Applications are now being accepted for New York State’s 2023 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Leopold Conservation Award. Presented in partnership with the Sand County Foundation, the annual award honors a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New York, the $10,000 award is presented in partnership with national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partner Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. The Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states. In New York, the longstanding AEM Award joined with the Leopold Conservation Award program in 2020, most recently awarding Greenfield Farms of Skaneateles in 2022.
Applications are now being accepted, with county Soil and Water Conservation Districts applying on behalf of the farm. Eligible candidates successfully incorporate AEM Best Management Practices into the management of the farm, assisting the landowner in meeting business and environmental goals. Applicants should demonstrate conservation leadership and outreach in the agricultural sector and be an inspiration to other landowners.
Applications for the New York AEM Leopold Conservation Award must be received by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets by May 27, 2023. Nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel of conservation leaders. Interested candidates should contact their local county Soil and Water Conservation District. Contact information can be found at https://agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/soil-water-conservation-district-offices.
The application can be found at https://www.sandcountyfoundation.org/
ApplyLCA.
The AEM-Leopold Conservation Award Program in New York is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Sand County Foundation, the Ida and Robert Gordon Family Foundation, Farm Credit East, EDPR NA Distributed Generation, New York State Agribusiness Association, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Audubon New York.
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