Alva Review-Courier -

Consider them investors. They have invested time, planning and resources into the conservation of Oklahoma's soil and water. However, they are investing for the good of the earth rather than themselves.

Several of these conservation investors were recognized with awards at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) 84th Annual Meeting, held Feb. 27-28 and March 1 at the Edmond Conference Center.

A great example of this came as State Representative Carl Newton of District 58 in northwestern Oklahoma and Dr. Katie Blunk, a rancher at Freedom, a director of the Woods County Conservation District and the OACD Area I director, presented each other with major citations/awards.

Dr. Blunk presented the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Legislator of the Year Award to Rep. Dr. Carl Newton.

Minutes later, Newton, along with Senator Casey Murdock, District, 27, presented a Legislative Citation to Dr. Katie Blunk and the Lazy KT Ranch, recently named as the Oklahoma recipient of the very prestigious Leopold Conservation Award.

Trey Lam, executive director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, said of Newton, "Representative Newton has demonstrated a personal appreciation for conservation of Oklahoma's natural resources. Not only does he Chair the Appropriation Subcommittee on Natural Resources, but as a cooperator with the Alfalfa and Woods County Conservation Districts, Representative Newton practices what he prescribes on his own land. All Oklahomans are fortunate to have Dr. Newton ensuring the future productivity of our soil and availability of clean, plentiful water for generations to come."

Also, as mentioned, the Lazy KT Ranch of Freedom, was recognized as the recipient of the 2021 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources in their care.

Dr. Blunk and her family own and operate Lazy KT Ranch, and they receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. The Woods County cattle ranchers were presented with the award which is given in Oklahoma by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, ITC Great Plains, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"Katie and husband Michael (Horntvedt) burn with passion for conservation at Lazy KT Ranch," Lam said. "Their hard work and determination along with the willingness to partner with neighbors, burn associations, NRCS and the Woods County Conservation District has restored a picturesque and productive ranch. This provides a roadmap for the entire state on how to take back our ranches from invasive species." Her mother Rose Kline Blunk has played a significant part in the success of the ranch as well.