From the Editor (winter 2014)

From the Editor (winter 2014)

editor-2013

By Indy Burke

“I’m weary and tired. I’ve done my day’s riding. Nighttime is rolling my way. The sky’s on fire and the light’s slowly fading. Peaceful and still ends the day. And out on the trail the night birds are calling, singing their wild melody. Down in the canyon the cottonwood whispers a song of Wyoming for me.”
– Chris LeDoux

A timeline of sage grouse conservation

A timeline of sage grouse conservation

May 1999 FWS was petitioned to list the Washington population of greater sage grouse as endangered under the Endangered Species Act July 2000 Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies…
Cattle as ecosystem engineers

Cattle as ecosystem engineers

Climate, soils, topography, grazing, and fire have shaped the composition and structure of vegetation on rangelands in the American West. Collectively, the many possible combinations of these different factors should lead to diverse plant communities and associated diverse wildlife species.

Conservation grazing: Ranchers lead the way

Conservation grazing: Ranchers lead the way

On the Howell Ranch and adjacent properties in western Colorado, cattle are used to create prime elk hunting opportunities. Managers carefully consider elk movements when they design the annual grazing plan for the ranch.

Elk and wolves in Yellowstone

Elk and wolves in Yellowstone

The Northern Yellowstone Cooperative Wildlife Working Group, an interagency collaboration between Yellowstone National Park and Montana Fish and Wildlife, began counting elk on Yellowstone’s Northern Range in 1961. Counts are taken from the air one day a year.

Essay: Conservation is a conservative ethic

Essay: Conservation is a conservative ethic

“Save the parts,” my dad and grandfather used to say while I was growing up on our ranch. I recall many ranches and farms hoarding a respectable bone pile of motors, bolts, springs, axles and an interesting variety of metal parts.