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Agriculture and U.S. Renewable Energy Policy Agriculture and national energy policy are inextricably linked. The growth of the renewable energy sector is not only an important part of creating energy independence, but represents opportunities for ranchers and farmers to add to their bottom lines. Below are some renewable energy provisions that should be a part of our national energy policy.   If implemented, the below policies would allow ranchers and farmers to diversify their income and cut costs, while increasing their energy efficiency:
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Water - Lifeblood of Western Agriculture Clean and plentiful water is one of the most important issues to agriculture in the West, and Land Stewards is a vocal advocate for policy and regulations that protect these resources – for ranchers, farmers and local communities. Look here soon for more on the Colorado River Campaign, a new, broad-based collaborative designed to conserve and protect the abundance and many uses of Colorado River for ranchers, farmers, local communities, wildlife and future generations.   
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Mining - Federal Mining Policy and the West Why mining is important  When done right, mining can represent a valuable economic resource for local communities. However, mining corporations are still operating under an outdated mining policy (the 1872 Mining Act) that makes sustainability and guaranteed protections against impacts to local water and natural resources anything but a guarantee.  For example, the Environmental Protection Agency has named mining the country’s top toxic polluter for nine straight years now.  According to the report, mining has contaminated 40 percent of the headwaters of western watersheds.   Our work Land Stewards works to ensure that mining policy and activities take into account protections against potential harms to our water, natural resources and local communities. That means ensuring adequate protections for the Colorado River, which provides drinking water for some 25 million Americans and waters 15% of all crops grown in the U.S.  
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Wilderness In 1964 Congress passed the Wilderness Act to protect a small segment of our most unique and cherished public lands in their original character. Currently about 2% of public lands in the lower 48 are classified as wilderness. These areas are free of road building, dams, permanent structures, logging, motorized vehicles, new mining claims and mineral leasing. Hunting, fishing and grazing is permitted in wilderness.
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About Us

 


Rancher

 

Our motto: Land Stewards believes that ranchers and farmers are the original conservationists, needing clean air and water and fertile soils to sustain our living.


WHAT LANDOWNERS ARE SAYING:

"As farmers and ranchers, we work to manage the land not only for economic benefit, but to also protect our air, water, and wildlife habitat." — FRED & KAY LYNN HEFLEY, Walsh, CO

"As a second-generation rancher and sportsman, I understand the importance of balancing sustainable use of our public lands with protections of all our natural resources." — WES MCSTAY, Craig, CO

"Ranchers know how important it is to take care of our land and natural resources if we want to continue to have the land take care of us." —DARYL & CYNTHIA BURKHART, Nunn, CO

"As a rancher and wildlife outfitter, I understand first-hand how protecting our natural heritage requires responsible stewardship - on my own land and on our public lands." — GARY DICKEY, San Luis Valley, CO