After wolves killed an unprecedented number of their range cattlein one grazing season, Glenn and Caryl Elzinga of Idaho’s Pahsimeroi Valley were not only in economic trouble, but also a crisis of confidence as to whether or not public lands grazing should even be a part of their operation. However, after researching historical stockmanship practices, they learned a new approach to grazing on their 70 square mile rangelands. Embarking on this new journey in practice on horseback allowed them to completely restore riparianhabitats, coexist with wolves, sequester carbon in both riparian areas anduplands, precisely target their grazing anywhere on the landscape, employ young people seeking a range riding vocation, and have their cattle achieve better weight gains.
Glenn will present slides showing the process in action on a slice of rugged Central Idaho mountain rangelands. There will be time for questions during and after the presentation. The presentation will take place in UMW’s Lewis & Clark Room on Tuesday, February 20 at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact UMW Associate Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Arica Crootof: [email protected] or 406-683-7075.
