Lee Grim was the recipient of the 2012 Kallemeyn Award, presented March 7 at the ninth International Lake of the Woods Water Quality Forum in International Falls.
The Kallemeyn Award is presented annually by the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, to recognize the outstanding professional achievement in scientific research or resource management in the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River basin.
This peer-recognition award is named in honor of its first recipient, Larry Kallemeyn, now retired, but as staff of the United States Geological Survey at Voyageurs National Park made significant contributions throughout his career to scientific understanding, resource management and collaborative and cooperative approaches in the watershed.
The selection committee for the Kallemeyn Award consists of researchers and resource managers from both Canada and the United States. It was their unanimous recommendation that Grim’s well rounded contributions and strengths as an educator, researcher and steward of the ecosystem epitomized the values represented by the award.
Kallemeyn was on hand to personally present the award to Grim on behalf of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. In presenting the award, Kallemeyn cited many of Grim’s contributions including his ability to talk with and connect with all people — scientists, members of the public and First Nations and tribal peoples and find common ground.
In addition, Kallemeyn cited Grim’s numerous other achievements including his:
• Work as a resource biologist for 39 years in Voyageurs National Park and in particular Grim’s work to establish long-term monitoring and research programs for bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.
• Influence as a biology instructor at Rainy River Community College who imparted an enthusiasm for the natural world on generations of students and local residents, many of whom were inspired to pursue careers in natural science or resource management.
• Volunteer service on the International Joint Commission’s International Rainy Lake Board of Control and the IJC’s International Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Watershed Task Force, in which his efforts to obtain information, gain consensus, and engage the community in decision making has contributed greatly to the success of the Rainy Lake Board of Control and development of a watershed governance model for the future.
“Presenting the Kallemeyn Award to Lee Grim is a small token of thanks and recognition from his peers in the international research community represented at the Forum” said Todd Sellers, executive director of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. “That Larry Kallemeyn would drive from South Dakota to present the award personally speaks volumes about the respect that the research community has for Lee and his many years of dedication, good science, contributions to education and collaborative approaches. Lee has contributed immensely to our understanding of the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River basin ecosystem and also to our ability to manage our watershed collaboratively.”
This year’s award plaque was accompanied by a carving of a burbot, carved and donated by Bev Clark, recipient of the Kallemeyn Award in 2009.
Grim joins the ranks of previous recipients of the Kallemeyn Award, including:
• 2011 — Tom Mosindy, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
• 2010 — Nolan Baratono, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• 2009 — Bev Clark, Hutchinson Environmental Services.
• 2008 — Larry Kallemeyn, USGS Voyageurs National Park (retired).
