Upon notification of the award, Sommers told the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, “I have a deep respect for this landscape that I occupy and the wildlife that coexist with it. This landscape has defined who I am and what motivates me as a rancher and legislator. We are on the cusp of change in Wyoming, and I fear that this deep respect for landscape that imbibes in those of us who have lived here for generations will disappear.”
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WYOMING — Wyoming rancher and Sublette County House Rep. Albert Sommers is the recipient of the 2022 National Private Lands Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Award. The award, given annually by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), recognizes one individual or family-run farm, ranch or forest land operation that has incorporated proactive conservation and environmental practices and exhibits outstanding stewardship of fish and wildlife resources. Sommers was acknowledged at AFWA’s annual meeting held in Fort Worth, Texas.
Upon notification of the award, Sommers told the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, “I have a deep respect for this landscape that I occupy and the wildlife that coexist with it. This landscape has defined who I am and what motivates me as a rancher and legislator. We are on the cusp of change in Wyoming, and I fear that this deep respect for landscape that imbibes in those of us who have lived here for generations will disappear.”
Game and Fish director Brian Nesvik said he could think of no one more deserving than Sommers for the national award, lauding the third-generation rancher for his visionary leadership and practices that benefit Wyoming’s wildlife.
“Albert Sommers is a remarkable leader for on-the-ground conservation along with his outstanding representation on boards, committees and the Wyoming Legislature,” Nesvik said. “He and his family have a fundamental understanding that an economically viable ranch and intact wildlife habitats are not mutually exclusive. His practices and voice for wildlife are truly significant to the West. For these reasons, Game and Fish is proud that Rep. Sommers was recognized for his contributions to Wyoming. He is a model for our state and nation for conservation practices.”
Sommers owns and operates a third-generation ranch in western Wyoming in the Upper Green River Valley near Pinedale. The 1,876-acre working ranch is part of the largest conservation and public access easement in the state. The Sommers Ranch includes hay and livestock production in the late fall, winter and early spring. The cattle operation is a commercial herd of 300-plus Angus/Herford cross mother cows. Sommers also grazes cattle in the 56,000-acre Bureau of Land Management Mesa allotment and the 132,000-acre U.S. Forest Service Upper Green River allotment
Game and Fish nominated Sommers for the award, accompanied by endorsement letters from Wyoming Stockgrowers Association, Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and the Muley Fanatic Foundation. In the nomination to AFWA, Game and Fish detailed Sommer’s legacy-level conservation efforts as to why he was deserving of the national honor. The Sommers family has long implemented practices that benefit wildlife in western Wyoming.