Work Family Ranch was nominated by The Nature Conservancy in California

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (August 5, 2003) — The Nature Conservancy in California announced today that its nominee has been selected as a regional winner of the 2003 Environmental Stewardship Award by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The George and Elaine Work family, who own and operate a cattle ranch east of San Miguel in southeastern Monterey County, are now eligible, along with other regional winners, for the association’s national award. Their region, number six, includes California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.

"The Nature Conservancy recognizes that here on the Central Coast, and throughout California, ranching families like the Works are responsible for maintaining important natural areas, wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors," said Conservancy Field Representative Anne McMahon. "We’ve enjoyed collaborating with ranchers like the Works to promote ranching practices that are both conservation friendly and economically sound. Through the process, we’ve gained a better understanding of each other and the values we share. As it turns out, we have a lot in common."

The Environmental Stewardship Award Program recognizes progressive cattle producers who incorporate innovative, conservation-friendly and cost-effective stewardship practices into their operations. Judges also consider the nominees’ leadership abilities, the productivity and profitability of their operations, and their involvement with local, regional and national efforts to improve stewardship practices and the public perception of the cattle industry.

"We feel honored and encouraged," said George Work, whose grandparents first homesteaded portions of the ranch in the late 1890s. "This award honors not only our family and our ranch, but all the other unnamed ranches and families who are also using environmentally sound practices. It’s really encouraging when you realize that the regional winners are representative of the many good things going on in the industry today."

George and Elaine Work have served on numerous boards — including the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District Board. George regularly speaks to organizations about his family’s decision to manage its land in ways that benefit the environment and future generations. In addition to their cattle operation, the Works also grow and sell hay, lease a portion of their ranch to a private hunting club, host "Farm Stays" and trail rides and are active members of the newly formed Central Coast Agri-Tourism Council.

Rancher Chuck Pritchard, president of the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (RCD), said: "George was a member of the RCD Board for years, and he has always been very innovative in his approach to resource management. He always made sure his family was involved, and now Ben, George and Elaine's son, is on the RCD board, so the family tradition continues."

The Nature Conservancy’s nomination of the Work family included letters of support from the San Luis Obispo and Monterey County Cattlemen’s Associations, the California Cattlemen’s Association, the California Department of Fish and Game, the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Work Family is one of seven regional winners from which a national winner will be chosen later this year. Last year’s winner, the Kelly Ranch of Nebraska, was nominated by The Nature Conservancy of Nebraska.