Conservationist of the Year

Three individuals holding a plaque that reads "Conservationist of the Year 2025," recognizing a ranch and its contributions.
Nick Charchalis, CFCD Board member presents Conservationist of the Year 2026 to Giles & Lorraine Poulson

 2026 Conservationist of the Year: Lay Creek Ranch

Lay Creek Ranch tells a story of persistence, learning, and long-term commitment to land stewardship. Owner Giles Paulson purchased a portion of the historic RioRoMo property in 2005, driven by a lifelong pull back to his agricultural roots after growing up in Kearney, Nebraska and later settling in Denver. What he acquired was challenging ground—alkali soils, heavy thistle infestations, pH levels around 8.5, and soil health scores firmly in the red. Early management included aerial treatments for thistles and crickets and brush beating dense sagebrush, balanced carefully with concerns about erosion on newly exposed ground. From the start, Giles approached restoration thoughtfully, addressing erosion in gullies, building access bridges, and experimenting with creek bank stabilization while committing to a soil-first philosophy.

Over the next five years, that philosophy paid off. Through extensive organic amendments—including chicken and cow manure, humate, gypsum, elemental sulfur, wood straw, and biological inoculants—soil tests steadily shifted from red to green and pH dropped to a healthier 7.8. The land began producing: grazing in year one, 80 bales of triticale in year two, 4,200 pounds of harvested grain by year three, and eventually the purchase of a combine. Today, Lay Creek Ranch supports triticale, sudan grass in low and boggy areas, and carefully managed grazing designed to allow pastures to rest and recover. All production is dryland, following water tests that showed creek water unsuitable for irrigation. Looking ahead, Giles plans to add safflower and grind triticale for pigs, while continuing to improve habitat for sage-grouse, mule deer, and sandhill cranes—proof that productive agriculture and wildlife conservation can thrive together. His work with the STAR program and Frontier Station, along with drought-tolerant native landscaping around the home, reflects a holistic vision of land use that is both resilient and responsible—making Lay Creek Ranch a deserving Conservationist of the Year.

The image shows a snowy landscape with sparse grass and several figures, possibly animals, scattered across the field.
The image shows a frog partially submerged in shallow water with some plants and muddy ground visible.
The image shows a grassy field with patches of bare soil and a distant hillside under a partly cloudy sky.
A Polaris vehicle loaded with various rocks in the bed, set against an open field backdrop.
A red tractor parked near large stacks of hay under a clear blue sky, in an open field.
The image shows a frog partially submerged in shallow water, surrounded by mud and grass.
The image features a variety of plants and colorful flowers in a natural setting, showcasing vibrant greens and reds.
The image shows a snowy landscape with sparse grass and several figures, possibly animals, scattered across the field.
The image shows a frog partially submerged in shallow water with some plants and muddy ground visible.
The image shows a grassy field with patches of bare soil and a distant hillside under a partly cloudy sky.
A Polaris vehicle loaded with various rocks in the bed, set against an open field backdrop.
A red tractor parked near large stacks of hay under a clear blue sky, in an open field.
The image shows a frog partially submerged in shallow water, surrounded by mud and grass.
The image features a variety of plants and colorful flowers in a natural setting, showcasing vibrant greens and reds.

 

Three people posing, one holding a "Conservation of the Year 2024" certificate, smiling for a photo indoors.
NRCS Staff Rebecca Burton and Nakayla Lestina with award winner Doug Davis

The Colorado First Conservation District (CFCD) is pleased to announce Doug Davis as the 2025 Conservationist of the Year. Doug operates Davis Family Farm LLC with his wife Patty just northeast of Craig. The ranch has been operating for numerous years here in Moffat County. Through the years, his ranching operation has consisted of cattle grazing and hay production through sustainable conservation practices.

Doug is one of the true conservation pioneers in our county. His passion for knowledge and sustainability of the land has led him to adopt many conservation practices on his own, just to see the outcomes firsthand. Through countless hours researching the soils, geology, and ecology of the ground around him he adapts his practices accordingly to improve the outcome for the next year.

Doug is always eager to share these findings with anyone interested, while humbly stating that he’s not an expert; just always seeking knowledge.

Congratulations to the Davis Family and THANK YOU for your contributions to Moffat County Natural Resources!

 

A grassy field with hills and distant mountains under a cloudy sky, with rain visible in the distance.
A vast, grassy landscape with rolling hills, scattered clouds, and a distant lake under a blue sky.
Cows in a grassy field with solar panels on a green structure, under a cloudy sky.
A vast grassy field with wildflowers, a few trees, and buildings with red roofs in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A group of people at an event holding signs for "Davis Family Farm, LLC" and "John Snarrt Ranch," celebrating conservation awards.
A grassy field with hills and distant mountains under a cloudy sky, with rain visible in the distance.
A vast, grassy landscape with rolling hills, scattered clouds, and a distant lake under a blue sky.
Cows in a grassy field with solar panels on a green structure, under a cloudy sky.
A vast grassy field with wildflowers, a few trees, and buildings with red roofs in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A group of people at an event holding signs for "Davis Family Farm, LLC" and "John Snarrt Ranch," celebrating conservation awards.

 

 

Four people pose with a "Colorado First 2024 Conservationist of the Year" award.
CFCD Board President Jorgiea Raftopoulos and NRCS RTL Nakayla Lestina with award winners Laine and TIm O'Neal

The Colorado First Conservation District is pleased to announce Elkhead Creek Ranch as the 2024 Conservationist of the Year!

The O’Neal Family of the Elkhead Creek Ranch have completed a two-phase river restoration effort on their stretch of Elkhead creek. Rotational grazing, long rest periods, and planting trees and shrubs in the riparian zone and around the property has greatly improved the land. 

They see the work of conservation not only as a benefit the their land, but also to every downstream stakeholder, the community and the environment at large.

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