McKenzie Ranger District receives national honor
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BISMARCK - The McKenzie Ranger District Minerals and Lands Team, part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, recently received an Honorable Mention in the Fiscal Year 2025 Chief's Honor Awards under the Minerals and Energy Development category for Responsible Energy Security.
The national awards recognize Forest Service employees who demonstrate excellence in innovation, measurable benefits and collaboration across 10 categories.
The Minerals and Lands Team was honored for its interdisciplinary approach to managing one of the most complex energy landscapes in the National Forest System. Through coordination across resource areas and strong partnerships with industry and local stakeholders, the team has developed a model for balancing energy independence, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and economic benefits.
Throughout fiscal year 2025, the team worked to support responsible energy development while safeguarding native prairie ecosystems - one of the most threatened habitats in North America. The McKenzie Ranger District currently administers more than 600 active oil and gas wells and about 900 miles of pipeline. This infrastructure contributes more than $250 million in annual revenue, reflecting the district's role in advancing the Forest Service's multiple-use mission.
Team members recognized include Cale Bickerdyke, Kim Grotte, Stacy DeFoe, Corey Brazel, Sarah Bickerdyke, Jack Dahl, Haley Olson, Heidi Kummer, Debbie Riely, Jessica Schalkowski, Ryan Hammargren, Wade Haakenson and Ben Poindexter.