Recharging Ranchland with Mesic Restoration

Mark Twain coined it: "Water is for fighting, Whiskey is for drinking."While we’re not doing any fighting today, it’s not that kind of podcast, we are echoing the sentiment of importance.

In this episode, we’re focusing on mesic restoration. Joining host Haylie Shipp to unpack this topic are two incredible guests who bring hands-on experience and insight to the table: Brian Fox, a rancher from Turner, Montana, and a board member of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, and Autumn Holzgen, with the Montana Conservation Corps, who has been instrumental in bringing conservation efforts to life across the state. Together, we’ll talk about practical strategies for water retention and how improving water resources on your land can mean healthier cattle, better forage, and increased profitability for your ranch. 

The exciting part is that livestock grazing and habitat restoration aren’t at odds—they’re mutually beneficial. By increasing water retention in mesic areas, ranchers can ensure that pastures remain lush and usable longer into the season. At the same time, the landscape itself becomes more resilient, better able to withstand periods of drought and offer a refuge for the diverse array of species that rely on these habitats.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs)
• Mesic Restoration
• Grassland Response to Mesic Restoration
• Grass Utilization/Grazing Management
• Wildlife Habitat
• Collaborative Conservation
• Volunteerism
• Sage Grouse
• Cattle Health

Also mentioned in this podcast, the Montana DNRC Guidance for Landowners and Practitioners Engaged in Stream and Wetland Restoration Activities.

The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come.For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email [email protected]. Want to support our mission? Visit https://ranchstewards.charityproud.org/Donate.