Blue Valley Ranch Receives the 2016 Private Lands Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Award from AFWA!

On September 13^th, 2016, Blue Valley Ranch was presented with the Private Lands Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Award from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) at the Association’s annual awards ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  In additional to Blue Valley Ranch, four individuals and three state agencies were also given awards, all for “their dedication to advancing fish and wildlife conservation” in the US.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies “represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest.”  The association serves as a collective voice for fish and wildlife conservation by coordinating inter-agency services and programs and representing state agencies on Capitol Hill.

Sher Steuben (General Manager of Blue Valley Ranch) receiving the Private Lands Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Award from Dave Chandra (President of AFWA)

The purpose of the Private Lands Stewardship Award is to “recognize an individual or family-run farm, ranch or forest land operation that has incorporated proactive conservation and environmental practices and exhibits outstanding stewardship of fish and wildlife resources.”  In addition to the ranch’s habitat work over the last 20 years, Blue Valley Ranch’s cooperation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on species re-introduction projects and its leadership role in the CO State Hwy 9 Project were both highlighted as important contributions to wildlife conservation.

On receiving the award, BVR’s general manager Sher Steuben commented that “Blue Valley Ranch is honored to have been selected for this recognition, and our thanks go to the AFWA.  Our accomplishments come from a visionary landowner, a dedicated staff, and establishing trusting relationships with local agencies.  We plan to continue this tradition of cooperation and excellence in conservation for many years to come.”