We are on the Walsh Ranch, speaking with Bud and Sheila Walsh, in Central Montana on the edge of the Fort Belknap Reservation. Many elements are dependent on the health of these grasslands; they provide key wildlife corridors, are key for regional watersheds, carbon sequestration, and the health of this region supports hardworking communities largely centered around cattle ranching. These folks take great pride in producing quality food for the world, in ways that can also steward the land.
Here in Central Montana, there are several partnerships being formed, many non-traditional, which Bud and Sheila Walsh are involved in and will be speaking to today. To put it nicely, and vaguely, the world of ranching landowner and conservation non-profits or government agencies have not always had histories of working well together. But Bud and Sheila Walsh will share with us how these partnerships can be done with established trust, communication, and when the needs and knowledge of the ranchers on the ground are truly listened to and respected. They will share with us about being involved with The Nature Conservancy’s Matador Ranch grassbank and the Rancher’s Stewardship Alliance, where rancher's are leading work, through partnerships, that benefit communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Bud also speaks to his involvement with the Agricultural Committee for the Island Mountain Development Group, an Indigenous-led entity working to create self-sustaining economies and opportunities for members of the Aaniih and Nakoda Nations. This is a great episode for ranchers, folks in conservation, community development, or great insight for those who think their lives may not relate to those of ranchers at all, because I’m sure in some way you will find that it does. Bud and Sheila share insight on building trust and the values in listening, learning together, creating opportunities for the next generation, and the involvement of local communities.
LINKS
Ranchers Stewardship Alliance
The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch
Island Mountain Development Group
This episode is part of the Life in the Land project, which is a series of films and podcasts produced by Stories for Action, which hears from folks that interact with the complexities of Montana's landscapes, speaking to the value of locally-led work and the holistic approaches needed for the health of communities and the ecosystems they're a part of. Find out more about the project and watch the films at LifeintheLand.org
Stories for Action holds a mission to use the power of storytelling to create human connection and advance a thriving planet for all. StoriesforAction.org Follow along on our Instagram and Facebook: @StoriesforAction
The Upper Yellowstone River: Part 2 - Recreation and a Call for Community Reconnection
The Upper Yellowstone River: Part 1 - The Floods & Listening to the River
Safe Passages for Wildlife and People
The Montana Legislative Session from an Indigenous Perspective
Uplifting community & connection through story: Marissa Hackett
Generations Indigenous Ways: Helene Gaddie (Life in the Land series)
Messengers for Health in Crow Nation: Alma McCormick (Life in the Land series)
Daniel Kemmis: The Politics of Place (Life in the Land series)
Creating Community and Representation in Outdoor Recreation
Reframing Rural: Sarah Vogel, the Farmer’s Lawyer
Elk and the Devil’s Kitchen Management Team (Life in the Land series)
Gravel Pits and the Public Losing Their Voice
Old Salt Co-Op: Strengthening community and land stewardship through food (Life in the Land series)
Life in the Land: MT Fish, Wildlife, & Parks’ Mike Ruggles; agency partnerships in Central Montana
Life in the Land: Blackfeet Nation, Joe and Kathy Kipp, Stewardship as a rancher and community advocacy
Life in the Land: Bill Milton (Rancher), Collaborative Work & Resiliency, Central Montana Plains
Life in the Land: Big Hole Valley: Pedro Marques, Big Hole Watershed Committee
Life in the Land: Laura Nowlin; Rancher, Winnett ACES, Musselshell Watershed Coalition
Life in the Land: Big Hole Valley, USFWS Partners Program, Jim Magee
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