The Real Work Begins With You
By Jim Magagna
I appreciated the opportunity to join Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Washington D.C. on Oct. 17 for their signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), establishing a partnership to invest in the stewardship of both public and private lands supporting migratory big game in Wyoming.
This MOU was noteworthy because it demonstrated Wyoming’s leadership in resource management.
However, most importantly, it was significant because it recognizes the role of ranchers, farmers and other landowners in providing habitat for migratory wildlife. Furthermore, through a commitment of federal dollars, it enables landowners to be rewarded for their management, both current and future, enhancing these habitats.
Finally, the MOU acknowledges successful resource management can only be accomplished by those closest to the land. Most often, it is only hindered by bureaucratic regulations emanating from Washington, D.C.
It seems fitting this MOU signing preceded the upcoming 2022 Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous scheduled in Casper Dec. 5-8. This joint gathering of members and supporters of Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD) and Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA) brings together the dedicated people who make a difference on the land every day.
It is the collaborative efforts of these landowners, grazing permittees, conservation district members and staff, together with the dedicated leaders of these organizations continuing to maintain and enhance Wyoming’s natural resources. They will be joined in Casper by local representatives of state and federal government agencies who support their work.
The diversity of information shared at the Progressive Resource Manager Forum sessions will better prepare attendees to do their daily work. The general sessions provide the opportunity to hear from important industry and political leaders.
The wide array of presentations and discussions spread across 14 committee meetings are the foundation for the development of policies that, following final approval by each organization in their business meeting, will guide the work the organizations undertake on behalf of their members.
The rendezvous is about much more than just business. The sharing of experiences taking place during the daily social events are informative and inspiring.
This year, they take on an added significance as ranchers and resource managers have dealt with the challenges of drought and uncertainties in federal policies. The Joint Auction scheduled on the final evening is an important source of financial support for the continuing work of WSGA, WACD and WWGA.
Wyoming was selected for the first migrating wildlife MOU because our state has a reputation for “getting the job done” when it comes to the management of natural resources for multiple uses. Those who will gather in Casper for the Wyoming Natural Resource Rendezvous are the foundation of “getting the job done.”
If you, too, are committed to “getting the job done,” I urge you to join your committed colleagues in Casper Dec. 5-8. For more information and to register, visit wysga.org.
Jim Magagna is the executive vice president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. He can be reached at jim@wysga.org.
