FARGO, N.D. (NDFS) – The North Dakota Forest Service (NDFS) announced the winners from across the state who were recognized at the 33rd Trees Bowl and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 9th, 2023.

The Trees Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities. Forestry activities can include: fire mitigation, protection and suppression; tree planting, preservation, or maintenance; community forestry efforts; forest or fire management practices; or environmental education. This event was hosted by the North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota State University (NDSU.)
The winners were provided a noon luncheon in the Fargodome, which was followed by an awards ceremony.

NDSU President David Cook and State Forester Thomas Claeys presented each winner with a plaque, and the winners were also recognized on the field at half-time of the NDSU football game vs. Maine. After the game, the North Dakota Forest Service distributed 3,000 Black Hills Spruce and Bur Oak trees to game attendees, courtesy of Towner State Nursery.

The 2023 award winners include:
COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR – Larimore
CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENT – Donald and Mary Lou Gentzkow, and Harlan Witt, all of Lamoure
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE – Duane Elness, Cavalier
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR – Angela Bartholomay, Dakota College at Bottineau
EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENT – North Dakota Game and Fish Department
FIRE DEPARTMENT – Kindred Fire Department
FOREST STEWARDSHIP LANDOWNERS – Keith Knudson, Bottineau
MEDIA OUTREACH – Blake Nicholson, The Bismarck Tribune
NATURAL RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL – Brian Prince, North Dakota Game and Fish
2022 SMOKEY BEAR POSTER CONTEST WINNER – Mia Gasevic, Fargo
2023 SMOKEY BEAR POSTER CONTEST WINNER – Braxton Sangrait, Park River
TREE CELEBRATION – Lamoure
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION – Gackle Park Board

YOUTH TREE PLANTERS – Fargo Forestry Department and Fargo Park District
DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP – Dan Lambe, The Arbor Day Foundation