2008 A Western Affair

Vintage Angus Ranch Modesto
Hosted by Jim and Sue Coleman and
Tim and Kara Coleman of Sierra Ranch

California Rangeland Trust Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary at A Western Affair
by Erin Davis, director of communications

Ten years ago a small group of progressive cattlemen sat down at an annual meeting and discussed how they could help their fellow ranchers stay on their land and sustain their way of life. Shortly after this monumental meeting, are solution was passed by the cattlemen’s membership to form the California Rangeland Trust.

On Saturday, June 14 the California Rangeland Trust joined with over 200friends and supporters to celebrate 10 years of rangeland conservation at their annual fundraiser “A Western Affair” hosted by Jim and Sue Coleman, Modesto, of Vintage Angus Ranch and Tim and Kara Coleman, Modesto, of Sierra Ranch.

The Chairman of the Board, Devere Dressler, Gardnerville, Nevada, welcomed guests as theysat to eat and spoke about the organization’s history and recognized how far rangeland conservation has come. “Today we celebrate the bridges we have made and partnerships forged as exemplified in groups such as the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition or the many easements we have collaborated on with groups such as American Farmland Trust, Trust for Public Land, the Nature Conservancy or the Department of Fish and Game to name a few. To date the Rangeland Trust has worked with ranchers and partners to conserve over 183,000 acres of rangeland in California.”

Devere then invited Bob Fox, Auburn, to the stage to acknowledge those who have contributed to the ranching industry’s success. Special guests at the event were several of the past Livestock Men of the Year and the present recipient, Hank Stone of Yolo Land and Cattle Co., Woodland.

These individuals were recognized as part of the celebratory program highlighting rangeland conservation and were honored for their outstanding commitment to the viability of the livestock industry that is inextricably tied to the health of our State’s rangelands. The group included:Ed Biaggini, Morro Bay, 1980, Joe Russ IV, Ferndale, 1987, an original Director of the Rangeland Trust, Don Jackson, Oakdale, 1990, Ellington Peek, Shasta Livestock, 1993, Marden Wilber, Clements, 2003, Jim Coelho, Fremont, 2005, and Hank Stone, Woodland, 2008.

This year’s event was also special because the organization announced its inaugural recipient of the Conservationist of the Year Award, Lt. Governor John Garamendi, for his long-time commitment to the environment and rangeland conservation. As the Rangeland Trust celebrated its 10 year anniversary, it commemorated its history acknowledging their first conservation easement donated in 1998 by the Garamendi family on the Touch the Earth Ranch, located in Calaveras County.

“To be selected as conservationist of the year by my ranching colleagues is an honor I never expected to have. I am deeply grateful to all ranchers who love the land and who want it preserved for future generations. They are the true conservationists,” said Lt. Governor Garamendi upon receiving the award.

“The Rangeland Trust wants to preserve open space, rangeland habitat and California’s Western legacy; and we want to allow that opportunity to be there for future generations. The Lt. Governor John Garamendi shares this vision and exemplifies sincere dedication to advancing these values,” said Nita Vail, executive director, who presented the award with Devere Dressler.

The Conservationist of the Year Award is the highest and most prestigious award bestowed by the Rangeland Trust. The recipient of this award exemplifies true dedication to the advancement of the environment and rangeland conservation in California and preserving the ranching industry’s Western legacy.

“The Rangeland Trust wants more than open space, we want to preserve a way of life and allow that opportunity to be there for future generations. Lt. Governor John Garamendi is being given this award because he shares this vision and has continued to work with us over the years to seerangeland conservation continue to be successful,” said Devere Dressler.

During the cocktail hour and after dinner guests had the opportunity to visit an information booth about the Rangeland Trust and to visit the country store provided by Bobbi Faria of Yosemite Hide Co., Merced. To wrap the night in melody a bluegrass trio named the Campbell Creek Gang, Clements, filled the afternoon and evening with their wonderful sounds. These three young men were a hit as they meandered among the crowd.

A delicious steak dinner was served by Copper Spur Bar-B-Que,Modesto, and drinks were poured at the hosted bar by Harry’s Affairs. Each table was treated to Gallo Family Vineyard Wines graciously donated by Jim and Sue Coleman.

The highlight of the evening began as Bill Lefty, Roseville, took the auction block. The lively auction was a huge success with the help of announcer Bob Fox, Auburn, and ringmen: John Dickinson, Sacramento, Dickinson Marketing, Col. Jon Dolieslager, Dinuba,Tulare County Stockyard, Matt MacFarlane, Sheridan,California Cattleman Magazine and Ellington Peek, Cottonwood, Shasta Livestock Yard, Jerry York, Nampa, Idaho,Western Livestock Journal. 

The live auction was organized by event co-chair Kendra Wilber, Clements, and the silent auction was organized by Carole Silveira, Firebaugh with help from Melinda Koopmann, Sunol, and Karen Sweet, Livermore. A special thank you goes out to Kendra Wilber, who has been the chair of this event for seven years.

In addition to the committee’s dedication and generosity,the California Cattlemen’s Association’s Young Cattlemen did an outstanding job as volunteers for parking, registration, meal service and clean-up. A big thank you to the Young Cattlemen who helped make this event possible: Ryan Nelson, Callie Borror, Brie Witt, Courtney Mills, Jimmy Blase and Laura Barnes.

An event like this is not possible without the generous support of corporate and private sponsors and this year’s event had outstanding support from new and old donors alike. Listed on these pages are the Silver,Bronze and Cowboy Sponsors of this year’s event.