Montana Leopold Conservation Award seeks applicants
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News from Sand County Foundation
MONTANA — Know a Montana rancher, farmer or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the stewardship and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 Montana Leopold Conservation Award.
Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Montana, the $10,000 award is presented with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Committee.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found online at the Sand County Foundation website.
The application deadline is March 15. Applications can be emailed to sbarta@mt.gov or mailed to Leopold Conservation Award, c/o State Coordinator Rangeland Resources Program, Dept. of Natural Resources & Conservation,220 W. Lamme, Suite 1A, Bozeman, MT 59715.
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.
“Recipients of this award are real life examples of conservation-minded agriculture,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer. “These hard-working families are essential to our environment, food system and rural economy.”
“Our farmers, ranchers, and forestland managers are leading the effort on the ground to implement conservation practices for the benefit of all Montanans,” said Amanda Kaster, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director. “Recognizing their dedication to the land through the Leopold Conservation Award is just one small way we can acknowledge their work.”
