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Future of the West

The working lands of the West not only provide the food, the fiber, and the energy that sustains us, but they also provide critical refuge for wildlife. In fact, up to 80% of wildlife species depend on working lands for survival.

Support a West that works for people and wildlife. Give today!

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Landowner leadership needed now

In today’s highly charged political environment, it is challenging to find paths forward that unite people and make sense on the ground, but that is what WLA was created to do.

As the U.S. experiences a major shift in federal policy, it is a critical time to weigh in on behalf of western working lands. Rather than defending the status quo, cheering from the sidelines or taking a “wait and see” approach, landowners need to take a leadership role in shaping the future.

Website Feature REstoring America

Our policy priorities for the new Congress and Administration

America’s working lands provide the food, fiber, water, energy and ecosystems on which we all depend. These vital lands and the people who care for them are cornerstones of our national security, economy and quality of life. With the right policies we can sustain our working lands and rural economies. Our recommendations are shaped by insights and expertise from landowners, agricultural producers and land managers from across the Western states.

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Grizzly listing comment period extended to May 16th. On Land podcast dives in on proposal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the grizzly bear’s listing under the Endangered Species Act, and a public comment period is open. But what exactly would this new rule mean for grizzly bear management, landowners, and the future of the species? 

In this episode of the On Land podcast, cross-posted from Working Wild U, Jared and Zach sit down with Shaleas Harrison, WLA's Wyoming resources coordinator, to break down the proposed rule, the long history of grizzly bear listing and delisting efforts, and what the proposed changes could mean for people living and working in grizzly country. 

What we're all about

A Better Place

In this short film we celebrate Western landowners' visionary stewardship. Watch, share and be inspired to support our mission of sustaining working lands, connected landscapes and native species!

Priorities

The Habitat Lease

Critical habitat for wildlife in the West is disappearing at an alarming rate. We're working on a big solution.

A simple, proven model, applied at scale

Habitat leases are designed to secure existing habitat and ecological services currently provided on private lands that meet threshold requirements for ecological site condition. 

Learn More

Water & Drought

Leading the proactive response from landowners, on the land and through policy, to the Western water crisis.

Water in the West

The West's water crisis is a challenge landowners are rising to, with the right support.

Learn More

The Working Wild Challenge

Thriving ranches and thriving wildlife.

Landowner leadership to reduce conflicts between wildlife and livestock

Our approach leads to stronger partnerships, more resilient ranches, and ultimately, better-connected landscapes.

Learn More

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On Land

The Voice of Stewardship in the American West
Magazine + Podcast

 

WLA's magazine

On Land tells the stories of stewardship in a new West, in the voices of the people who are living it, at the leading edge of a future that puts people and nature together again for the benefit of both.

Read Now

Listen to our new Podcast!

The Habitat Lease

Critical habitat for wildlife in the West is disappearing at an alarming rate. We're working on a big solution.

A simple, proven model, applied at scale

Habitat leases are designed to secure existing habitat and ecological services currently provided on private lands that meet threshold requirements for ecological site condition. 

Learn More

Water & Drought

Leading the proactive response from landowners, on the land and through policy, to the Western water crisis.

Water in the West

The West's water crisis is a challenge landowners are rising to, with the right support.

Learn More

The Working Wild Challenge

Thriving ranches and thriving wildlife.

Landowner leadership to reduce conflicts between wildlife and livestock

Our approach leads to stronger partnerships, more resilient ranches, and ultimately, better-connected landscapes.

Learn More

OnLand_Logo_SMark_Black

On Land

The Voice of Stewardship in the American West
Magazine + Podcast

WLA's magazine

On Land tells the stories of stewardship in a new West, in the voices of the people who are living it, at the leading edge of a future that puts people and nature together again for the benefit of both.

Read Now

Listen to our new Podcast!

AWARD-WINNING PODCAST | Season 2 out now!

Working Wild University

Working Wild U is our award-winning documentary podcast that takes you out into the field, forest and range with the people and wildlife of the American West to tell you the big stories at the heart of the struggle to sustain resilient and connected landscapes and communities. Season 2 takes a close look at the Endangered Species Act where it meets the ground on working lands across the West.
 
Season 1 explored wolves in the West - from extermination to recovery, to uncovering what it really means to share the landscape with these iconic carnivores. 
LATEST FILM

The Fish & the Flame

Our award-winning short film shows how Tim Haarmann, ranch manager at Banded Peak Ranch, and Jim White, a biologist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, collaborated to save one of the last remaining populations of nearly-extinct San Juan cutthroat trout, just as a wildfire threatens to decimate the fish.

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS IN THE WEST

WORKING LANDS, CONNECTED LANDSCAPES, NATIVE SPECIES

Together these things make up the revered and vital character of the American West. Landowner leaders are stepping up to keep them intact.

We know that the people living and working closest to the earth every day are our best hope for overcoming the challenges we face in the West. Can you help by answering just one question right now?

OUR MISSION

Western Landowners Alliance advances policies and practices that sustain working lands, connected landscapes and native species.

OUR VISION

We envision a future in which private and leased public lands in the West are resilient to stressors, healthy, and biologically diverse, and provide for prosperous rural livelihoods and critical ecological services.

OUR APPROACH

We provide a collective voice, a peer network and a shared knowledge base for landowners striving to keep the land whole and healthy.

What We Do

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VOICE

Bringing landowner perspectives and stories to bear on major issues shaping the West.

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STEWARDSHIP

WLA’s peer network and shared knowledge base is designed for landowners striving to keep the land whole and healthy.

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POLICY

Advancing pragmatic, common ground solutions that sustain working lands, connected landscapes and native species.

The West Needs Your Voice

Join our collective effort and enjoy the benefits of membership.

Critical Updates from around the West
Landowner Knowledge Exchange
Special Events and Member Discounts
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MEDIA CENTER

Western Landowners Alliance is proud to share our stewardship videos. 

Join WLA to stay up to date on the most important news and policy for land stewards.

Become a member for free today and we will send you the news and policy developments critical to the economic and ecological health of working lands.

WLA works on behalf of landowners and practitioners throughout the West. We will never share your contact information with anyone.

©2025 Western Landowners Alliance • PO BOX 27798, Denver, CO 80227 • 505.466.1495 
Western Landowners Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS.