The Normenco Sportsmen's Club of Powers was honored with a Department of Natural Resources' Partner in Conservation Award at the recent Natural Resources Commission meeting in Ontonagon.

The club and its 168 members have been instrumental in assisting the DNR with hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation projects since its inception in the 1960s. The club began grooming snowmobile trails in the area in 1976, before there was a state snowmobile program. Since 1983, the club has contracted with the DNR to groom approximately 90 miles of trail.

Today, the club also assists the DNR with hunter safety programs, Adopt-a-Forest, the Trappers Rendevous at the DNR Pocket Park at the UP State Fairgrounds, and fish plantings. They also help out a local pheasant club and donate their time and equipment to local outdoor events, such as the Hermansville Mud Runs. Normenco members also assist with a fishing program for children during the Powers 4th of July Weekend, giving children the opportunity to fish for trout. Children without fishing gear can borrow gear from the club.

"Normenco Sportsmen's Club has been a good partner to the DNR for a long time, going more than 30 years with their help in grooming snowmobile trails," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "Today, the club assists us directly and indirectly with programs, and with mentoring our youth in hunting and fishing. They have an eye to the future of conservation in our state, and we greatly appreciate their efforts."

Recently, the club joined in the DNR's Adopt-a-Forest program to clean up the Felch Grade ORV/Snowmobile Trail. In two days, they cleaned up five and one-half miles of trail, picking up seven and one-quarter tons of garbage and 278 tires. Members plan on cleaning up the entire 38 miles of the grade in the future.

Individuals and organizations are nominated for the Partner in Conservation Award by DNR employees for outstanding volunteer efforts to assist the department in natural resources protection and conservation. The award is given out six times a year at NRC meetings.