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Stock Growers Ag Land Trust Roundup Barbeque focuses on conservation through ranchingWyoming The Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust held its 8th Annual Roundup Barbeque at the XH Ranch in Saratoga on Aug. 1. This year's hosts, rancher Laura Bucholz, her son John and daughter Bessie, welcomed 300 guests for an evening of celebrating conservation through ranching in Wyoming. Guests enjoyed a delicious beef dinner, live and silent auctions, and plenty of visiting with friends and neighbors from across the state, as well as dancing to the music of Jimmy and the Boys. Laura Bucholz's remarks to the gathering illustrated a profound love of the upper North Platte Valley and the agricultural lands which define and preserve its natural resources. "Twenty-seven years ago, I met a boy named Kurt when I was visiting Saratoga with my family. He told me he wanted to show me the other end of the Valley, and four days later we knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together on that land. It is because of people like Kurt and so many of you here tonight, that this place is still the place that we all love. We can't expect that anyone else will save it for us." "This gathering has drawn supporters from throughout the state--from Meteetsee to Devils Tower and from Jackson to Old Cheyenne," said Pamela Dewell, Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust executive director. "Everyone here has contributed so very much to our work and to who we are as an organization. Our Land Trust is focused on Wyoming's working landscape. We are the only conservation organization in Wyoming that operates within the guidelines and directives of our parent organization, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association." Dewell thanked WSGA past presidents in attendance Lois Herbst, Jim Berger, and Jon Kirkbride, as well as First Vice President Mark Eisele and Executive Vice President Jim Magagna for their leadership. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award to local rancher and retired family doctor, Dr. John Lunt. Given annually, the award is made to an individual who exemplifies committed conservation values, particularly those that center on protecting and nourishing Wyoming's working ranches. Lunt, who did not know he was to receive the award later stated, "There was complete shock and awe. I was very touched to be given this award."¬ The fundraising portion of the evening netted more than $25,000 to assist with the Land Trust's efforts to conserve Wyoming's working family farms and ranches and the wide open spaces, natural habitats, and western lifestyle they support. To date, the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust has conserved over 108,000 acres through 41 conservation easements. For more information, please visit www.wysgalt.org.
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