Lava Lake Ranch Honored for Innovation in Grazing Practices

February 8, 2009

Lava Lake Land & Livestock has received the National Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rangeland Management, one of the U.S. Forest Service’s highest national conservation awards.

Presented February 8, 2009 by Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, the award cited Lava Lake’s achievements in the areas of ecosystem health, grazing management, multiple benefits to people, effective public service, developing partnerships, and providing scientific and technical assistance.

Brian Bean, owner of Lava Lake Ranch and Mike Stevens, Lava Lake’s president, accepted the award saying, “Lava Lake is deeply honored by this award and we see it as a tribute to the incredible generosity, skill and assistance provided to us by our fellow ranchers, our staff, and our many partners.”

Kurt Nelson, District Ranger for the Ketchum Ranger District of the Sawtooth National Forest, nominated Lava Lake for this award. “There are a number of private landowners helping to conserve Idaho’s natural resources, however it is doubtful that any are engaged at such a scale or intensity. Lava Lake certainly deserves our deep respect and recognition.”

“This award is the result of an unprecedented group effort and is the culmination of seven years of work,” noted Stevens. “We would like to recognize the efforts of Tess O’Sullivan, Lava Lake’s program manager for science and conservation for her vital role in the nearly two dozen field studies we’ve conducted, including analysis of rare plants, noxious weeds, songbirds, sage grouse, elk and so many other elements of our environment. And, we would like to recognize the dedication and skills of Pedro Loyola, our incomparable Sheep Foreman.”

Realizing their 100-percent grass-fed flocks have the same basic needs as their fauna is a fundamental cornerstone of the company’s management philosophy. “The sheep and wildlife that use our lands have the same basic needs. They both require traveling long ranges to find forage,” said Mike Stevens, Lava Lake’s president and chief operating officer. “Why not preserve long-term viability for all?”