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:

RESEARCH ARTICLE ON HORSES: Early Dispersal of Domestic Horses Into the Great Plains and Northern Rockies

Are horses native to, or so-called “invasive exotics“ in  North America?    As discussed below,  “Horses were deeply integrated into Indigenous (American Indian) societies before the arrival of 18th-century (1700’s) European observers, as reflected in […]

How Predators and Forest Management Affect Elk Numbers

Elk numbers around Yellowstone Park have declined over recent decades. This is usually blamed on wolves and bears. But according to this video, forest management probably plays a larger role.     NOTE: this post […]

Glyphosate for Breakfast?

As discussed below, “American applications of Glyphosate – the most heavily-used chemical weed killer in human history – increased sixteen-fold between 1987 and 2007. Today, traces of the chemical are found far from the farm. […]

Webcam Captures Mama Bald Eagle Who Won’t Leave Nest Covered in Over Foot of Snow After Winter Storm

“A blanket of snow absolutely swamped the bald eagles’ nest. But mama eagle wasn’t going anywhere.  

Dropping the Fences, Episode 2: RAIN

After reading the signs, Johnny’s predictions of good rain come true after seven years of drought. Within weeks the veld is transformed in a great renewal as seeds that have lain dormant for years come […]

My Rancher Parents Hate Wolves. I Took Them on a Wolf-Watching Tour in Yellowstone to Change Their Minds

The wolf debate out West is driven in large part by ignorance – on both sides. A morning spent with Wolf Trackers would greatly help the parties to find common ground for compromise.    In […]

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