BISMARCK, N.D. – Duaine Ash of Devils Lake was presented the Water Wheel Award at the 62nd annual Joint North Dakota Water Convention and Irrigation Workshop on Dec. 11.
According to a press release from the North Dakota Water Users Association (NDWUA), the award is given jointly by the NDWUA and the North Dakota Water Resource Districts Association in recognition of distinctive leadership and perseverance for the protection, development and management of North Dakota’s water resources, to foster a better quality of life for the community.
A resident of Devils Lake, Ash has been dedicated to protecting, developing, and managing North Dakota’s water resources for decades, showing leadership and dedication to the water industry by serving on the boards of NDWUA, the Ramsey County Water Resource District, Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board, ND Water Resource Districts Association, ND Sportfishing Congress, Lake Region Anglers Association, and Friends of Lake Sakakawea.
Ash is passionate about fishing, preventing aquatic nuisance species, and supporting lake accessibility so everyone can participate in water recreational activities. When the waters of Devils Lake were rising, Ash was instrumental in ensuring ramp and dock access in addition to cleaning and improving shoreline areas. Ash spent his career with the Bureau of Reclamation and the National Guard at Camp Grafton before retiring in 2002.
