Conservation Ranching in the Rockies

Our Goals
Stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers.
What We’re Doing
Working with landowners to support better bird habitat.
Greater Sage-Grouse display at sunrise in front of a herd of cattle.

North America's grasslands are among the most imperiled ecosystems in the world. America’s grassland birds have declined more than any other bird group in the continent, some species by as much as 80 percent. Because the vast majority breed on private lands, working with ranchers is our best hope for conserving them.

A wildlife habitat initiative of the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ with a unique market connection, aims to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers. ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Conservation Ranching’s enrollment includes more than 100 ranches and nearly 3 million acres that have earned status as ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Certified Bird-Friendly Land. Incentivizing this habitat work for birds and biodiversity are consumers with an appetite for conservation, who support it by purchasing products grazed on these lands. Shoppers see a special package designation – the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Certified Bird-Friendly seal – that sets these products apart. For more information, visit .

Conservation Ranching Staff at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Rockies
Dusty Downey.

Dusty Downey

Director, Conservation Ranching, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Rockies

Photo of Cidney Handy.

Cidney Handy

Range Ecologist

A portrait of Trish Kerner.

Trish Kerner

Range Ecologist

Headshot of Louisa Kimmell.

Louisa Kimmell

Range Ecologist

News
Cattle graze in a pasture below dry slopes.
Experimenting Today to Save Tomorrow’s Soils
March 01, 2023 — Seven ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ-certified ranches are testing ways to improve soil health through Colorado’s new STAR Plus program.
Two people kneel in a dry field.
Soil Restoration at Rafter W Ranch
October 27, 2022 — Enhancing soil health to increase drought resilience on an ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Certified Ranch in eastern Colorado.
Western Meadowlark carrying insects perched on a fence post.
Habitat Management Assistance for Western Wyoming Ranchers
July 20, 2022 — ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Rockies receives grant to expand Conservation Ranching Initiative.
A red hill rises above sagebrush growing in a meadow.
Eagle Ridge Ranch
September 28, 2021 — Adapting to drought on an ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ-certified ranch in Wyoming.
Long-billed Curlew flapping its wings.
Curlews, Ranching, and Reconsideration
July 02, 2021 — A Wyoming rancher discusses the surprising benefits of an alternative form of grazing.