CSCD members present two conservation awards. Left to Right: CCSCD VP Sheron Berry, President Robert Miller and Treasurer Trent Stafford with Mr. & Mrs. Dunmire (owners of Summit Logging, recognized for excellent logging practices) Byron Holm, logger for Summit, Brian Frazier, mechanic for Summit, and Elin Ganschow, Music Meadows Ranch, who won rancher of the year award.

by Fred Hernandez

Not a widely known but very important local organization is the Custer CountyConservation District, an entity that works closely with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) This group of dedicated individuals work tirelessly to help the land and maintain its health by implementing conservation practices and standards that promote long term sustainability. Established by Congressional Act in 1936, Custer’s group, formed in 1939, has been around for eighty two years. While districts are formed for different reasons, the district for Custer County was established mainly for the prevention of erosion and to control prairie dogs.
Except for the land occupied by the towns, this non-profit represents all landowners within the county.
On March 11th the district called a meeting to recognize the successes of two of their members and to reward them for their efforts in conservation. The meeting was held at the Ranchers Roost function room and called to order on time by District President Robert Miller. Other officers of the district present at the meeting were Ms. Sheron Berry Vice President and Mr. Trent Stafford of Kirkpatrick Bank, Treasurer. The two winning entities recognized during the meeting were Music Meadows Ranch represented by the owner Ms. Elin Ganschow and Summit Logging of the Dunmire Family.
Music Meadows Ranch was given the Rancher of the Year Award for conservation practices that protect the land for future development including the installation of pipelines for irrigation.
Brad and Darla Dunmire received recognition for exemplary logging operations. In fact, this is the first time forestry was recognized by the District. The forest areas in which The Summit crew work were all notably clean and free of all debris. Both winners were congratulated for good land management.