Conservation

A collection of 837 posts

"Invasion Biology"

Gulleys for Grassland Restoration #5: Upper Pennel Canyon at Circle Ranch

Using a mountain gulley for erosion control and desert grassland restoration at Circle Ranch in far-West Texas.   NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on August 14, 2017.        This little dam took 45-minutes to build.

Bio-Diversity

Using an Eroded Gulley to Recreate a Wet Meadow

This video, #8, is a companion piece to #3 in the series. It shows how Fred’s Dam works during a rain, how the redirected water has created a seasonal wet meadow, what is happening to the water as it exits the wet meadow, and how that water might be

"Invasion Biology"

The Real-World Conflicts in Yellowstone Can Be Solved by Markets, Not Drama

“Founded in 1980 by a handful of outdoor-oriented economists in Bozeman, Montana, PERC—the Property and Environment Research Center—is a conservation and research institute dedicated to free market environmentalism   NOTE: this PERC article was originally published to Reason.com on January 22, 2022. It was written by Shawn Regan

"Invasion Biology"

Grazing to Promote Riparian Health on a Private Ranch in Nevada

On this Nevada ranch, cattle numbers were tripled under planned grazing, with transformational results.   NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on August 4, 2017

Animal Migration

BARRIERS

Mule deer, elk and other hooved mammals around the world depend on their ability to migrate between seasonal habitats. Sadly, human activities are impeding migrations and making them harder than ever. Many herds are struggling to migrate in the face of subdivisions, roads, fences, and all kinds of development. Yet,

Bio-Diversity

Gulleys for Grassland Restoration #4: Los Cuates Canyon at Circle Ranch

Gulleys for Grassland Restoration #4: Los Cuates Canyon discusses specific gulley problems and treatments in a mountain canyon at Circle Ranch in far-West Texas. It is one of a series that demonstrates how to remedy eroded roadbeds and gulleys: returning water to grasslands and plants, using natural rainfall to irrigate

"Invasion Biology"

Drought Busters 101

“Drought Busters” is an inexpensive, quick, physiologically and economically sustainable method of habitat and wildlife restoration. We call it Drought Busters because it increases effective rainfall by rebuilding soil fertility and the soil’s ability to absorb and store water. This video explains Drought Busters, and our experience on how

Bio-Diversity

Gulleys for Grassland Restoration #3

Eroded galleys can be used to restore desertifying grasslands – alongside creosote bush –  without chemicals. Third in a series filmed at Circle Ranch in far-West Texas.   NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on July 24, 2017.

Keyline 101: Desert Grassland Restoration

This 18-minute video explains how we use P.A. Yeomans’ Keyline concepts to improve water function at our family’s 32,000-acre Circle Ranch in the Chihuahuan high-desert grasslands of far-West Texas. The Keyline explanation is followed by a discussion of water harvesting and the role of drones.   NOTE: this

Bighorn

Bighorn Sheep Migration

Bighorn conservation must go far beyond locking people and their activities off of bighorn range. It is essential that wildlife, people and livelihoods be given equal weight in decisions such as those described in the video below.   The primary harm people do to bighorn is caused by human hunting, physical

"Invasion Biology"

Restoring Sonoran Desert Grasslands with Cattle

The recognition of the useful role of large grazers in desert ecology grows daily.   NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on July 10, 2017

Conservation

Nevada Board Rejects Proposal to Ban Coyote Killing Contests

The article below illustrates (1) the lack of understanding of the need for predators in our natural systems, and (2) why ethical hunting must always be an essential part of our outdoor pursuits.   NOTE: this article was originally published to APNews.com on on November 6, 2021.   RENO, Nev. (AP)

"Invasion Biology"

Are Goats and Sheep Compatible?

This video shows how goats and sheep can help each other and the pastures they graze. This helps us understand how wild and domestic animals can help each other and the habitat they share.   NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on June 14, 2017.

Conservation

Migrating Elk at Pitchstone Waters Ranch

This video discusses the annual elk migration across Pitchstone Waters Ranch, on the upper Fall River, 5-miles southwest of Yellowstone Park, in Fremont County Idaho.

Bio-Diversity

How Cattle Ranchers Can Combat Climate Change

“Planned grazing’s benefits to people, habitat and wildlife are the subject of the article below.   NOTE: this commentary was originally published to Expressnews.com on December 1, 2021. It was written by Meredith Ellis and Suzanne Scott.   Texas relies on the multibillion-dollar cattle industry for economic success and the

"Invasion Biology"

It’s Time to Stop Demonizing “Invasive” Species

“Here is a thoughtful article that challenges the “science” behind invasive species “biology”.   NOTE: this article was originally published to Vox.com on on November 28, 2021. It was written by Marina Bolotnikova.   Climate change is forcing some animals to move. Don’t call them “invasives.” Marine ecologist Piper Wallingford

"Invasion Biology"

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

Desert Mountain Wildlife #3 – part of a series on wildlife pictures was taken in Winter 2017, at Circle Ranch in the Sierra Diablo Mountains of far-West Texas. The series contains many wildlife photos, and, discusses holistic wildlife management practices. NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on June

Animal Development

During the Drought

In low rain areas, maintaining plant coverage through periodic planned grazing and limited mechanized soil disruption are basic principles of regenerative farming and regenerative grazing. These work wonders for cows, crops and wildlife.   NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on June 7, 2017

Bio-Diversity

Hailing From the Primordial Realm, Meet Mother Nature: Goddess of Earth’s Ecosystems

Don’t miss this hilarious little video from Whole Foods.   As they put it, “With over 50 (million) years of experience, Mother Nature’s job is to maintain the harmony that keeps the planet spinning. Things like keeping the air clean, the ground fertile, the ecology diverse, and the inhabitants

"Invasion Biology"

Not Quite Right - Not All Herbivores Are The Same

More thoughts on how – and why –  wild horses can improve habitat and reduce wildfire.   NOTE: this content below is written by, and published here with permission from, Capt. William E. Simpson II – USMM Ret. Naturalist – Author – Conservationist   A herd of wild horses in the Soda Mountain Wilderness have been using

Conservation

Turning the Tide of Our Water Crises with Regenerative Agriculture

Presented below are some very interesting ideas on regenerative agriculture.   NOTE: this article was originally published to the Weekly Regeneration Works newsletter on October 15, 2021. It was written by Keith Silverman.     Science: Industrial agriculture is the leading water pollutant on the planet. The world is facing a water crisis

Bio-Diversity

Connecting Ranchers with Land Stewards Could Be Key to Less Disastrous Wildfires

As discussed below, grazing of domestic animals – cattle, sheep and goats – is an effective way to prevent wildfire and improve habitat.   Another species that has great potential for wildfire control is the wild horse.   NOTE: this article was originally published to CivilEats.com on July 8, 2021. It was written

Bio-Diversity

'Silver Bullet' for Business: The Aussie Farmers Bringing Dingoes Back

As discussed below, restoring predators in the Australian outback has had very positive effects on habitat and animals.   NOTE: this article was originally published to WAToday.com.au on July 26, 2021. It was written by Emma Young.   Cattle farmers from Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales are reaping

Conservation

How Sea Otters Help Protect Underwater Meadows

This article discusses one of several reasons that sea otters are essential to the health of the Pacific Coast’s marine systems.   The seagrasses otters maintain also support the salmon, steelhead and commercial fisheries. Whether on land or sea, predators are necessary to the health of habitats and everything in

Conservation

Inspiration Texas Style

Weimar Meinzer explains his Texas photography.   Note: this post was originally published on February 24, 2017   Inspiration Texas Style from Wyman Meinzer on Vimeo.