Resources

Let the discussions - and the progress begin.

Merriam-Webster defines resource as:
a: a source of supply or support : an available means—usually used in plural.
b: a natural source of wealth or revenue—often used in plural.
c: a natural feature or phenomenon that enhances the quality of human life.
d: computable wealth —usually used in plural.
e: a source of information or expertise.

In a discussion of land management, the first four apply.

For the purposes of this page, all five apply.

Here you will find a listing of our various natural resources: fisheries, forests, livestock, predators, rangelands, water management, waterfowl and wildlife (game and non-game).
These broad categories provide the organizational framework for additional information—a resource—about ongoing issues involving each. Taken from popular media, scientific journals and a myriad of other sources the information herein illustrates how singularly focused quick fixes are being applied to complicated natural systems across the country.

Arguably intentions are good. Generally the results are not.

We offer these articles, as well as some success stories, to prompt discussion and thought that moves our natural resource management efforts away from the status quo. In recent years, traditional land management efforts have sat on opposite ends of the spectrum, ranging from unsustainable chemical inputs, intensive industrialization and an unwavering devotion to eradication to benign neglect in the name of preservation.

Ironically, in the 21st century we need to return to the basics of past centuries. We should focus our attention on the big picture, which in nature is nuanced, and begin to work with her forces instead of against them. In Holistic Management, our decision-making framework of choice, the goal is balance through biodiversity.

Let the discussions—and the progress begin.

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

The complex issue of biodiversity encompasses virtually all plants and animals at genetic, species, community, and landscape scales. We provide resources and our working insights on the topic across the following areas.

Fisheries

Fisheries, both freshwater and saltwater, serve as the proverbial canaries in the coal mine when it comes to water quality.

Rangelands

Rangelands act as nature’s factories, while also providing wildlife habitat and the viewsheds that lift the human spirit.

Forests

Native forests are as diverse as native rangelands or any other healthy ecosystem. Like rangelands, forests produce oxygen, sequester carbon, provide wildlife habitat and play a role in the water cycle.

Waterfowl

Waterfowl reflect the conditions of the land and the water across the North American continent. As they migrate from north to south and back again, they, depending on species, rely on a wide range of environments.

Livestock

Instead of being a threat, well-managed livestock can reinvigorate landscapes that have devolved into barren unproductivity, helping restore other essential ecological processes along the way.

Water Management

The quality and quantity of water available in America is directly correlated to the condition of the land.

Predators

When we look at nature’s big picture, we have to recognize the role predators play in the health of the natural world. True biodiversity must also include fangs and claws.

Wildlife

Wildlife are part of nature’s whole. To improve their future, we have to improve their habitat from the soil up.

Latest articles

Read more about the resources listed above:

Leave It to Beavers? Not if You’re a Wolf

“As discussed below, wolves improve beavers’ positive effects on habitat, and, wolves help beaver to thrive.

Attacking Aoudad on Behalf of Bighorn

NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on February 6th, 2017   The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) say aoudad harm desert mule deer, pronghorn and desert […]

Interesting Facts About the Early Cattle Business

“Ranching’s always been a tough business…  

Woman Trampled to Death by an Elk in Arizona, Prompting Officials to Warn Against Feeding Animals

“As discussed in the article below,  fed elk can be very dangerous.   Arizona Game and Fish warns that bear, elk, moose and any other species that are fed by people, or get food from […]

Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep Takes Out a Drone

“Bighorn and zebra?

Desperate to Rid Catalina of Invasive Deer, Officials Propose Bold Helicopter Hunt

It’s hard to name a single wildlife “management” practice pursued by the big conservation bureaucracies that does not involve the wholesale killing out of entire wildlife populations. Their glaring management failures are blamed on climate […]

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Follow along as we manage the resources within our fence lines, but think beyond the box.