In 2016, the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Madison County Covered Bridge Chapter of Pheasants Forever (PF) began the tradition of recognizing stewards for their habitat conservation efforts at the PF Chapter’s Annual Banquet.
This year, the SWCD presented the Habitat Conservation Award to Jim Liechty, the former director of the Madison County Conservation Board and a steward of our public lands in Madison County!
The Madison County Conservation Board was established a little over 50 years ago in 1972. Jim Liechty was hired as the second conservation board director in 1979, and over his 42-year tenure, he led the county’s efforts to establish county parks and wildlife areas; public lands that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, and hunting. When Jim retired in 2021, the Madison County Conservation Board managed 17 public areas totaling 2,051 acres.
Jim was also instrumental in the planning and design of the new Conservation Center, which is currently in the final phases of construction, and once open, will be a destination for residents to learn about Madison County’s natural resources, as well as a place for the community to gather for meetings and events.
Jim Liechty was recognized at the PF Chapter’s Annual Banquet on March 3, 2023 and presented an award sign. Please join Madison SWCD in congratulating Jim Liechty for his contributions to habitat conservation in Madison County!
