
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.

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.

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

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

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.
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

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

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

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.
MEDIA CENTER
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Western Landowners Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS.