This resolution supports the designation of 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists" to honor the economic, ecological, and cultural importance of rangelands and the stewards who manage them.
Celeste Maloy
Representative
UT-2
This resolution supports the United Nations' designation of 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists." It recognizes the vital economic, social, and ecological contributions of American rangelands and the dedicated land managers who steward them. Furthermore, it encourages national efforts to promote education, research, and sustainable management practices for these essential landscapes.
U.S. Joins Global Recognition of Rangelands for 2026: A Move to Protect 770 Million Acres of American Grasslands
This resolution marks a significant commitment to the vast stretches of land that often go unnoticed but keep the country running. By designating 2026 as the 'International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists,' the resolution formally acknowledges that 36 percent of the United States—roughly 770 million acres—is made up of prairies, shrublands, and tundras. It is not just about aesthetics; the bill highlights that over 60 percent of the Western cattle herd and 50 percent of the national sheep herd rely on these federal lands for forage. For the average person, this means the resolution recognizes the literal ground floor of our domestic food and fiber production.
The Grazing Guardrail
One of the most practical takeaways from this text is the link between land management and public safety. The resolution points out that 'pastoral grazing management'—essentially, having livestock graze in a controlled way—can slash the risk of catastrophic wildfires by up to 60 percent. For those living in fire-prone regions or even those in cities affected by seasonal smoke, this highlights a cost-effective, biological tool for disaster prevention. By recognizing the traditional knowledge of ranchers and the science-based management of federal partners, the resolution aims to bolster the resilience of these ecosystems against drought and fire.
Education and Economic Roots
The resolution isn't just a pat on the back for land managers; it sets the stage for a coordinated push in education and research. It encourages federal agencies and universities to ramp up outreach and scientific study regarding rangeland health. For a student in an ag-heavy state or a small business owner in a rural community, this could translate into more robust data on water resources and carbon storage—services these lands provide for free. It aligns the U.S. with a global United Nations initiative, ensuring that American land management techniques are part of a larger conversation involving 2 billion people worldwide who depend on similar ecosystems.