Awards
The Wyoming Weed and Pest Council provides annual recognition awards to dedicated individuals who made a significant impact in managing invasive species in Wyoming. The awards program began in 1984 and has grown to include the Harold P. Alley Award, Everett Johnson Award, Archie Lauer Award, and Guy Haggard Award.
The awards honor individuals who have played pivotal roles in conserving Wyoming’s natural beauty. They acknowledge the efforts of board members, district employees, and private individuals who have continued their legacy of environmental stewardship.
Harold P. Alley Award
The Dr. Harold P. Alley Award, established in 1984, commemorates the contributions of Dr. Harold P. Alley, a renowned weed scientist at the University of Wyoming from 1955 to 1984. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have exhibited outstanding support, leadership, motivation, and education in advancing weed and pest control programs in Wyoming. Dr. Alley's exemplary dedication sets a high standard for recipients of this award.
1984 – Harold P. Alley
1985 – Darrel Drake
1986 – Stan McNamee
1987 – Tom McNamee
1988 – Lynn Smith
1989 – M.F. Gowin
1990 – Edgar Symons
1991 – Roy Reichenbach
1992 – John McGee
1993 – Tom Whitson
1994 – Robert Lavigne
1995 – Frank Pexton
1996 – Lars Baker
1997 – Larry Justesen
1998 – George F. Hittle
1999 – Arlowe Hulett
2000 – Don Christensen
2001 – Tom Lacy
2002 – Gary Stone
2003 – Steve Miller
2004 – Bob Parsons
2005 – Bob Spellman
2006 – Adrianne Peterson
2007 – Steve Brill
2008 – Josh Shorb
2009 – Erika Edmiston
2010 – Scott Schell
2011 – Bruce Shambaugh
2012 – Sollie Cadman
2013 – Bob Lee
2014 – Boone Herring
2015 – Brian Mealor
2016 – Slade Franklin
2017 – Gustavo Sbatella
2018 – Ken Henke
2019 – Cindy Fulton
2020 – None
2021 – Joe Budd
2022 – Dan Tekiela
2023 – Andrew Kniss
2024 – Derek Sebastian
Everett Johnson Award
The Everett Johnson Award, established in 1995, commemorates the dedication of Albany County rancher and longstanding Weed and Pest District board member, Everett Johnson. It honors his remarkable contributions to addressing Wyoming's weed and pest challenges. This award, given in honor of Mr. Johnson, recognizes the exemplary service of a district employee who has showcased outstanding practices in weed and pest management within a Wyoming Weed and Pest Control District.
1995 – Archie Lauer
1996 – Linda Uttenhove
1997 – Allen Mooney
1998 – Earl Lukkes
1999 – Bob Shoemaker
2000 – Richard Johnson
2001 – Steve Brill
2002 – Adrianne Peterson
2003 – Lori Hartl
2004 – Gale Lamb
2005 – Stanley “Skip” Lewis
2006 – Rod Litzel
2007 – Bob Benjamin
2008 – Marvin Andreen
2009 – Kim Johnson
2010 – Bob Jenn
2011 – Jerrod Glanz
2012 – Gail Mahnke
2013 – Tom Massey
2014 – Doug Olson
2015 – Steve McNamee
2016 – Cheryl Schwartzkopf
2017 – Nancy Pieropan
2018 – Gordon Stover
2019 – Julie Kraft
2020 – Chris Aimone
2021 – J Sheehan
2022 – Lindsey Wheat
2023 – Brian Connely
2024 – Quade Schmelzle
Archie Lauer Award
The Archie Lauer Award, established in 2003, commemorates the legacy of Archie Lauer, who served as the Weed and Pest Supervisor in Niobrara County from 1977 to 2002. Mr. Lauer dedicated himself to the Weed and Pest programs and the individuals striving to achieve their objectives. This annual award pays tribute to Mr. Lauer by acknowledging exceptional Weed and Pest board members who have made significant contributions to the board's accomplishments and overall success.
2004 – Rob Orchard – Washakie
2005 – Jim Wasserburger – Niobrara
2006 – Mike Forman – Park
2007 – Gary Dickau – Converse
2008 – Erik West – Platte
2009 – Doug Vickrey – Sublette
2010 – Dennis Thaler – Goshen
2011 – John Watson – Platte
2012 – Allen Hansen – Uinta
2013 – Tom Lacy* – Laramie
2014 – Harley Bower – Washakie
2015 – Michael Schwope – Big Horn
2016 – Monte Skinner – Sublette
2017 – Wes Waters – Natrona
2018 – Arnold Pennoyer – Hot Springs
2019 – Donley Darnell-Weston
2020 – Neil Earhart-Park
2021 – Rachel Mealor-Sheridan
2022 – Dennis Hanson-Laramie
2023 – Larry Smith-Campbell
2024 – Darrel Repshire – Laramie
Guy Haggard Award
The Guy Haggard Award, established in 2007, commemorates Guy Haggard, a devoted ally of the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council. Despite retiring, Guy remained actively engaged, attending Council meetings out of personal dedication. This award recognizes individuals who exemplify qualities such as motivation, friendship, loyalty, camaraderie, and unwavering support for both the people and the organization.
2007 – Guy Haggard
2008 – Sharon Johnson
2009 – Barry and Sandy Wingfield
2010 – Governor Dave Freudenthal
2011 – Senator Gerald Geis
2012 – Representative Pete Illoway
2013 – Tom Muhlbach
2014 – Representative Mark Semlek
2015 – Bob Sundeen & Trails West Outfitters
2016 – Representative Dan Laursen & Senator Dave Kinskey
2017 – Rich Bayers
2018 – Senator John Barrasso
2019 – Richard Lake
2020 – Bobbie Frank
2021 – Timm Johannesen
2022 – Claire Volk
2023 – Director Doug Miyamoto (WDA)
2024 – Governor Mark Gordon