2016 Leopold Conservation Award Winner

Lone Star Ranch

Mark and Dina Moore

Owned and operated by Mark and Dina Moore near Eureka, Lone Star Ranch models voluntary conservation practices that often exceed minimum regulatory obligations with extraordinary impact. This includes Dina’s close work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a local watershed group on 80,000 private acres to dramatically reduce sedimentation in the Van Duzen River watershed, and planting 3,000-5,000 new trees each winter – nearly five new trees for every one harvested.

“Many Californians don’t realize, but when they look out across the landscapes where they live and travel, more than half of that land is in private ownership,” said Ashley Boren, Executive Director of Sustainable Conservation, which has co-sponsored the award since its inception in California. “And, how those individuals and families manage their properties has a dramatic effect on the health of the state’s natural resources and communities. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate the decades-long efforts of the Moores. They’ve not only worked tirelessly to steward their own range and timberlands in ways that enhance the important landscapes, water and wildlife under their care. But, they’ve shown relentless commitment in inspiring other landowners to do the same across a vast 80,000 acres.”

About the Leopold Conservation Award

Lone Star Ranch Photo Gallery