Temple Stevenson – 2010 NOLS Stewardship Award Recipient

On Friday, October 8th, NOLS presented its 2010 Stewardship Award to Temple Stevenson, long-time Natural Resource Policy Advisor to Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal.

“Temple has always been a great ambassador for the state of Wyoming,” said Jen Lamb, NOLS Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Director. “She listens to diverse constituencies, keeps the best interests of the state at the forefront, and brings a balanced and objective approach to managing Wyoming’s natural resources.”

NOLS chose to honor Temple for her tireless commitment to pursuing balance and maintaining the long-term health of Wyoming’s public lands. Temple’s support and diligence in the effort to protect the Wyoming Range led to the passage of the Wyoming Range Legacy Act, which prohibits additional oil and gas leasing throughout the 1.2 million acres of the state’s namesake mountain chain.

“It has been a pleasure working with NOLS on a wide range of projects over the years,” said Temple. “The organization has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving Wyoming’s natural and social landscape. I have long valued our working relationship and therefore it is truly an honor to receive the Stewardship Award this year.”

As an Advisor to the Governor since 2004, Temple has carefully juggled landscape preservation and with resource development on numerous fronts. She has been the state lead on Yellowstone Winter Use, wind energy efforts, and Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning efforts. She is currently involved in the implementation of the State of Wyoming’s sage grouse policy. During her tenure as Advisor, Temple attended the University of Wyoming College of Law, where she captured numerous honors, the most notable being her team’s second place win in the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, where 84 teams from across the country vied for victory. Temple received her Juris Doctorate with Honors in May of this year.

The NOLS Stewardship Award, presented annually since 1990, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional stewardship of public lands and the environment.