SACRAMENTO - Lt. Governor John Garamendi was honored Saturday, June 14th at the annual fundraiser for the California Rangeland Trust with their inaugural Conservationist of the Year Award for his long-time commitment to the environment and rangeland conservation. As the Rangeland Trust celebrates its 10 year anniversary, it commemorates its history acknowledging their first conservation easement donated in 1998 by the Garamendi family on the Touch the Earth Ranch, located in Calaveras County.

John Garamendi partnered with the Rangeland Trust in its infancy because he believed in the value and legacy of rangeland and the stewardship provided by ranchers. As a rancher, he knew protecting his family ranch with a conservation easement would maintain open space and rangeland habitat in perpetuity, and would help sustain the viability of ranching in his community.

“To be selected as conservationist of the year by my ranching colleagues is an honor I never expected to have. I am deeply grateful to all ranchers who love the land and who want it preserved for future generations. They are the true conservationists,” said Lt. Governor Garamendi upon receiving the award.

Garamendi is a life-long environmental advocate and has worked on legislation and policy to safeguard our State’s precious habitat and rangeland resources. It is this same dedication to conservation, healthy communities and the recognition of private land stewardship that formed the basis of the California Rangeland Trust ten years ago.

The Conservationist of the Year Award is the highest and most prestigious award bestowed by the California Rangeland Trust. The recipient of this award exemplifies true dedication to the advancement of the environment and rangeland conservation in California and preserving the ranching industry’s Western legacy.

“The Rangeland Trust wants more than open space, we want to preserve a way of life and allow that opportunity to be there for future generations. Lt. Governor John Garamendi is being given this award because he shares this vision and has continued to work with us over the years to see rangeland conservation continue to be successful,” said Devere Dressler, chairman of the board of the Rangeland Trust. 

To date, the Rangeland Trust has worked with ranchers, other conservation groups and local land trusts to permanently conserve over 183,000 acres of privately owned rangeland in California. At their annual fundraiser, A Western Affair, over 200 guests from around the state gathered at Jim and Sue Coleman’s Modesto home, the original headquarters of their Vintage Angus Ranch to raise funds for conservation, celebrate our State’s ranching history and to honor those who have contributed to its success.

In attendance were several of the past Livestock Men of the Year and the present recipient, Hank Stone of Yolo Land and Cattle Co. These individuals were recognized as part of the celebratory program highlighting rangeland conservation. These men were honored for their outstanding commitment to the viability of the livestock industry that is inextricably tied to the health of our State’s rangelands.