Conservation stewardship is at the core of our mission and values. We focus on science-based sustainable land management that supports agriculture, hospitality, and conservation working together. Wildlife and water don’t follow property lines or political boundaries. The Ranches’ Conservation Stewardship program recognizes this and aims to preserve and enhance habitats for wildlife while also supporting other Ranch goals.
Pronghorn are endemic to North America and make their home in the high plains and vast sagebrush sea of the American West, and like many ungulate species, their survival relies on the ability to roam freely. They need to be able to migrate across large tracks of ground to avoid bad weather and find food. The North Platte River Valley along the Colorado-Wyoming border is rich with wildlife diversity held mostly in private ownership. The rangelands in this area stewarded by ranchers make ideal habitat for pronghorn and other wildlife species. However, the miles of fences used to keep cattle in pastures are often barriers to the pronghorn’s and other wildlife’s movements. This is a story about a community of people working together to improve fencelines, so pronghorn and other wildlife can move more freely. It also celebrates the wildlife that call the North Platte River Valley home and the folks living and working on this land to help keep these animals around for generations to come.
Pronghorn are endemic to North America and make their home in the high plains and vast sagebrush sea of the American West, and like many ungulate species, their survival relies on the ability to roam freely. They need to be able to migrate across large tracks of ground to avoid bad weather and find food. The North Platte River Valley along the Colorado-Wyoming border is rich with wildlife diversity held mostly in private ownership. The rangelands in this area stewarded by ranchers make ideal habitat for pronghorn and other wildlife species. However, the miles of fences used to keep cattle in pastures are often barriers to the pronghorn’s and other wildlife’s movements.
This is a story about a community of people working together to improve fencelines, so pronghorn and other wildlife can move more freely. It also celebrates the wildlife that call the North Platte River Valley home and the folks living and working on this land to help keep these animals around for generations to come.
Under the Wire
Water is the lifeblood of ecosystems and economies, integral to all Ranch activities. The ranch’s Conservation Stewardship program proactively manages water resources and riparian zones. Projects include constructing and enhancing trout habitat, protecting springs, and collaborating with neighbors to improve water for all water users.
Goals: Protect, augment, and improve water resources, quality, availability, and water rights.
See some our water projects here.
We see protection of wildlife and habitat as imperative, and it is a way we support regional conservation efforts. With careful management, wildlife can thrive within working landscapes. Goals: Protect and improve wildlife habitats (forests, grasslands, wetlands, and fisheries), migration corridors, and biodiversity.
See some of our wildlife projects here
In addition to educational opportunities for guests and staff at the A Bar A, the Gates Family Ranches work with universities and local schools. We bring local youth to the Ranch to participate in research projects, host tour groups interested in ranching and conservation, work with partner groups to support research, and conduct other engagement and educational outreach efforts.