The following article appeared in the Omaha World Herald on 11/3/2005.  It was written by Rob Ravenscroft, Board member, independent of the Sandhills Task Force.  But it does reflect the philosophy of the Sandhills Task Force.

Ranching Protects Sandhills

Recently the Nebraska Sandhills have been receiving attention as an area with great tourism potential. This is part of a worldwide recognition that intact, large grasslands are great, important places. People who live in, manage, and depend on these grasslands have known that for generations.

Nebraskans are fortunate to have this outstanding example of a grassland ecosystem, where most pre-settlement plant and animal species still thrive today. Our Sandhills have been protected by an agri-"culture" that recognizes the limits of sandy soils and erratic rainfall. These grasslands have survived two major attempts at cultivation; homesteading, and center-pivot irrigation, both results of government policy.

The Sandhills are famous for open space and for outdoor recreation opportunities. Most of us appreciate the beef produced there, too. Perhaps less obvious but equally important, is the clean water flowing out through the Niobrara, Elkhorn and Loup systems. Lincoln and Omaha residents depend on this water to support ever-growing populations.

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound. Federal and state governments own and manage many world-class tracts in the Sandhills. Most ranches have many guests for various outdoor activities over the course of a year. Few ranches are closed to visitors. All landowners, public and private, exercise their right to regulate access, however. Even "public access" does not mean unlimited access.

Most Nebraskans would agree it is important to protect the benefits of the Sandhills for future generations. Opinions diverge however, on how to do it. Some believe a resource can only be "protected" when it is owned by the government or a non-profit environmental organization. This is an extremely expensive and mostly unnecessary option, and one that must be weighed against all other demands on public and charitable dollars.

A more practical, cost-effective way is to support the grassland agriculture system that is already providing the food, recreational opportunities, and clean water that is so important to all of us. A motivated management system (ranching families) is already in place. Their financial success and future survival can be enhanced with tools that also encourage natural and public benefits, including public access.

Examples might include establishing liability limits, tax breaks and other incentives to encourage outdoor recreation activities on private land. All options should be explored in order to avoid the enormous costs of public land purchase and management. Small amounts of public support and incentives can be leveraged to protect and enhance public access to the resources we all value.

The idea that ranching can be a way to protect grasslands is taking hold. Conservation organizations and agencies are recognizing that proper ranching practices benefit wildlife and the environment. Many are already working to help the process along.

Leading the way is the Sandhills Task Force, with a mission to "enhance the Sandhills wetland-grassland ecosystem in ways that support profitable private ranching, wildlife and vegetative diversity and associated water supplies". The Task Force is bringing ranchers together with conservation agencies and organizations to do just that.

Projects include wetland restoration, improved grazing management, upland bird and waterfowl research, and efforts to help beginning ranchers get started in the business. These partnerships are based on the recognition that the Sandhills ecosystem of grazing, grassland, wildlife and water, functions very well.

Prominent partners in these efforts include the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Cattlemen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game and Parks, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, University of Nebraska, and local NRD’s.

Most importantly, the rancher-partners see that practices which are good for wildlife are also good for them and their families. Making the connection between public interests and the self-interest of local families is a highly effective conservation tool. As these projects and partnerships grow in number, the word is getting out. More and more ranchers are interested in working with agencies and organizations they would never have considered in the past.

The case for ranching as grassland protection is a strong one. Profitable ranching maintains grassland ecosystems. Profitable ranching on privately owned land perpetuates a conservation ethic. Profitable ranching perseveres through adverse weather and economic conditions. Prosperous ranching families resist the temptations of subdivision, livestock confinement operations, cultivation, and other ecologically destructive options.

Ranchers and townspeople in rural Nebraska are very resourceful. Motivated by a private land ethic and self-interest, along with a little bit of encouragement from us, they will find the best way to secure the future for their families. As they do, we all benefit.

Rob Ravenscroft is a lifelong cattleman. He is a member of the Sandhills Task Force, and is a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy, Nebraska Chapter. He currently serves as Chairman of the Nebraska Environmental Trust board. He resides in Lincoln. The views expressed above are his own.