Dave Ford Award

2024 Dave Ford Award Recipients

Joe A. Magner

Joe Magner is a research professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota. From 1981 to 2013, Joe served the people of Minnesota at the Pollution Control Agency. As a hydrologist and research scientist, Joe led dozens of projects that developed and provided tools, guidance, modeling approaches and research findings, which have been instrumental in establishing multiple programs.

His work at the MPCA shaped Clean Water Partnership diagnostic studies, stream restoration plans, surface water/ground water interaction assessments, best management practices (BMPs) for nonpoint source pollution, watershed assessments for TMDLs, and stream morphology improvement methods for channel stability. Joe was the chief architect for program development of Biological Stressor BMP implementation strategies, which continue to be foundational for local watershed science and planning. Joe has boldly pioneered several innovative areas of research and development, from the deformed frog scientific assessments to multistage ditch systems.

But perhaps Joe’s biggest contribution while working with the MPCA and beyond relates to his mentoring of developing scientists. Joe has helped countless people to grow in their fields of expertise. from state and federal agency scientists, to local watershed staff, to students. In his roles at the MPCA Watershed Division, Joe oversaw and reviewed the work of several interdisciplinary teams, teaching and explaining things to help others in the watershed profession. Joe’s collaborative approaches have not stopped at the Minnesota borders, but have extended to other states and nations. Joe leads with patience and humility, and makes people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities, feel equally valued and important.

Randy Neprash

Randy Neprash is a retired stormwater regulatory specialist at Stantec and staffed the Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition (MSCS) from 2002 to 2023. Randy has worked tirelessly to advance the work of stormwater professionals and the interests of the MS4-permitted cities in Minnesota, making Minnesota a national leader in stormwater management.

In 2001–2002, Randy created the NPDES Guide Plan in conjunction with the League of Minnesota Cities to help cities comply with their MS4 permit requirements. As MSCS staff, Randy played a key role in several major initiatives, including Minnesota’s Minimal Impact Design Standards, the creation of the Minnesota Stormwater Steering Committee, originating Clean Water Fund support for stormwater research, and forming the National Municipal Stormwater Coalition. Randy also provided formal comments on state and federal rules, MS4 permit issues, and TMDLs. He was a key voice in raising the issue of PAH contaminated pond sediments, leading to ban on coal tar-based sealcoating in Minnesota.

For decades, Randy has consistently provided quality guidance on compliance with complex regulations and support for local communities seeking to improve water resources through implementation of stormwater best practices while at the same time advocating for the advancement of new technologies, cutting edge research, and common-sense policy to make stormwater compliance and BMP implementation easier and more effective. Randy’s efforts have resulted in real and lasting improvements to water quality and quality of life in communities throughout the state.