2023 AWARDS

and principles to encourage landowners to produce and then repatriate desert bighorn sheep into their historic, free ranges where they had previously been extirpated.

Emilio Rangel’s Rancho La Palmosa in Coahuila, José Antonio Vallina’s Rancho La Guarida in Chihuahua, and Javier Artee’s Rancho Sierra El Álamo in Sonora are prime examples of this leadership and conservation success.

Collectively, these conservation heroes dedicated immense resources, time, and talent to transform their shared vision into a dynamic reality that has altered the history of desert bighorn conservation for all time. From a source stock of around 353 sheep they released into the wild, now approximately 1,500 free-range desert bighorns thrive on three ranches in three Mexican states where they had gone extinct just a few decades ago.

The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation

(CIC) annually presents their prestigious Markhor Award, recognizing excellence in promoting sustainable use. WSF nominated Señores Rangel, Vallina and Artee with a package of endorsements and data bearing the well-deserved title, “Three Visionaries – Three Ranches – Three States = ~1,500+ Desert Bighorn Sheep.”

Despite very stiff competition, WSF’s three visionaries won and were recognized as the 2022 CIC Markhor Award recipients at a ceremony in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, last December at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

Conservation Visions founder and CEO Shane Mahoney, who also serves as CIC president of Policy and Law, re-presented the 2022 CIC Markhor Award to these conservation leaders at the 2023 Sheep Show®’. WS

Special Recognition Of Exemplary Service

Two professionals on WSF’s staff were recognized for their outstanding service to the organization at the

Sheep Show®’. Development Manager Paige Culver’s five years with the foundation have seen surges in fundraising, membership in WSF giving societies, and enthusiasm among WSF supporters. Dedicated, ebullient and brilliant, Culver has been an inspiring driver of WSF’s mission and success.

WSF Finance Manager Terry Ziehl was recognized for her 36 years of service. Beyond her job title, Ziehl is well-known for doing just about every job on the foundation’s roster over the years. On her watch, WSF has magnified its membership, reputation, fundraising and financial support of mission-driven programs worldwide.

“I don’t know if you’ll get another 36 years out of me,” Ziehl joked tearfully as she accepted her plaque on stage at Saturday’s Grand Finale Banquet. “But I appreciate the love and support. I love you guys!”

A final special recognition went out to WSF President and CEO Gray Thornton for his fierce leadership in pulling the foundation through dark financial straits at the beginning of his now 15-year tenure, steering WSF through years of historic growth then navigating the tumult and uncertainty of the global pandemic. Over those 15 years, WSF has, year after year, achieved new heights in every area, including fundraising, WSF-supported conservation action globally, and engagement with stakeholders, members, and donors.

“It’s an absolute honor to serve his organization and an absolute honor to serve with this team,” Thornton said. WS