The Public Lands Council celebrated its 50th anniversary at the group’s annual convention Sept. 26-29 in Park City, UT, with more than 250 attendees.
While the days were filled with reflection and celebration, the public lands ranchers in attendance also took care of important business. During policy discussions resolutions were passed to address efforts to modernize the Endangered Species Act, grazing regulations and the National Environmental Policy Act. WLJ will have more in-depth coverage of these issues in the coming weeks.
Additional business included the election of officers with Bob Skinner, a fifth-generation cow-calf producer from Oregon, elected to serve as PLC president. Skinner noted the momentum gained this year provides a great foundation to build on.
“Our policy priorities are big asks, but we know they are possible,” said Skinner. “We have an administration that is willing to listen—a big change from previous years, and an opportunity we won’t let slip by. Ensuring public lands ranchers can operate and are provided the resources to succeed is PLC’s main priority.”
Skinner, who has held leadership roles within the PLC and the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, will serve a two-year term with the PLC. Other elected leaders for PLC include Wyoming rancher Niels Hansen as vice-president and Mark Rober as secretary.
“I have confidence the PLC is in exceptional hands with our new leadership,” said immediate past president, Dave Eliason. “PLC is about more than just advocating for grazing on public lands. We are raising grass, cows, wool, and a new generation that can take the reins.”
[inline_image file=”cc07a98f6f7f3d872daeb85b162e7c73.jpg” caption=”Larry and Pennie Hooper of the Red Mountain Lease, a combination of federal, private, and state land located southwest of Deming, NM, received the Rangeland Stewardship Award presented by the Bureau of Land Management at the 50th Annual Public Lands Council Meeting on Sept. 27. The Hoopers were recognized for their sound stewardship over the last 26 years, ridding the Red Mountain Lease of African rue, a plant that when left unchecked can seriously degrade range conditions over time.”]
Awards
In addition to policy and leadership updates, the PLC recognized individuals who were instrumental in the PLC’s success. Jim Magagna received the President’s Award and Caroline Lobdell received the Friend of PLC Award, both being recognized for their exceptional contributions to the industry and the organization.
BLM recognition
During the convention, the Bureau of Land Management presented its 2018 Rangeland and Sagebrush Steppe Stewardship Awards, which recognize the effort of individuals and organizations that are dedicated to improving the health and productivity of public rangelands.
“These awards recognize the meaningful contributions made by these public lands stewards. Their work has improved the nation’s Western public rangelands to the benefit of all Americans,” said BLM Arizona State Director Ray Suazo, who presented the awards. “The BLM is committed to creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt, and the individuals we recognize today have demonstrated their commitment as well. They are working to ensure healthy public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.”
[inline_image file=”59077c22271cc0f139a3bc09473d8831.jpg” caption=”Richard Ward of Malta, ID, who helped establish the Jim Sage Grazing Allotment Study Area where 19 permittees graze their livestock, was presented the Sagebrush Steppe Stewardship Award by the Bureau of Land Management during the 50th Annual Public Lands Council Meeting on Sept. 27. Ward has applied successful grazing management strategies within this area, by recruiting new members to the study, recommending modifications to their grazing habits, and erecting fencing within the study area.”]
This year’s awards include:
• The Rangeland Stewardship Award. This award was presented to Larry and Pennie Hooper of the Red Mountain Lease, a combination of federal, private, and state land located southwest of Deming, NM. The BLM recognized the Hoopers for their sound stewardship over the last 26 years, ridding the Red Mountain Lease of African rue, a plant that when left unchecked can seriously degrade range conditions over time.
• The Sagebrush Steppe Stewardship Award. This award went to Richard Ward of Malta, ID, who helped establish the Jim Sage Grazing Allotment Study Area, where 19 permittees graze their livestock. Ward has applied successful grazing management strategies within this area, by recruiting new members to the study, recommending modifications to their grazing habits, and erecting fencing within the study area.
Commenting on the awards, Eliason said, “Everyone who spends time on public lands reaps the benefits of ranchers’ environmental stewardship. It is important to recognize the work of cattle and sheep producers and understand their role in ensuring the health of our rangeland. There is great potential when we work with agency partners to achieve shared rangeland and management goals. I want to thank the Bureau of Land Management for recognizing these individuals.”
Wrapping up the week and ending his term as president, Eliason noted, “To me, this past week was a testament to the next year ahead. The entire Western cattle and sheep industry was well represented, bringing key voices together. Ranchers are eternal optimists, and that energy resonated throughout all of Park City. It’s this mindset and dedication that will take our organization far.”
The convention wrapped up with an opportunity for attendees to explore public grazing land in Utah during a range tour which visited Rowdy Fitzgerald’s allotment and John Blassard’s allotment. — WLJ
