Presented by Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts

Contact:  Steve Coleman 502-573-3080

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 21, 2006) – Susan C. Bush, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, has been given the 2006 Distinguished Service Award of the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

Bush, a geologist, leads an agency with oversight responsibilities related to mining, oil and gas, forestry, land preservation and conservation. She was cited for her strong support of conservation districts, which has included advocacy of their programs with the General Assembly and Kentucky’s congressional delegation.

“Commissioner Bush has been a tremendous advocate for the 121 local conservation districts and watershed conservancy districts in the commonwealth,” said Kevin Jeffries, president of the association. “She understands our program needs and works to strengthen the delivery of these programs to the citizens of Kentucky.”

The award was presented this week at the association’s annual meeting in Owensboro.

Bush is a veteran of the cabinet, which she has served on two occasions. She spent 11 years as director of the waste management and mine permits divisions, then worked in the private sector with a number of environmental consulting firms. She returned to state government as commissioner of the Department for Natural Resources in February 2004.