MADISON, Wis. — (July 6, 2016) — Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen's Association, is proud to announce the launch of the Leopold Conservation Award Program in North Dakota.
Applications are now being accepted for the award.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation Award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. It inspires other landowners through these examples and provides a visible forum where farmers, ranchers and other private landowners are recognized as conservation leaders. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”
“The award and the North Dakotans who will receive it are the best way to tell the important story about conservation on working lands,” noted Sand County Foundation President Kevin McAleese. “Sand County Foundation is looking forward to working with our partners to shine a spotlight on the outstanding conservation achievements by North Dakota landowners.”
The award will be presented for the first time to a North Dakota farmer, rancher or other private landowner who exemplifies voluntary, responsible stewardship and management of natural resources. Recipients of the award receive $10,000 and a crystal depicting Aldo Leopold.
The inaugural award will be presented on November 21 at the North Dakota Association of Soil and Conservation Districts convention.
Applications for the award must be postmarked by September 15, and mailed to North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, P.O. Box 325, Mandan, ND 58554.
For application information, please visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.
Source: North Dakota Stockmen's Association
