The Guerin Memorial Essay Contest is open to all Coos County youth from seventh through 12th grades. The topics for the contest will be a choice of three resource conservation scenarios provided by the directors of the Coos Soil and Water Conservation District.

• Conservation practices in Coos County which benefit salmon habitat.

• Water conservation techniques and how they affect water quantity and quality.

• Logging or agriculture conservation practices that benefit fish and wildlife habitat. 

Essays should describe the conservation topic, and opinion of the topic, and their benefits to the soil, water, fish or wildlife. Writers must show that they have researched material to give evidence of understanding.

There will be two age categories this year — grades 7-9 and grades 10-12. Cash prizes for lower-age category are: first place $75, second place $50 and third place $25.

Cash prizes for higher grade winners are: first place $100, second place $75, and third place $50. The first-place winner’s name from the grade 10-12 category will be engraved on a traveling plaque.

Essays should be around 300-400 words. Every essay should have a heading with the student’s name, essay title, school name, age, grade and phone number.

Typed essays are preferred, but black or blue ink will be accepted.  Submit four copies of essay to: Coos Soil and Water Conservation District, 371 N. Adams Street, Coquille, OR 97423.

The deadline is Nov. 6.