What factors should you consider when selecting an ownership structure for your ranch? What questions should you be sure to answer before deciding? What are differences between an LLC, a C Corporation, and an S Corporation? What are the benefits to partnership, cooperative or shared ownership structures, and what are the drawbacks? Why or when would someone choose a less common ownership structure?

Landowner perspectives gained through one-on-one interviews and focus groups throughout the Upper Rio Grande region provide the foundation for the recommendations contained within this toolkit. These perspectives are shared side-by-side with concise strategies for policymakers, funders, and organizations looking to improve wildlife habitat in this dynamic trans-boundary region of Colorado and New Mexico.

What defines “family governance” and what key factors drive the type of governance structure a family puts into place? How does one effectively integrate family members into its governing structure? What are some governance issues one encounters when creating and administering trusts?

Conservation is a form of economics What policy conditions would empower landowners to allocate time, talent and resources to biodiversity and connectivity? This question is the center of this paper, which treats conservation primarily as a certain desirable form of economics. Ultimately, it argues, the next era of conservation must focus on creating fertile conditions…

When should a succession plan be put in place? Who should be involved? What are the basic components of a farm or ranch business succession plan? Who can help put it in place?

In this guide, WLA offers the collective knowledge and hands-on experience of over 30 land, livestock and resource managers constructively engaged in one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time: how to share and manage a wild, working landscape that sustains both people and wildlife.

Landowners speak from experience on forestry The American West is home to some of our nation’s most iconic forests. WLA staff interviewed landowners throughout the West to gain their perspective on these incredibly diverse ecosystems and their role in supporting local economies and providing critical water supplies, recreational opportunities and sanctuary for wildlife populations.

Few things are as crucial to ranch operations as water. Getting a handle on your water rights may seem akin to drinking from a fire hose, but it is wildly important. Western water is complex, contentious, and rooted in rich history. This must-read article will help you keep your head above water.

This informative guide on the Endangered Species Act provides essential information on the law itself, changes currently being proposed and perspectives from experienced landowners.

Six common sense principles endorsed by more than 130 organizations light the path to a better West. We urge Congress and the Administration to advance these principles to achieve rural economic health and a productive agricultural sector, provide for our human needs, and protect the landscapes in which we live and work.

The land and people of rural America are the foundation of our national economy and way of life, providing the food, water, energy and wildlife upon which we all depend. Yet rural America is struggling and working lands are disappearing. With the right public policies and strategic investments we can change this. Read WLA’s 2017 policy platform to learn more.

An explanation of WLA’s multi-year rangeland monitoring study, which used field data and remote sensing to assess the effects of varying management strategies on rangeland health and productivity in New Mexico.

In Summer 2016, WLA co-hosted the Beyond Boundaries Landowner Symposium in Cody, Wyoming, which included discussions on emerging science and new policies related to working lands and private ownership in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and beyond. This is the report of that gathering.

Written by an oil and gas attorney, this is a must read resource written specifically to inform landowners about oil and gas leases and surface use agreements.

In this vital guide’s second edition, revised and updated in 2015, from the Wyoming Wildlife Foundation, building effective yet wildlife-friendly fencing is beautifully illustrated and clearly explained.

This Brief consists of five sections and an appendix, as follows: Background and Overview covers the basics of the federal Clean Water Act and an overview of the proposal. Considerations includes some topics that helped form the basis of WLA’s proposed comments. Using WLA Experience to Inform Input is a series of WLA member scenarios…

Highlighting strategies to restore this beautiful species The decline of aspen in western forests over the past several decades has been a significant concern to scientists, foresters and land managers, including private landowners. This article describes important aspen management and research on private lands and provides additional resources for landowners on aspen restoration.

Caring for New Mexico’s Streams Private stewardship of Western land and water plays a vital role in the health of the West. This must-read guide highlights the importance of New Mexico landowners to our economic and environmental future. Our food, water resources, forests, rangelands, and fish and wildlife populations depend on their stewardship. Public policies…