Joe Magner is a research professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota. From 1981 to 2013, Magner served the people of Minnesota at the Pollution Control Agency. As a hydrologist and research scientist, Magner 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/groundwater interaction assessments, best management practices (BMPs) for nonpoint source pollution, watershed assessments for TMDLs, and stream morphology improvement methods for channel stability. Magner was the chief architect for program development of Biological Stressor BMP implementation strategies, which continue to be foundational for local watershed science and planning. Magner has boldly pioneered several innovative areas of research and development, from the deformed frog scientific assessments to multistage ditch systems.
But perhaps Magner’s biggest contribution while working with the MPCA and beyond relates to his mentoring of developing scientists. Magner 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, Magner oversaw and reviewed the work of several interdisciplinary teams, teaching and explaining things to help others in the watershed profession. Magner’s collaborative approaches have not stopped at the Minnesota borders, but have extended to other states and nations. Magner leads with patience and humility, and makes people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities, feel equally valued and important.
Originally known as the Kuehnast Award, the Dave Ford Water Resources Award was created in 2003, renamed for esteemed DNR hydrologist Dave Ford, who died prematurely from cancer in January 2003. Dave Ford was highly regarded by his water resources colleagues, who sought to honor him with an award to be presented to others in the field who also have made an indelible impact on Minnesota’s environmental landscape. Dave had an excellent theoretical understanding of various computer simulation models, along with the practical knowledge to effectively use those models to address a variety of water resource management issues. But, more importantly, he was a teacher, a mentor, a collaborator, and a friend.