Glen Chown, executive director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, has received the Ambassador Award from the national Land Trust Alliance. The award, presented this week during The National Land Conservation Conference in Rhode Island, recognizes Chown's extraordinary commitment to cultivating lasting, personal relationships with members of Congress. It also honors his use of those relationships to advance the land trust community's federal policy agenda, including items such as the Farm Bill. His work with elected officials highlighted the importance of both conservation and the economic benefits of farmland preservation for family farmers, local communities and businesses.

During the presentation, Chown also received a letter from U.S. Representative Dave Camp of Michigan. Camp cited Chown's "tireless and effective advocacy to advance our nation's conservation policies."

PHOTO: Chown with Senator Debbie Stabenow on a protected farm in Acme Township. (Photo by Gary L. Howe)