Nebraska Cattlemen, in partnership with Sand County Foundation, is seeking nominations for the 2009 Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska.

The Award, which is comprised of $10,000 and an Aldo Leopold crystal, recognizes Nebraska landowners who demonstrate outstanding stewardship and sustainable management of natural resources. The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of famed conservationist and author Aldo Leopold who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

"The nominees for the Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska have been exceptionally strong year after year," says Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. "We expect this year to be no different, which is a fantastic testament to Nebraska landowners' commitment to conservation and agriculture."

The 2008 award recipient was A.B. Cox of Mullen.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is made possible through the support of: Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Cargill, Nebraska Beef Industry Foundation, Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Natural Resources and Conservation Service, and Sandhills Task Force.

The award will be presented at the Nebraska Cattlemen's Annual Convention in Kearney in December.

Landowners may nominate themselves or others and nominations are also welcome from groups or organizations. The nomination deadline has been extended to Sept. 9. For more information, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org, or contact Mike Fitzgerald, 402-475-2333, or via email at [email protected].