the lake she loves, Kathy partnered with the Cass SWCD to design and implement a sustainable shoreline restoration project. The work included installing erosion control structures such as coir logs and silt fencing, along with planting native vegetation, live stakes, and seed mixes. Just one year later, the shoreline is thriving, providing cleaner water, improved habitat, and a lasting model for others to follow.

   Her leadership goes well beyond her own property. Kathy has been a strong advocate for responsible development, serving five years on the Wabedo Township Planning Commission to promote sustainable shoreline policies. She has also served in multiple leadership roles, including:

   • President of the Wabedo, Little Boy, Cooper, and Rice Lake Association, where she served on the board for 15 years, six as president.

   • Board member of the Association of Cass County Lakes (ACCL) since 2016, where she has served as president since 2019.

   • Member of the Cass County Health, Human, and Veteran Services Advisory Committee since 2018.

   Through ACCL, Kathy has championed education and outreach efforts, expanded aquatic invasive species prevention programs, and coordinated with researchers to bring the latest science to local lake associations. Under her leadership, 42 AIS tool stations have been installed across Cass County, providing boaters with the equipment they need to stop the spread of invasive species.

   Kathy has also played an active role in water monitoring and improvement projects. For 15 years she volunteered with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to monitor water quality in the Boy River system. She worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources and

Cass SWCD to help secure landowner permissions for culvert upgrades at Stony Creek, a project that reduced sediment and phosphorus loads to local waters. Her efforts have earned recognition at the state level, including the 2022 Research Partnership Award presented to ACCL by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center.

   “Kathy always says, ‘We are all connected by water, and protecting it is everyone’s responsibility.’ She lives by those words,” said a representative of Cass SWCD. “Her passion, optimism, and ability to bring people together make her a true conservation leader.”

   Wagner continues to inspire by leading through actionby restoring her own shoreline, maintaining an organic blueberry patch with sustainable practices, and creating opportunities for neighbors to learn about conservation. Whether through volunteer service, public education, or hands-on projects, Kathy Wagner’s work ensures cleaner water, healthier habitats, and a brighter future for Cass County’s lakes and communities.

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