Sand County Foundation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association are accepting applications for the $10,000 Leopold Conservation Award, which honors Wisconsin farmers who demonstrate exemplary stewardship and management of natural resources.
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.”
“This prestigious award recognizes working farms that demonstrate a high standard of care for their soil, water and livestock. Recipients and finalists for the Leopold Conservation Award lead by example, and inspire others to continue the search for better methods of protecting our resources,” said Jim Holte, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President.
“The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board supports the environmental care, conservation stewardship and sustainability efforts of the dairy farm families we represent. Through these efforts, Wisconsin’s farmers are leading the way toward greater land and soil stewardship and actively seek new technologies that push them toward continual improvement. The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is pleased to recognize these farmers by supporting the Leopold Conservation Award,” said Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board CEO Chad Vincent.
“Leopold Conservation Award nominees show that private land owners can be both profitable in their business and champions of the environment. The stewardship they have embraced is all the more necessary as increasing productivity is expected from every acre,” said Jim VandenBrook, Wisconsin Land and Water Executive Director.
Applications must be postmarked by August 4, and mailed to Leopold Conservation Award, c/o Sand County Foundation, 131 W. Wilson St., Suite 610, Madison, WI 53711. Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves.
The award will be presented at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in December.
The Leopold Conservation Award in Wisconsin is made possible through the generous support of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Badgerland Financial, Alliant Energy Foundation, American Transmission Company, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, WE Energies Foundation and USDA NRCS.
For complete application information click here.
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