California Rancher Receives Excellence In Conservation Award

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) presented its 2004 Excellence in Conservation Award to California rancher Michael J. Byrne, who was recognized during the NRCS Honor Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., June 25th.

"This year's Excellence in Conservation Award winner epitomizes the best in efforts to conserve, maintain and improve the environment and its natural resources on America's private working lands," said NRCS Chief Bruce Knight.

State Conservationist Chuck Bell said, "Byrne, a rancher from Tulelake, Calif., has been at the forefront of pushing better collaboration between agencies and landowners. He was instrumental in securing special funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for water conservation in the Klamath Basin. His leadership and influence have contributed significantly to the outstanding participation rate in basin area conservation programs."

As a key spokesperson for conservation-minded farmers and ranchers, Byrne spoke with local and national news media, legislative representatives and government officials to help resolve water and endangered species issues in the Klamath Basin.  

Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman, meets with Byrne.

Bell added: "Mike brought the Lava Beds/Butte Valley Resource Conservation District to a leadership role in upper basin communities. The district is now a critical part of a coalition of Klamath Basin districts working with NRCS and other partners toward long-range solutions for the problems facing the entire basin."
 

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