Conservation stewardship is at the heart of our mission and values. Through thoughtful, science-based land management, we work to balance the needs of a working cattle ranch, guest ranch, and the natural landscape that sustains them.
Wildlife and water do not follow property lines or political boundaries, and our approach to conservation reflects that broader perspective. Across the Ranches, our Conservation Stewardship program works to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, care for our land and water resources, and support the long-term health of the Ranches for generations to come.
Pronghorn are native to North America and at home on the high plains and vast sagebrush landscapes of the American West. Like many ungulates, their survival depends on the ability to move freely across large tracts of land—migrating to find food, avoid severe weather, and reach seasonal habitat. The North Platte River Valley along the Colorado-Wyoming border supports remarkable wildlife diversity across a landscape that is largely privately owned. Ranching has helped preserve much of this open rangeland, creating important habitat for pronghorn and many other wildlife species. At the same time, the miles of fencing necessary to manage cattle can create barriers to wildlife movement. Our wildlife-friendly fencing work is a story of neighbors and partners coming together to improve these fence lines so pronghorn and other wildlife can move more freely across the landscape. It also celebrates the wildlife of the North Platte River Valley—and the people who live and work here, caring for the land in ways that help these animals thrive for generations to come.
Pronghorn are native to North America and at home on the high plains and vast sagebrush landscapes of the American West. Like many ungulates, their survival depends on the ability to move freely across large tracts of land—migrating to find food, avoid severe weather, and reach seasonal habitat.
The North Platte River Valley along the Colorado-Wyoming border supports remarkable wildlife diversity across a landscape that is largely privately owned. Ranching has helped preserve much of this open rangeland, creating important habitat for pronghorn and many other wildlife species. At the same time, the miles of fencing necessary to manage cattle can create barriers to wildlife movement.
Our wildlife-friendly fencing work is a story of neighbors and partners coming together to improve these fence lines so pronghorn and other wildlife can move more freely across the landscape. It also celebrates the wildlife of the North Platte River Valley—and the people who live and work here, caring for the land in ways that help these animals thrive for generations to come.
Under the Wire
Water is the lifeblood of our ecosystems and an essential part of nearly every aspect of life on the Ranches. Through our Conservation Stewardship program, we actively care for water resources and the riparian areas that surround them.
Our work includes restoring and enhancing trout habitat, protecting springs, and collaborating with neighbors on projects that benefit water users throughout the North Platte River Valley. These efforts are focused on protecting and improving water quality and availability, strengthening aquatic and riparian habitat, and safeguarding the water resources and rights that are vital to the long-term health of the Ranches.
See some our water projects here.
Protecting wildlife and the habitats they depend on is an important part of our stewardship of the Ranches and our contribution to conservation across the region. We believe that with thoughtful management, wildlife and working landscapes can thrive together.
Our efforts focus on protecting and improving forests, grasslands, wetlands, fisheries, and migration corridors while supporting the biodiversity that makes this landscape so remarkable. By caring for these interconnected habitats, we work to ensure that the Ranches continue to provide healthy, open spaces for wildlife for generations to come.
See some of our wildlife projects here
Education is an important part of conservation stewardship at the Gates Family Ranches. In addition to creating opportunities for A Bar A guests and staff to learn more about the land, wildlife, water, and ranching, we work with universities, local schools, and conservation partners to share knowledge and encourage a deeper understanding of working landscapes.
Our efforts include bringing local students to the Ranches to participate in research projects, hosting groups interested in ranching and conservation, supporting research with partner organizations, and creating other opportunities for learning and engagement.