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Circle Ranch in West Texas

Experience From the High Deserts of Texas to the Rocky Mountain West.

For 20 years, our family owned and managed Circle Ranch, 32,000 acres of high desert located in the Sierra Diablo Mountains of far-West Texas. Our goal? Leaving the land more diverse, and therefore healthier, than we found it.

Our Philosophy

Wildlife and habitat only prosper when their ecosystem is in balance.

A pronghorn herd in desert grasslands of West Texas

Our Resources

The objective of biodiversity conservation is to maintain viable native animal and plant populations of all kind.

a native Elk roaming the desert grasslands of West Texas

Elk Removals Featured

Are Elk Native to Texas--Historical and Archaeological Evidence for the Natural Occurence of Elk in Texas

This paper began as an effort to persuade Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to cease its efforts to eradicate elk on the state lands which it manages in far-West Texas. Our assumption was that TPWD was acting out of a sincere misunderstanding of science, which could be corrected.

Northamptonshire Villagers Argue Against Solar Farms on Fields

Northamptonshire Villagers Argue Against Solar Farms on Fields

Villagers living near a planned multi-site solar farm have said the facility should be built on warehouse roofs instead of farmers' fields.

Bobcat Vs Bear

A bobcat would not typically engage with a bear unless absolutely necessary for survival or defense of its young. But it happens….

Native Tribes Protest Plan to Cull Wild Bison in Yellowstone

Native Tribes Protest Plan to Cull Wild Bison in Yellowstone

The National Park Service says the plan is essential because there are more bison in the park than there is space to accommodate them

"Invasion Biology"

Wildlife in the High-Desert Mountains of Far-West Texas

Desert Mountain Wildlife #3 – part of a series on wildlife pictures

Restoring Biodiversity - 12/17/2024

Restoring Biodiversity - 12/17/2024

Colorado release five wolves via reintroduction program. A common sense solution for the wild horse 'problem.' Lassen Volcanic National Park authorities confirm the presence of gray wolves. And more...

Colorado Releases 5 Wolves in Reintroduction Program Approved by Voters

wolf management plan

Colorado Releases 5 Wolves in Reintroduction Program Approved by Voters

The release culminates a process three years in the making when in 2020 voters narrowly approved reintroducing wolves by the end of 2023 west of the Continental Divide.

Northern California Wild Horse Non-Profit Owner Looks to Make Federal Change Through BLM

Wild Horse Fire Brigade

Northern California Wild Horse Non-Profit Owner Looks to Make Federal Change Through BLM

“Once you understand the benefits they give to the landscape when they’re in the right place, you have an ‘aha moment’ and see these horses can provide $500 million in value to American taxpayers.”

Dangerous Predator Once Thought Extinct Spotted at National Park

Dangerous Predator Once Thought Extinct Spotted at National Park

Park authorities confirmed the presence of the rare species.

Grazing to Promote Riparian Health on a Private Ranch in Nevada

"Invasion Biology"

Grazing to Promote Riparian Health on a Private Ranch in Nevada

This video features Agee Smith, Co-Owner, Cottonwood Ranch, Wells, Nevada

Lake Powell Water Levels Lead to 'Ecological Rebirth'

Lake Powell Water Levels Lead to 'Ecological Rebirth'

This environmental crisis is revealing an unexpected ecological benefit—the return of native plant communities in areas exposed by the shrinking reservoir.

female (doe) mule deer in California

The Amazing Deer 255 is Still Migrating

In 2016, researchers in Wyoming discovered the world's longest migration of mule deer. A doe fitted with a GPS tracking collar migrated 242 miles one way.

What Ancient Invasive Species Can Tell Us About Modern Ones w/Dr. Alycia

What Ancient Invasive Species Can Tell Us About Modern Ones w/Dr. Alycia

Species invasions are pervasive in Earth history, yet the ecological and evolutionary consequences vary greatly. Ancient invasion events can be organized in a hierarchy of increasing invasion intensity from ephemeral invasions to globally pervasive invasive regimes.

during_the_drought_peter_bycuk

Regenerative Ranching

During the Drought

Michael Thompson, a young farmer in Kansas, is regenerating his soils with no-till, cover-crops practices coupled with Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing - giving his farm resilience during the severe 2011 and 2012 droughts.

Alpine Ibexes Captured Resting on Chimneys of French Cottages Amidst a Breathtaking Background

Alpine Ibexes Captured Resting on Chimneys of French Cottages Amidst a Breathtaking Background

Captured relaxing atop the roofs of French cottages on chimneys with Mont Blanc as the backdrop, these wild goats must surely enjoy the best views in town.

Are Goats and Sheep Compatible?

"Invasion Biology"

Are Goats and Sheep Compatible?

These ranchers move their sheep and goats to a new paddock surrounded by electric net fence. There are many things to consider. Sheep like to go under net fences while goats jump over.

Wild horse in Nevada

Wild Horse Problem

The Wild Horses of Nevada's Deserts

"We spend millions of dollars a year managing horses, but we still can’t agree on whether they belong."

Wild Horses in a grassy foothill of a mountain

Wild Horse Fire Brigade

Siskiyou News: Wildlife Conservationist Nominated for BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program

William E. Simpson II, a seasoned ethologist and conservationist, has been nominated for the position or Director of the Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse & Burro Program, with the position set to open in January 2025.

"Invasion Biology"

Desert Bighorn, Mule Deer and Cougar in High Desert Mountains of Far-West Texas

The series contains many wildlife photos, and, discusses holistic wildlife management practices.