IRON MOUNTAIN, MI – The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presented Partners in Conservation Awards to two Upper Peninsula residents – Sten Fjeldheim, of Gwinn, and Dave Cella, of L’Anse – at the regular meeting earlier this month of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) in Iron Mountain, Mich.
Gwinn’s Sten Fjeldheim, who coaches the Nordic ski team at Northern Michigan University, was chosen for his many contributions to Michigan’s cross-country skiing landscape. With volunteer efforts that go back to 1986, Fjeldheim played an instrumental role in designing and developing the Marquette area’s Blueberry Ridge Ski Trail. His most recent project is assisting with the fundraising for and creation of a trailhead warming hut at Blueberry Ridge.
Over the years, Fjeldheim has built a reputation as a “go to” volunteer for Michigan’s trail system, often pitching in to fill the gaps in trail-grooming schedules. DNR staff who nominated Fjeldheim cite his experience, expertise and willingness to help among the primary reasons the Blueberry Ridge trail is highly regarded as a destination for cross-country skiers.
Fjeldheim said it was “an honor” to be selected for the Partners in Conservation Award.
“We’re excited and proud,” he said. “My whole family’s been involved, my wife and my kids. We’ve taken a family interest and it’s been fun watching the evolution of those trails.”
Fjeldheim was nominated by Doug Barry of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.
“I nominated Sten because of his continued efforts with the Blueberry Ridge ski trails,” said Barry. “His commitment to the cross-country ski community is extraordinary and has expanded opportunities for so many people to participate in outdoor activities which restore us all.”
Cella, a long-time conservation enthusiast nominated by NRC Chair J.R. Richardson, was recognized for a number of contributions over the years. Named Volunteer of the Year by the Copper Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited in 2007, and honored by the DNR for saving the life of a camper in 2009, Cella has been actively involved in and dedicated to DNR fisheries efforts – including his significant contributions to the completion of a department road/stream crossing study in the Huron River watershed.
Cella said news of his conservation award “came as a little bit of a shock.”
“You do what you do because you love it, not because you’re looking for recognition,” he said. “But, you do like to be recognized for what you do.”
Cella has been a passionate, long-time conservation partner for many years, focused on promoting hunting and fishing, environmental protection, and respect for and wise use of Michigan’s natural resources.
“Dave’s commitment to environmental stewardship and resource protection through volunteerism is remarkable,” said DNR fisheries biologist George Madison. “He has provided extremely valuable assistance to the department and to the community, dedicating his time and personal resources on numerous occasions to get the job done.”
For the Huron River watershed work, Cella cooperated with the DNR on collecting data from 243 road/stream crossings – information that helps biologists to assess the sediment load entering streams in the watershed. DNR staff said Cella’s efforts saved the DNR significant cost in staff time and travel required to complete such a wide-ranging project.
Cella also spearheaded the formation of Lake Superior’s Huron River Restoration Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of the Huron River Watershed in Baraga and Marquette counties, and worked two years with the U.S. Geological Survey doing water-flow studies for the development of a regional geomorphic assessment report.
Partners in Conservation Awards are bestowed upon groups and individuals who have been nominated by DNR staff in recognition of their outstanding contributions to natural resources in Michigan.
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