Research Partnership Awards

Kevin Zahler has built a career as a global business consultant in the power and oil and gas industries, all while maintaining a deep passion for environmental protection. Since 2000, he has served as a Secchi disk reader for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), acquiring a range of environmental skills along the way. In 2003, Kevin and his wife installed an award-winning 200-foot runoff buffer at their northern Minnesota home, becoming early adopters of buffer runoff management. After moving to Lake Minnewashta in 2016, Kevin joined the board of the Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association (LMPA), focusing on environmental and invasive species issues. He became a Minnesota Water Steward and an AIS Detector, and in 2022 was appointed to the Carver County Water Management Organization Advisory Committee. Kevin has led multiple environmental projects, including installing a 145-foot runoff buffer and a rain garden at his property and sponsoring runoff grants for residents. He also participates annually in Starry Trek and coordinates zebra mussel and spiny waterflea detection efforts.

Wendy Crowell received her master's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1992, completing a thesis project focused on Eurasian watermilfoil management. She has worked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for 31 years, holding various roles within the Invasive Species Program. 

For 15 years, she served as an Invasive Species Specialist and now works as the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Program Consultant. Wendy has collaborated with numerous stakeholder groups and researchers to support the management and prevention of aquatic invasive species.

Tony Brough graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences while competing as a student athlete on the Men’s Gymnastics Team. He began his professional career at the Anoka Conservation District and Rice Creek Watershed District before joining Hennepin County in 2001. At the county, Tony assists internal and external partners with wetland permitting, manages the county’s Lake Program, and coordinates the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program.

The Gull Chain of Lakes Association (GCOLA) was established in 1974 and has grown to over 1,000 members, including property owners and local businesses. Its mission is to promote the responsible use of land and water resources, support recreational safety, prevent and contain aquatic invasive species, and improve water quality and shoreland habitat in the Gull Lake Chain ecosystems. 

The association is a consistent supporter of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC), contributing both financially and through its work in government relations, AIS inspections, decontamination unit acquisition, and participation in programs like Starry Trek and spiny water flea detection. Key members include Dorothy Whitmer, creator of the Lake Steward program, and Sheila Farrell Johnston, known as “The Loon Lady,” who works on loon conservation.