Ä¢¹½Av 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 Ä¢¹½Av with a unique market connection, Ä¢¹½Av Conservation Ranching aims to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers. Ä¢¹½Av Conservation Ranching’s enrollment includes more than 100 ranches and nearly 3 million acres that have earned status as Ä¢¹½Av 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 Ä¢¹½Av Certified Bird-Friendly seal – that sets these products apart. For more information, visit www.audubon.org/ranching.

Conservation Ranching Staff at Ä¢¹½Av Rockies
Dusty Downey.

Dusty Downey

Director, Conservation Ranching, Ä¢¹½Av Rockies

Photo of Cidney Handy.

Cidney Handy

Range Ecologist

A portrait of Trish Kerner.

Trish Kerner

Range Ecologist

A portrait of Louisa Kimmel.

Louisa Kimmell

Range Ecologist

News
Dusty Downey with cattle on the Downey Ranch.
Conservation Ranching During the Pandemic
August 19, 2020 — A Q&A with two ranchers about providing local food during a health crisis.
Growing Success at Corner Post Meats
May 13, 2020 — How Ä¢¹½Av's Conservation Ranching Initiative has helped grow an exemplary mindful meats business.