In celebration of Earth Day, Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead proclaimed June 21 as Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Day.

Each year, Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Day marks the date of the Environmental Stewardship Tour hosted by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA). The annual tour features ranching families whose natural resource stewardship practices contribute to the environment and enhance productivity and profitability. This family is also awarded the $10,000 Leopold Conservation Award, which will be presented at the WSGA’s Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show in June in Laramie. The Leopold Conservation Award in Wyoming is presented by Sand County Foundation (SCF) and its partners, WSGA, Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., and Peabody Energy.

“Governor Mead understands that Wyoming’s farmers and ranchers are integral to the health of the state’s natural resources,” says Brent Haglund, president, SCF. “We appreciate the governor’s participation in this important celebration of sustainable agriculture on private lands.”

The 2011 recipients of the Leopold Conservation Award are Ryan and Teresa Fieldgrove of Buffalo. “We believe it is important to honor Wyoming families like the Fieldgroves who are committed to living as responsible stewards of the land,” says Jim Magagna, WSGA executive vice president. “Earth Day is a time to remind the public that ranchers are the true stewards of Wyoming’s natural resources.”

The Leopold Conservation Award in Wyoming is made possible through the support of The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and Farm Credit.

For more information, or to attend the Environmental Stewardship Tour to be held June 21 near Buffalo on Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Day, please call WSGA at 307-638-3942 and speak with Kosha Olsen.