As part of their continuing commitment to the agriculture producers of Oklahoma and the conservation of the state’s natural resources, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) has announced they will again partner in presenting the Outstanding Conservation District Director Award. This award will go to the district director judged to have done the most toward conserving natural resources and helping improve the bottom line of landowners in Oklahoma.

“We are honored to have the Noble Foundation as a partner in recognizing the work of our directors,” Dan Lowrance, president of OACD said. “These directors volunteer their time to conserve our natural resources and help support our communities. The support of the Noble Foundation now gives us a chance to better recognize their commitment to Oklahoma.”

The Outstanding Conservation District Director Award is given annually to a conservation district director, chosen from the 440 directors from throughout Oklahoma for doing the most to help landowners conserve soil, water, air and wildlife habitats through education, assistance and support. This award is presented each spring at the Governor’s Conservation Awards Ceremony during Conservation Day.

“Our founder, Lloyd Noble, created the Noble Foundation because of his concern for the land and those who manage it”, said Wadell Altom, Senior Vice President and director of the Noble Foundation Agricultural Division. “It is very appropriate for us to help recognize those who are assisting land managers at the local level and to promote partnerships with all who work to conserve our natural resources,” said Lowrance.

The Noble Foundation, headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; providing grants to non-profit charitable, educational and health organizations; and assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs.

“This is a great partnership, the Noble Foundation and OACD,” Clay Pope, executive director of OACD said. “By sponsoring this award, the Noble Foundation is helping us recognize the contributions of those district directors who volunteer their time to help conserve our natural resources. The Noble Foundation is truly committed to helping Farmers and Ranchers with the conservation and protection of our soil, water, air, and wildlife habitats.”