The Ohio Lake Management Society (OLMS) honored Theresa Rozic Sutter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator, the Innovation in Lake Management Award for 2025 in recognition of her contributions to water quality education and outreach in Richland County. Theresa credits District volunteers for their commitment to monitoring Charles Mill Lake, Clear Fork Reservoir, and Pleasant Hill Lake and considers it an award for them and the District.
Since joining Richland SWCD in 2013, Theresa 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. Carter Bailey of OLMS shared, “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.”
Theresa’s approach to community engagement includes leading workshops, district sales, volunteer programs, and school and youth education initiatives among other efforts. Additionally, Theresa 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. Theresa’s efforts embody the importance of local involvement and fostering community-driven efforts to protect and improve water quality.
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. Learn more about watersheds in Richland County.
