- ENVIRONMENTAL -
PROUD TO CARE
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY
- UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION -
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY
At Vera Earl Ranch, we are proud to care for the ecosystems, grasslands, and riparian areas that provide food and water not only to our cows, but to all wildlife roaming through them. Our intent is to leave the terrain we utilize for our operations in better shape than the prior year. Consistently and extensively monitoring our grasslands ensures grass vigor, plant diversity and effective use of the grasses. We meet with representatives from Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) twice yearly, or as needed, to assess rangeland health and grass utilization. We also use a consultant to test the grass production each fall so we can adjust and set our cattle numbers and rotation based upon science and quantifiable production analysis.
All of the ranches are monitored each year for grass production and vitality. If we feel our grasslands are not thriving, we will cut our cattle numbers to match the amount of forage available. The cattle are moved through a rest-rotation grazing system, allowing for the resting of pastures during growing season and utilizing between 35 to 50 percent of the grasses in each pasture.
Vera Earl Ranch manages the grasslands and grazes our cattle in conjunction with at least 12 listed endangered or threatened species. Managing for a healthy ecosystem helps all species, including our cattle. Actively working with biologists and federal agencies ensures a healthy and improved ecosystem.
Since 2013, we have been enrolled in the Safe Harbor Agreement project on the Vera Earl, working to create and maintain critical habitat for the endangered Chiricahua Leopard Frog and other aquatic species. In addition, we have also worked on two projects with US Fish & Wildlife, as well as working extensively with BLM and other interested parties, to enhance riparian habitat for not only the Chiricahua Leopard Frog, but other threatened and endangered species, as well.
Reclaiming our Grasslands
Joint Partnerships on the Sands and Vera Earl Ranches
We worked with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and Arizona Game & Fish on the Sands Ranch to treat invasive shrubs and return the landscape to native grasslands. In total, the Vera Earl has assisted the Sands Ranch in treating 5,500 acres for invasive shrubs and currently has an additional grant to clear another 500 acres. Throughout the treatment of shrubs, we have also installed pipelines, storage tanks and water troughs for the benefit of both wildlife and cattle.
In partnership with U. S. Fish & Wildlife, Arizona Game & Fish, and the Antelope Foundation, we have cleared approximately 3,000 acres of mesquite, restoring the grasslands and enhancing the them for antelope, migrating birds, and cattle on the Vera Earl.
With both of these projects we have considerably improved the ecosystem by increasing water filtration into the ground, decreasing run off water, and improving both grass production and diversity.
Engaging on the empire
On the Empire Ranch, which is leased from Arizona State Land and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), we engage the public through a process called Biological Planning.
We are proud to continue the process developed by BLM in conjunction with the Donaldson family, previous leaseholders of the Empire Ranch, in which we meet with the public and multiple agencies twice yearly to discuss grazing, rainfall, monitoring, endangered species, wetlands, the Cienega Creek and archaeological items. Actively engaging the public in the activities of cattle ranches not encourages the understanding and appreciation of our history and tradition, but also increases awareness and education of our industry.
Please explore the links below to learn how Ian Tomlinson and the Vera Earl Ranch have been recognized for our work on environmental issues and sustainable ranching:
