By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award for 2025 is now accepting nominations. Ranchers, farmers, and owners of forestlands that succeed in maintaining the quality of the water, the soil, and the habitat of wildlife on their working land are honored with this renowned award, which comes with a $10,000 reward.
Presented by the Sand County Foundation in partnership with national sponsor American Farmland Trust, the Leopold Conservation Award honors private landowners across 28 states. In South Dakota, the award is co-presented with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.
Named after the famous conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award acknowledges landowners who inspire others to explore conservation opportunities on their land. Leopold’s influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” called for a “land ethic,” advocating for a responsible relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
Nominations can be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners can nominate themselves. The nomination form is available at sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. The deadline for nominations is March 7, 2025, and they must be emailed to SouthDakotaLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org. Award recipients are required to host a tour and video production team during the summer and participate in a fall award presentation.
The 2024 award recipient was Blioux River Ranch of Castlewood. “These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, President and CEO of the Sand County Foundation. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”
John Piotti, President and CEO of the American Farmland Trust, added, “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”
The Leopold Conservation Award Program in South Dakota is supported by numerous partners, including the South Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, and various other organizations committed to conservation and land stewardship.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: South Dakota, General, Government & Policy