2003 WACD Annual Convention

"Wyoming - Conserving the Best"

Outstanding Co-Supervisors

(pictured from left to right, Ralph Brokaw, Chairman, Medicine Bow Conservation District, Outstanding Co-Supervisor; Jack Cobb, Chairman, Little Snake River Conservation District; Olin Sims, WACD President.)

This year’s Outstanding Supervisor of the Year award recognizes two, dedicated and deserving individuals, Ralph Brokaw, Medicine Bow Conservation District Chairman and Jack Cobb, Little Snake River Conservation District Chairman.  They are nominated for their outstanding work on the Local Government Coalition Alternative to the Medicine Bow National Forest Plan.  

Many of the districts with Medicine Bow Forest land within their District bounds, recognized that the initial direction the Medicine Bow Forest Plan was headed, would have detrimental affects to forest health, resource base, and local economies.  To better represent the interests and expertise of their local constituents who had economic, social and historic ties to the Medicine Bow Forest , Ralph and Jack formed a group of local stakeholders to develop an alternative plan.  Ralph and Jack led this effort, which had to be completed in a 45 day time span, meeting with Forest Service personnel, Governor Dave Freudenthal and Senator Thomas.  They held numerous conference calls, developed an e-mail listserv and hosted local meetings in their districts to get local input.  

Ralph and Jack jointly raised over $60,000 in local funding to help further the development of an alternative, locally supported plan.  They worked diligently and tirelessly and showed great leadership on this effort, demonstrating what locally led, grassroots leadership is all about.  There is no doubt that Jack and Ralph had the backing and support of local District employees, fellow Supervisors, and local county officials, however the untold hours of their own time attests to their leadership and commitment to their communities.