Spring Valley Cattle of Glen Ullin is the recipient of the 2022 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes private landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

In North Dakota, Sand County Foundation presents the award with national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners: North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

Lance Gartner, a cattle rancher from Morton County who owns Spring Valley Cattle, will be presented with $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected during the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in November.

“The North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition is proud to join in congratulating the Gartner family of Spring Valley Cattle on being awarded the 2022 Leopold Conservation Award,” said Jerry Doan, NDGLC president. “The Gartner family truly exemplifies what it means to promote conservation and regenerative practices on the working lands of North Dakota.”

“On behalf of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, I want to extend congratulations to Spring Valley Cattle, this year’s Leopold Conservation Award winner,” said NDSA President Jeff Schafer, a New Rockford cattleman. “Ranchers and farmers take their jobs as stewards of the land and the livestock seriously. It is not only how we make our living, but how we can ensure a legacy for future generations. Spring Valley Cattle is a testament to that, and we congratulate them on this prestigious honor.”

“The North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts is honored to be a partner in the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award in North Dakota,” said Brian Johnston, NDASCD CEO. “We are proud to honor Spring Valley Cattle by recognizing its commitment to incorporating sound conservation practices to ensure the land will be productive for those who come after.”

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation president and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the North Dakota recipient,” said John Piotti, AFT president and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

Earlier this year, North Dakota landowners were encouraged to apply (or be nominated) for the award. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.

The first North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award was presented to Black Leg Ranch from McKenzie in 2016. Last year’s recipient was Sand Ranch from Ellendale.