Conservation Award Winner Named

Moving cattle at the Collins Ranch in Cheyenne County

The Collins Ranch of Kit Carson is the recipient of the 2020 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®.

The Collins Ranch in K.C. Electric Association territory is owned and operated by the Toby and Amy Johnson family of Cheyenne County. The conservation practices that the Johnsons have implemented on their cattle ranch have improved the wildlife habitat, water quality, and grass and soil health.

The award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes ranchers, farmers and foresters who inspire others with their conservation efforts on private, working lands.

“The 2020 Leopold Conservation Award nominees and applicants showcase the diversity of agriculture in Colorado and the dedication farming and ranching families have to the lands they steward, their communities and their families,” said Erik Glenn, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust executive director.

“The Collins Ranch demonstrates what’s possible through sound conservation efforts like rotational grazing and improved water distribution systems,” said Clint Evans, Natural Resources Conservation Service state conservationist in Colorado. “The NRCS appreciates the Johnson family for their dedication to conservation and their accomplishments as land stewards.”

Other finalists for the award included the LK Ranch of Meeker in Rio Blanco County and the May Ranch of Lamar in Prowers County.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Colorado is made possible by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, the power supplier for Colorado’s electric cooperatives and other ag-supporting organizations.