A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring Rich and Sara Grim as the 2020 Hugh Hammond Bennett National Award for Conservation Excellence recipients.
WHEREAS, invoking the leadership and dedication of Hugh Hammond Bennett, father of the modern soil conservation movement and the first chief of the Soil Conservation Service now known as Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Hugh Hammond Bennett National Award for Conservation Excellence recognizes Rich and Sara Grim as producers who have exemplified outstanding service through development and implementation of sound conservation planning and other conservation techniques; and
WHEREAS, the three-thousand-six-hundred-acre Grim Ranch near Bonesteel has been in Sara's family for generations and is comprised of rugged land that is good for raising livestock; and
WHEREAS, Rich and Sara worked for years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Gregory County Conservation District on a comprehensive and flexible resource management plan that integrates conservation practices to improve pasture design and utilization, combat invasive plants, reduce erosion, improve water access, improve forages, and manage nutrients; and
WHEREAS, Rich and Sara pioneered prescribed burns in their area to help control the invasive eastern red cedar trees that are rapidly infesting open lands, choking out native grasses, and changing the ecology and amount of grazing land available in many areas of the state; and
WHEREAS, the couple is eager to learn and share their experiences by hosting numerous tours and workshops and serving as mentors for those who need help in building healthier soil, crops, or livestock; and
WHEREAS, Mike Brown, executive director of the National Association of State Conservation Agencies noted, "Richard and Sara Grim are true pioneers in their conservation efforts. Their desire to uphold the highest standard of conservation is evident in every decision they make for their ranch. If I were starting out in ranching tomorrow, these are the two people I would want as role models.":
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Sixth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Rich and Sara Grim are recognized for earning the 2020 Hugh Hammond Bennett National Award for Conservation Excellence.