Magagna selected for Bucholz award
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) announced Jim Magagna, executive vice president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), has been selected to receive the 2024 Kurt Bucholz Conservation Award, as his efforts in advocating for the conservation of Wyoming’s farms and ranches reflect the organization’s mission.
Magagna’s nomination was submitted by Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Brian Nesvik and Kelly Crane, interim dean for the University of Wyoming’s College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources.
The Bucholz Conservation Award is a highly-esteemed recognition and a testament to the legacy of the late Dr. Kurt Bucholz, a rancher from Carbon County who was an early supporter of the WSGLT.
The award is bestowed upon individuals who, like Bucholz, embody the agricultural stewardship values and conservation ethics that are the foundation of WSGLT’s work.
Career and involvement
In addition to his current role at WSGA, Magagna has had a notable career in the agricultural industry.
His career is marked by significant contributions, including previous roles as president of the National Public Lands Council, president of the American Sheep Industry Association and director of the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments.
Magagna also serves as a representative for WSGA’s Environmental Stewardship Award Program and has represented Wyoming agriculture on numerous local, state and national advisory boards.
“Throughout his career, Jim has demonstrated unwavering advocacy for the conservation of Wyoming’s working landscapes and the families who steward these critical resources,” says Crane.
Magagna reflects, “The establishment of the WSGLT was one of my most important accomplishments in my time with WSGA. I am particularly proud every time I see the work of the trust has kept another working family farm or ranch operating in Wyoming.”
Defending Wyoming
agriculture
Magagna’s leadership in addressing water quality concerns has proven his ability to be a defender of Wyoming’s agricultural resources. He has worked to preserve Wyoming’s water laws to protect the Doctrine of Prior Appropriations.
With WSGA, Magagna leads education and outreach efforts on crucial water policies such as the Waters of the U.S., regulations regarding animal feeding operations and confined animal feeding operations.
He participates in natural resource discussions and advocates for agriculture with state, national and international policymakers.
“Jim deserves every honor offered by the agricultural sector of Wyoming for the work he has done. It has been an honor to work alongside such a capable advocate, and I am grateful for the monumental things he has done,” says Miyamoto.
Magagna is actively involved in discussions about environmental challenges like elk damage on private lands and its impact on other resources. He also promotes policies to safeguard ranchers and wildlife, recognizing their importance for a sustainable future.
Magagna’s commitment to the Rangeland Health Assessment Program demonstrates his dedication to finding solutions for improved land management decisions.
“I want to express my appreciation to Doug, Kelly and Brian for nominating me for this award and to Laura Bucholz who has done so much to support the work of the WSGLT,” Magagna states.
In recognition of Magagna’s dedication to conserving Wyoming’s agricultural lands, he will be presented with a bronze statue sculpted by the late Jerry Palen during the WSGLT’s 2024 Annual Roundup Fundraiser and Barbecue at the Patchwork Partners Ranch and McPhee Ranch near Buffalo on Aug. 24.
Tickets for the barbecue can be purchased by visiting wsglt.org/all_events, e-mailing sarah@wsglt.org or calling 307-772-8751.
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust is a nonprofit dedicated to conservation through ranching and is based in Cheyenne. Through partnerships with ranch families, the organization holds and stewards conservation easements on more than 300,000 acres of agricultural land throughout Wyoming. Founded in 2000 by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, it is the only land trust in the state of Wyoming and one of the largest regional land trusts in the U.S.. For more information, visit wsglt.org.
