MANSFIELD — The Ohio Lake Management Society recently honored Theresa Rozic Sutter — marketing and volunteer coordinator with Richland Soil and Water Conservation District — with the Innovation in Lake Management Award for 2025 for her contributions to water quality education and outreach.
Since joining Richland SWCD in 2013, Sutter has worked to advance the district’s mission to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of Richland County, with focus on the health of the county’s soil and water resources.
“Due to her innovative and tireless commitment working with individuals and organizations, Mrs. Sutter consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to public education, outreach, and engagement, using a variety of platforms and programs to increase awareness of water quality,” said Carter Bailey of OLMS.
Sutter’s approach to community engagement includes leading workshops, district sales, volunteer programs, and school and youth education initiatives among other efforts.
Sutter has effectively utilized social media and community events to reach a broader audience, ensuring residents across Richland County are informed of local soil and water conservation efforts and volunteer opportunities.
Richland County is unique in that it contains eight distinct watersheds, compared to the more typical one per county. These watersheds are critical to water quality, as three flow to Lake Erie and five to the Ohio River.
The county is also home to several important water bodies — including Charles Mill Lake, Clear Fork Reservoir, and Pleasant Hill Lake —all vital to environmental health and recreational activities.
“Sutter’s efforts embody the importance of local involvement and fostering community-driven efforts to protect and improve water quality,” OLMS said.
To learn about Richland SWCD programs, services, and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://richlandswcd.net/ or call 419.747.8686.
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District develops, implements, and assists landowners, government agencies and our partners with a wide range of natural resource conservation programs.
Programs and assistance of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District are available without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran status.