The Mike Overacker Conservation Leadership Award was established to honor the life and legacy of Mike Overacker—one of Lemhi Regional Land Trust’s founding ranchers and longest-serving board members. Mike’s 19 years of service, including many as Vice Chairman, helped transform LRLT from a grassroots organization with no office, no checkbook, and a part-time director into a thriving community resource. Under his leadership, LRLT secured its first office building, created the Conservation Opportunity Fund, and permanently protected 13,553 acres through 13 conservation easements.

Mike was known for his deep passion for the land, his steadfast belief that ranching and conservation go hand in hand, and his tireless commitment to Central Idaho’s private working lands. Whether pointing out noxious weeds on site visits, stopping by with clippings of the latest conservation news, or advocating for LRLT’s mission, Mike inspired all who knew him. His vision and leadership continue to shape conservation in Lemhi and Custer Counties.

LRLT is proud to announce Kristin Troy as the recipient of the 2026 Mike Overacker Conservation Leadership Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, innovation, and lasting contributions to land conservation in Central Idaho.

Kristin served as LRLT’s Executive Director from 2005 to 2018, leading the organization through a period of tremendous growth and helping establish it as a respected conservation leader across the region. Under her leadership, LRLT built lasting relationships with landowners, agencies, and community partners while demonstrating that a small, locally based land trust could accomplish projects with a lasting impact.

One of Kristin’s greatest strengths as Executive Director was finding creative solutions to conservation challenges. She helped pioneer the use of endangered species funding to protect working ranches, creating opportunities that benefited both agricultural producers and fish and wildlife habitat. Her vision helped conserve thousands of acres of productive agricultural land, prime fish and wildlife habitat and open spaces while reinforcing the idea that ranching and conservation can thrive together.

Her influence continues to extend beyond Lemhi County. Kristin currently serves as Vice President of the Heart of the Rockies Initiative Foundation board and is a member of the National Leadership Council for the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, the official charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management. Through these roles, she continues to advance collaborative conservation efforts across the West.

Kristin embodies those values through decades of service, innovation, and collaboration. Her ability to bring people together, develop creative conservation strategies, and champion the importance of locally driven private lands conservation has helped shape not only LRLT but conservation efforts throughout Central Idaho.

Current LRLT Executive Director, Charli Williams, invited longtime friends and colleagues Tom McFarland, Breann Green, and Mark Davidson to share stories about Kristin’s leadership and the legacy she has built. Their reflections highlighted her passion for conservation, her ability to inspire others, and the countless ways her work continues to influence the organization today.

Kristin’s leadership has left an enduring mark on the landscapes and communities of Central Idaho. Through her work, countless acres of working ranches, fish and wildlife habitat, and open spaces have been permanently protected, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the lands that make this region so special.

LRLT is proud to announce Mark Davidson as the inaugural recipient of the Mike Overacker Conservation Leadership Award. This annual award honors individuals or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to land and resource conservation in Lemhi and Custer Counties.

Mark Davidson has been a driving force in advancing land conservation throughout our community. Over the course of his career, he worked for The Nature Conservancy from 2000 through 2020, with a two-year tenure at Trout Unlimited from 2013–2015. His leadership, collaborative spirit, and commitment to practical, place-based solutions have helped shape the conservation landscape of central Idaho. Mark has developed innovative strategies to protect our natural resources while also working closely with landowners and agency partners to ensure those solutions are effective and enduring.

Davidson’s impact extends beyond his professional roles. He has supported LRLT since its founding, working closely alongside LRLT founding Executive Director, Kristin Troy, and the organization’s early leaders to establish a strong foundation for its mission. Kristin fondly describes their partnership as “anything but formal”, reflecting a unique camaraderie that has fueled decades of conservation successes. Mark has also championed public land stewardship and access, understanding that healthy landscapes depend on cooperation, balance, and shared responsibility. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Blaine County Recreation District and is on the board of directors for the Southern Idaho Land Trust, further demonstrating his ongoing dedication to the region’s open spaces and recreation opportunities. His work reflects a deep personal investment in the future of this region — from its working farms and ranches to its abundant wildlife and iconic open spaces.

“We’re thrilled to honor someone who has been a part of LRLT’s story since the very beginning,” said Executive Director Charli Williams, while presenting the award at LRLT’s 20^th annual Working Lands Celebration.