Sand County Foundation, in partnership with Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation, seeks nominations for the 2009 Leopold Conservation Award.

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.

“We’ve presented the Leopold Conservation Award in California since 2006, and the nominees each year have continued to be exceptionally strong,” said Dr. Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. “We expect this year to be no different, which is a fantastic testament to how highly committed California landowners are to conservation and agriculture.”

Sand County Foundation is a private, non-profit conservation organization dedicated to working with private landowners to improve habitat on their land. In the spirit of Aldo Leopold, author of A Sand County Almanac, the Foundation encourages the exercise of private responsibility in the pursuit of improved land health.

"California's extraordinary natural beauty is matched by its extraordinary leaders in agriculture. We are proud to present this award to a California landowner and share their story of conservation achievement around the country." - Dr. Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President

SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION
Sustainable Conservation partners with business, agriculture, and government to find practical ways that the private sector can protect clean air, clean water, and healthy ecosystems. The independent nonprofit organization leads powerful collaborations that produce lasting solutions and sustain the vitality of both the economy and the environment in California.

"With more than half of California in private hands, the voluntary conservation efforts of farmers, ranchers and other private landowners is crucial to the vitality of wildlife, humans and the economy." - Ashley Boren, Sustainable Conservation Executive Director

CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
The California Farm Bureau Federation is California's largest farm organization. It works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 92,000 members throughout California, including farm families and those who support the farming way of life.

"The Leopold Conservation Award shows how family farmers and ranchers work every day toward a sustainable future. Voluntary conservation work by farmers and ranchers enhances the natural resources under their care." - Doug Mosebar, California Farm Bureau Federation President

The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Fund

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