The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust announced that Kermit Brown will be the recipient of the 2018 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award. Brown is being recognized for his exceptional support of agricultural land conservation, property rights, and water rights.
Brown has been an ardent supporter of conservation and agriculture in Wyoming throughout his career as an attorney in Laramie and as a former Republican member of the Wyoming House of Representatives where he served as the House Majority Leader and Speaker of the House.
Brown’s passion for agriculture began in his youth, working on ranches in the Saratoga area. He obtained first-hand experience of the important work that is done by Wyoming’s farmers and ranchers and came to understand the pivotal relationship between agriculture and conservation. Here, he also met and became lifelong friends with Dr. Kurt Bucholz, DVM. These experiences impacted his future career choices and helped him become a respected voice and advocate for ranching and conservation.
Brown was one of the three co-sponsors of the Wyoming Uniform Conservation Easement Act and played a part in the creation of the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, which helps fund conservation and habitat restoration projects throughout the state. These accomplishments are among many which have qualified Brown to receive the award.
Brown commented on the meaning of receiving the conservation award created in honor of Bucholz, “I am honored and deeply humbled to receive this award. Dr. Bucholz’ vision for Wyoming should be a model for everyone to consider. He loved open spaces and untrammeled landscapes where agriculture could quietly coexist with nature and wildlife free of the clutter and chaos of human development. I appreciate all the people and especially landowners who love this state and who have helped advance Kurt’s vision.”
The Bucholz Conservation Award is given in memory of the late Dr. Kurt Bucholz, rancher from Carbon County and early supporter of the WSGLT. The Bucholz Award winner encompasses the values and stewardship goals that Kurt exemplified in his life. Kurt had a unique understanding of water and land issues and worked to protect the historic water rights that are fundamental to the North Platte Valley. Laura Bucholz shared her excitement in presenting the award to Brown, saying, "I look forward to presenting this award to my old friend, Kermit."
Kermit Brown will be presented with a bronze statue sculpted by the talented Wyoming artist Jerry Palen at the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust’s 17th annual barbecue at the Sommers Ranch outside of Pinedale, Wyoming, on Aug. 25. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.WSGALT.org/Events, or by calling 307-772-8751.
