Nominations Wanted for Kurt Bucholz Award

It seems that many of the people who strive to conserve and protect the environment often seem to be the type to shy away from publicity or recognition. Now however, is the time for these people to be recognized.

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust is now seeking nominations for the Kurt Bucholz Award, honoring an individual who exemplifies the core beliefs held by Dr. Bucholz during his lifetime dedicated to public service and conservation.

The award is presented each year to an individual who represents his conservation values, especially the conservation of working ranches and was created in memory of Kurt Bucholz, DVM, a legislator and rancher from Saratoga. His wife, Laura and the Stock Growers Ag Land Trust Board of Directors established the award in Dr. Bucholz’s name in 2008.

To be eligible for nomination for the award, individuals must have achieved a lasting impact on one of the following ways:

• Ardent supporter of conserving Wyoming's working landscapes and one who recognizes the indispensible role of ranching in this endeavor.
• Astute and successful rancher and land steward who has been active in state and/or national natural resource issues, and a strong proponent of private enterprise and private solutions for conservation in Wyoming.
• A background of actions promoting the bedrock importance of water to Wyoming and the vital significance of protecting traditional water rights.
• A strong and abiding interest in hunting and wildlife and a personal commitment to habitat conservation.

Former Stock Growers Land Trust board member and 2009 award recipient Dr. John Lunt says the Kurt Bucholz award is different than most other awards:

The Bucholz Award emphasizes the role of private enterprise and initiative in the conservation of Wyoming's working landscapes... this sets it apart from other such recognitions."

Submissions of nominations will be accepted through the end of the month and can be sent along with a letter of explanation to info@wsgalt.org.