SRM establishes new award

The Society for Range Management (SRM) recently established the Chuck Jarecki Rancher Land Stewardship Award thanks to a generous donation by its namesake, Montana Rancher Chuck Jarecki. 

The award was created to recognize ranch operators who demonstrate outstanding rangeland stewardship and contribute to the ranching profession through local, state and national service. 

As an SRM life member, joining in 1967, Jarecki found much benefit in his membership including learning opportunities, research promotion and connection with other like-minded range enthusiasts. 

He led the International Mountain Section of SRM, served on the society’s board of directors and was instrumental in creating an endowment development fund.

His recent gift to SRM was just one more example of his devotion to not only the society but the stewardship of rangelands based on sound ecological principles – a pillar of SRM’s mission.

The Chuck Jarecki Rancher Land Stewardship Award will be a cash award whose recipient is an active ranch owner or operator with a lengthy record of successful ranch management. 

Evaluation of award candidates will be generally based on evidence of rangeland stewardship practices including effective grazing, soil, vegetation, noxious weed and fish and wildlife habitat management. 

Special consideration will be given to those who participate in community activities, especially those in service and/or leadership roles to benefit natural resources. Membership in SRM is not a requirement for award eligibility.

Nominations for the award will open in March of 2024, and the first recipient will be honored at the 2025 SRM Annual Meeting in Spokane, Wash.

For more information, visit rangelands.org.