California landowners sought for $10,000 award

Sand County Foundation, in partnership with Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation, seeks nominations for the 2011 California Leopold Conservation Award.

“Last year’s recipient, Al Montna, is an outstanding land steward, and he and his family aren’t the only landowners in California doing exceptional work for natural resources,” said Brent Haglund, president of Sand County Foundation. “We look forward to honoring more innovative farming and ranching families, like the Montnas, who are committed to the enhancement of California’s landscape.”

The $10,000 award recognizes California farmers and ranchers who demonstrate outstanding, sustainable management of natural resources. The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of famed conservationist and author Aldo Leopold, who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“The Leopold Conservation Award showcases farmers and ranchers who work every day to create a future that is both environmentally and economically sustainable,” said Ashley Boren, executive director of Sustainable Conservation.

Nominations are considered in two categories: Nurseries & Crops or Livestock. The judges will select a finalist in each category, and the Leopold Conservation Award winner will be announced on December 5, 2011 at the California Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nev. The deadline for nominations is July 8.

“The Leopold Conservation Award highlights outstanding examples of the stewardship that family farmers and ranchers contribute every day,” said Paul Wenger, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation. “Landowners play a crucial role in protecting the environment, providing habitat for wildlife, and maintaining a safe and affordable food supply for consumers.” 

The Leopold Conservation Award in California is sponsored by the Bradley Fund for the Environment, the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and Audubon California.

Aside from California, Sand County Foundation presents Leopold Conservation Awards in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

For more information, visit http://www.leopoldconservationaward.org/, e-mail suscon@suscon.org or call (415) 977-0380.

Source: California Farm Bureau Federation

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