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Conservationist of the Year

Three people posing, one holding a "Conservation of the Year 2024" certificate, smiling for a photo indoors.
NRCS Staff Rebecca Burton and Nakayla Lestina with award winner Doug Davis

The Colorado First Conservation District (CFCD) is pleased to announce Doug Davis as the 2025 Conservationist of the Year. Doug operates Davis Family Farm LLC with his wife Patty just northeast of Craig. The ranch has been operating for numerous years here in Moffat County. Through the years, his ranching operation has consisted of cattle grazing and hay production through sustainable conservation practices.

Doug is one of the true conservation pioneers in our county. His passion for knowledge and sustainability of the land has led him to adopt many conservation practices on his own, just to see the outcomes firsthand. Through countless hours researching the soils, geology, and ecology of the ground around him he adapts his practices accordingly to improve the outcome for the next year.

Doug is always eager to share these findings with anyone interested, while humbly stating that he’s not an expert; just always seeking knowledge.

Congratulations to the Davis Family and THANK YOU for your contributions to Moffat County Natural Resources!

 

A grassy field with hills and distant mountains under a cloudy sky, with rain visible in the distance.
A vast, grassy landscape with rolling hills, scattered clouds, and a distant lake under a blue sky.
Cows in a grassy field with solar panels on a green structure, under a cloudy sky.
A vast grassy field with wildflowers, a few trees, and buildings with red roofs in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A grassy field with hills and distant mountains under a cloudy sky, with rain visible in the distance.
A vast, grassy landscape with rolling hills, scattered clouds, and a distant lake under a blue sky.
Cows in a grassy field with solar panels on a green structure, under a cloudy sky.
A vast grassy field with wildflowers, a few trees, and buildings with red roofs in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

 

 

Four people pose with a "Colorado First 2024 Conservationist of the Year" award.
CFCD Board President Jorgiea Raftopoulos and NRCS RTL Nakayla Lestina with award winners Laine and TIm O'Neal

The Colorado First Conservation District is pleased to announce Elkhead Creek Ranch as the 2024 Conservationist of the Year!

The O’Neal Family of the Elkhead Creek Ranch have completed a two-phase river restoration effort on their stretch of Elkhead creek. Rotational grazing, long rest periods, and planting trees and shrubs in the riparian zone and around the property has greatly improved the land. 

They see the work of conservation not only as a benefit the their land, but also to every downstream stakeholder, the community and the environment at large.

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