News Feature                                                            3/25/2008

Colleen Oestreich named Outstanding RC&D Coordinator for North Central Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)

Colleen Oestreich, RC&D Coordinator for Giziibii RC&D was recently named the Outstanding RC&D coordinator for the North Central RC&Ds at the North Central RC&D Awards banquet on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 in Rochester, Minnesota.  The North Central region includes the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. 

Colleen Oestreich has been the Giziibii RC&D Coordinator for the past 15 years.  She had directly contributed to the fulfillment of the purpose of the RC&D program at the local, state, regional and national levels.

Giziibii RC&D has experienced steady growth during Colleen's tenure as Project Coordinator. Giziibii RC&D’s net assets have grown.  In 1992 Giziibii RC&D held only $1,289.35 in their administrative account.  In 2007, the RC&D Council now has over $128,000 in their administrative account and a growing endowment.   The endowment was started in 2005. 

Colleen assisted several local fire departments in the submission of successful grant applications to the Department of Homeland Security.   Her efforts secured $652,225 in federal funding for new fire trucks and equipment for departments in the Giziibii RC&D area. 

Another project, Power from the Prairie was recently awarded $229,700 in funding to install a biomass gasifier and work with producers willing to modify their normal production style to accommodate a renewable energy fuel source.  This project would not have occurred without the technical assistance provided by Colleen Oestreich. 

Giziibii RC&D has also been recognized as an outstanding Council by receiving the National Association of RC&D Council’s Circle of Diamonds designation.  In 2003, Giziibii RC&D was selected as the Outstanding Council in the North Central RC&D Region. 

Colleen Oestreich encourages and guides Giziibii RC&D towards a balanced program that serves all residents of the area.  Giziibii RC&D area includes three Ojibwe Reservations and has active participation on the Council by representatives from the Reservations.  Many projects are brought forward that target the underserved on the Reservations.  Examples are the Oshki-bawagigan Dance Troupe and the Tribal Community Foods Projects.  These projects improve the lives of residents in the area and directly relate the mission of the Giziibii RC&D.

 Through a concentrated media campaign, Colleen has improved the image of RC&D within the region. Over 130 projects have been completed and each has contributed to the respect that RC&D has acquired in the area.   These 130 completed projects have tallied thousands of hours of volunteer work, boosted the economic well being of the Giziibii RC&D Area and greatly impacted the standard of living for many people.  Press releases are used to inform the public of RC&D efforts in the area.  This has proven very effective. 

Giziibii RC&D serves an area with three Ojibwe Reservations.  Tribal representation on the RC&D Council has improved tremendously since Colleen started.  Recently, Pam May (Tribal representative from Red Lake) attended the Cooperative Conservation Conference in Nashville, TN with travel stipends from the National Association of RC&D and the Minnesota Association of RC&D.

 Giziibii RC&D has 19 Council members, 37% are female and 16% are Native American.  Colleen often encourages nomination of Council members or committee representatives that would add diversity and strengthen the group.

 In 1996, she became a "RC&D Partner" by becoming a member of the National Association of RC&D Councils.  Colleen has been very supportive and encouraged members of the Giziibii RC&D Council to become actively involved with RC&D at the state and regional level during her tenure as Project Coordinator.

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