Leopold Conservation Award in California to be presented to Chet Vogt
 

California rancher Chet Vogt of Elk Creek, Calif. has received the 2008 Leopold Conservation Award for exemplary environmental stewardship from Sand County Foundation, California Farm Bureau Federation and Sustainable Conservation.

“Chet Vogt has dedicated himself to innovation in environmentally beneficial ranching practices for three decades,” said A.G. Kawamura, Secretary, California Department of Food & Agriculture and a judge for the Leopold Conservation Award. “He demonstrates the natural compatibility between raising cattle and caring for the land, and he inspires all ranchers and farmers to work from that understanding.” Read more ...

FINALISTS

Howe Creek Ranch, Steve and Jill Hackett –Ferndale, Calif. (Humboldt County)

Steve and Jill Hackett have taken a proactive approach to integrating ecological sustainability into their 4,000 acres of forests and cattle pasturage, where the family has ranched and produced forest products for 95 years. Their forestry practices create corridors of mature forest and healthy watersheds that support salmon, spotted owls and other wildlife. The Hacketts have permanently protected their land through a conservation easement, ensuring that it will remain working timber and ranchland for generations to come. Steve helped to establish the vision and consensus for the California Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan as a prototype alternative to rangeland regulation. That plan is credited with injecting incentives and cooperation into ranch planning and restoration implementation, and with engaging environmental groups, industry groups and federal and state government agencies effectively. The plan now involves more than 1 million acres of private California ranchland.

Montna Farms, Alfred G. Montna –Yuba City, Calif. (Sutter County)

Rice grower Al Montna has created extensive habitat for wildlife, particularly waterfowl, through his 2,500-acre farming operation. He also led the way in replacing the practice of burning rice stubble with environmentally safe alternatives and reducing pesticide run-off into the Sacramento River by 90%. This year, he installed a solar power system to run the Montna Farms rice dryer. Known for bringing people together, he has held leadership positions in numerous industry organizations and public policy boards, such as Northern California Water Association, California Bay-Delta Authority and State Board of Food and Agriculture.

Many thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination for 2008. Aside from the finalists, the nominees this year included:

John Fiscalini Fiscalini Farms & Cheese Company Stanislaus County	Julie Golden Golden Vineyards & Heart Arrow Ranch Mendocino County
Mendocino Redwood Company, LLC Mendocino County	Steve Pedersen & Jeanne Byrne Highground Organics Santa Cruz County
Rick Storre Freshwater Farms Humboldt County	Howie Steinbeck Steinbeck Vineyards San Luis Obispo County
Paul Harrison Sierra Foothills Farm Placer County	Anne Teller Oak Hill Farm & Old Hill Vineyard Sonoma County

Read about past winners of the Leopold Conservation Award in California


California Partners

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