Oklahoma farmers, ranchers and foresters who go above and beyond to care for and maintain the natural resources of their land by improving soil health, water quality and wildlife habitats are encouraged to apply for the 2020 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award.
The Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private Oklahoma landowners for their extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. The $10,000 award is presented annually through cooperative efforts between Sand County Foundation, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Noble Research Institute, ITC Holdings Corp., Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Enel North America Inc., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“Within the last year, we have been reminded several times just how challenging it can be for producers to adapt to Oklahoma’s unique environments,” said David VonTungeln, OKFB Foundation for Agriculture president. “Even so, farmers, ranchers and foresters are resilient and continue to protect and preserve our natural resources. We at the foundation want to do our part in recognizing individuals for their conservation efforts, ensuring their lands are prosperous for generations to come.”
Presented in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those 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. Applications will then be reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.
The application deadline date is August 15, 2020. Applications can be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org or postmarked by August 15, and mailed to:
Leopold Conservation Award
c/o Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture
2501 N. Stiles
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
The application and more details can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.
The recipient will be revealed in early 2021 at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Legislative Evening in Oklahoma City.
