The Wyoming Stock Growers Association, the Sand County Foundation, Encana Oil & Gas Inc. and Peabody Energy present the award annually to Wyoming ranchers "who demonstrate outstanding, sustainable management of natural resources." Other organizations sponsor the award in a handful of states including California, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
"Each past recipient of this award is an exceptional land steward, but they aren't the only landowners in Wyoming doing outstanding work for natural resources," Sand County Foundation President Dr. Brent Haglund said in a release. "We look forward to meeting and honoring more innovative ranching families who are committed to the enhancement of Wyoming's landscape."
Haglund's foundation, based in Wisconsin, aims to encourage "ethical and scientifically sound land management practices and partnerships for the benefit of people and the ecological landscape" and uses the awards to promote that platform.
In Wyoming, the $10,000 award is presented as the most prestigious award within the WSGA's Environmental Stewardship Program. The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of conservationist and author Aldo Leopold, who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
"The WSGA Environmental Stewardship Program has recognized the careful management of our natural resources by Wyoming's ranchers since 1996," WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna said. "Each year WSGA and our partners look forward to honoring more landowners for the contribution they make to our state's economy, environment and culture."
The deadline for nominations is July 12, 2013. For more information please visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.
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