A more than century old family ranching operation in Delta and Montrose counties has won statewide recognition for its conservation efforts.

The LeValley Ranch near Hotchkiss was selected to receive the 2023 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award. A formal award presentation is scheduled for June as part of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association annual convention in Steamboat Springs.

The Chico Basin Ranch in Colorado Springs and Round River Resource Management of Rush also were finalists for the award.

Named in honor of the conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands. The Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to landowners in 27 states for achievement in voluntary conservation.

In Colorado, the $10,000 award is presented with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado and Premier Farm Credit.

“CCA warmly extends its congratulations to the LeValley family on their well-deserved recognition and for being leaders in Colorado’s conservation and ranching industry and beyond,” said Philip Anderson, president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association.

Started by Thomas LeValley in 1914, the ranch subsequently has been operated by his son, Byron, and grandsons Mark, Hank and Steve.

Their rangeland conservation practices and irrigation upgrades have increased water efficiency, biodiversity, crop production and wildlife habitat. A deferred grazing system, specialized water infrastructure and the removal of invasive trees and shrubs have all been implemented to provide critical habitat for endangered Gunnison sage grouse.

The LeValley’s joined with five other ranches in operating a custom meat packing plant and retail store.

Erik Glenn, executive director of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, also praised the LeValley family for its efforts. “Their community involvement and leadership are both admirable and representative of the efforts of Colorado’s farm and ranch families to not only produce healthy food and fiber, but also improve and sustain ecological landscapes and Colorado’s rural communities.”