Data points to trust gap with agencies, willingness to adapt among producers
We asked more than 6,000 agricultural water users in the Colorado River Basin what they thought about the current situation, their use of and interest in conservation practices, and their preferences for how to address water shortages going forward. More than 1,000 responded. Explore the data and read our report on the findings.
Western Landowners welcome historic USDA working lands investment
On June 27th, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced major changes and new investments that recognize and support the vital role that working lands play in sustaining wildlife. The USDA is committing $500 million and leveraging resources from all available conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program, into its highly successful Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks.
Legacy Fund in New Mexico already making an impact
The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund became law in New Mexico in March, and it has already put millions to work for New Mexico's working lands and landscapes! A new map shows 750 land, water, agriculture and outdoor recreation funded projects in all 33 New Mexico counties and most Tribal communities. Legislators have an opportunity to fully endow the fund in 2024 session!
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
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.