Neil Behnke, a volunteer with the nonprofit organization Black Forest Together, was chosen as the winner of the second annual John Deere “Small Machines. Big Impact” contest. His project “Rising Above the Ashes,” will help residents of Black Forest, Colorado, clear their land of dangerous dead trees, resulting from a major fire in 2013. The fire, the most destructive in Colorado history, spread across 14,000 acres in 10 days, causing $85 million in damage, and claiming two lives.
“My family loves the quiet beauty of Black Forest,” said Behnke. “I remember what this place once was, and I know what it can be. I want to see this community grow and thrive again.”
Due to the overwhelming response to the contest, John Deere will provide the two runner-up projects with a yearlong lease on a skid steer or CTL. Finalist Kobus Appelgrijn of New Port Richey, Florida, with project “Restoring Neighborhood Pride,” plans to revitalize 40 deteriorating homes. Finalist Anita Will of Ridgefield, Washington, with project “Trailblazing Outdoor Connections,” looks to revive the dilapidated Whipple Creek Regional Park. All three finalists will receive a $2,000 stipend donated by John Deere and the following local dealers: 4Rivers Equipment, Dobbs Equipment, and Papé Machinery.
Finalists were selected based on community impact and by how much the machine would be used to enhance the project.
For additional information, including official rules and regulations, visit Deere.com/Impact.
