Writing a Stewardship Plan for Your State Lands Workshop

December 3, 2004

Colorado State University, Colorado State Land Board and the Crowley County Commissioners are hosting a two-day workshop to assist ranchers with state-leased land in developing and writing a stewardship plan for their ranch.

As most everyone knows, we are still suffering the effects of drought. The range is showing the effects of not only drought but also of past management. Some range is showing considerable improvement in condition after the rains this past summer, but some sites are slow to show improvement due in part to management decisions used during the drought.

The State Land Board evaluates all agricultural lease applications, whether submitted as a renewal application or a competitive application on an equal basis against each other. The evaluations are based on the factors set forth in the Colorado Revised Statues (C.R.S.). The three factors in the C.R.S. are: 1. Preservation of the stability of the local agricultural community; 2. The revenue provided for trust purposes; and 3. The lessee/applicant’s stewardship of the land. Two of the three factors, revenue provided for trust purposes and the lessee/applicant’s stewardship of the land will be weighted equally in the decision-making process because they have an equal and direct impact on the interests of the Trust. The third factor, preservation of the stability of the local agricultural community will be weighted less in the decision-making process.

Every rancher whether operating on totally privately owned land or whether ranching with leased land will be better able to manage the operation with a good stewardship plan (grazing management plan). To be able to develop the plan yourself on your terms and to meet your personal goal is what this workshop is about. Range professionals will be on hand to assist you in putting your plan together.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff in your local field office will gladly bring the necessary information about your ranch to the meeting for your use. Ranchers who have previously worked with NRCS will have most of what your need already put together. Ranchers who have not worked with NRCS should contact their local NRCS district conservationist at least a week before the meeting so his or her staff has time to put your information together. NOTE: All ranchers planning to attend should let their NRCS know in advance so the NRCS staff can put together the necessary documents and have them at the workshop.

Monday December 13 Location--Heritage Center–Crowley County: 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - What is contained in a Stewardship Plan by Rep of State Land Board; 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - Elements of Resource Planning by NRCS and CSU Extension; 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - What information do you need? By NRCS and CSU Extension; 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - How plants grow and respond to grazing/ Choosing appropriate Stocking rates by Dr. Roy Roath, CSU.

Tuesday December 14 Location— Heritage Center—Crowley County: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Writing your Stewardship Incentive Plan.

Registration fees will cover speaker travel, lunch on Tuesday and refreshments. For more information on the fees, contact Bill Hancock, Extension Agent, Otero and Crowley Counties, for further information at 719-254-7608.