Northern Great Plains
The Northern Great Plains (NGP) Section is one of 21 Sections operating within the framework of the Society for Range Management(SRM). The Society for Range Management is the professional scientific society and conservation organization whose members are concerned with studying, conserving, managing and sustaining the varied resources of the rangelands which comprise nearly half the land in the world. Established in 1948, SRM has over 4,000 members in 48 countries, including many developing nations.
SRM’s members are land managers, scientists, educators, students, producers and conservationists; we are a diverse membership guided by a professional code of ethics and unified by a strong land ethic.
The Mission of the Society for Range Management is to promote the professional development and continuing education of members and the public and the stewardship of rangeland resources.
The NGP Section includes the state of North Dakota, the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and that part of Montana lying east from the eastern boundary of the following counties: Toole, Pondera Teton, Cascade, Meagher, and Park. Several Chapters have been formed within the NGP Section, but currently there are two active chapters within the Section, the Prairie Parkland Chapter in Canada and the North Dakota Chapter. All other members work as representatives of the Section.
The purpose and objectives for which the corporation was formed are as follows:
- To properly take care of the basic rangeland resources of soil, plants, and water, and to develop understanding of rangeland ecosystems and of the principles applicable to the management of range resources.
- To assist all who work with range resources to keep abreast of new findings and techniques in both the science and art of range management, and to improve the effectiveness of range management.
- To obtain from range resources the products and values necessary for man’s welfare, and to create a public appreciation of the economic and social benefits to be obtained from the range environment
- To promote the professional development of its membership with emphasis on issues of the Northern Great Plains.
Interested in Northern Great Plains Section?
Are you a rancher? A biologist? Interested in doing more to protect or range and environment?
Mark Hayek
Chair/President
Chair/President: Mark HayekChair/President: Northern Great Plains SectionChair-Elect: Haylee KratzkeChair/President
Upcoming Events
Nebraska Center for Grassland Studies LEU Lecture
Nebraska Center for Grassland Studies will host its annual Leu Lecture on Thursday, November 12, 2026,
from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Hardin Hall Auditorium, 3310 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, Nebraska
68503. This year’s featured speaker, Dr. Lauren Svejcar, will highlight global efforts with
the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), highlighting the
importance of rangelands, the people who manage them, and their contributions to
communities and ecosystems around the world (https://iyrp.info/).
November 12, 2026 • Hardin Hall Auditorium
November 12, 2026Range & Fire Ecology Education Program - Application
The University of Nevada, Reno has the program for you!
Visit the program website to find out more & apply today!
Do you want to advance your career with Rangeland and Fire Ecology management knowledge and skills?
Are you limited in the amount of time you can dedicate to courses
because of work, family, and life obligations?
Do you want to qualify for a Federal 401 or 454 position within 2 years?
Multiple Knowledge & Skill Pathways
454 Rangeland Management Specialist Certification (also meets coursework for “Certified Rangeland Management”)
401 Natural Resource Specialist Certification
Micro-Credentials (9-12 credit focused coursework & experience):
• Fire Ecology& Fuels Management
• Riparian Ecology & Management
• Restoration Ecology & Management
• Rangeland Planning & Management
• Grazing Management
Program Logistics & Cost
• All students pay in-state tuition, currently $312.75 per credit hour, plus a $102.00 technology fee per course.
• Field requirements vary by course, ranging from 2-5 days for lower division to 7-10 days for the upper division course block.
• Field sites are primarily located in Nevada. Some field weeks require accommodations(i.e., a hotel); other weeks require camping.
Visit the program website to find out more & apply today!
Questions? Email Dawna Snyder (dawnas@unr.edu)
or Lucas Phipps (lphipps@unr.edu)
November 3 - 30, 2026
November 3 - 30, 2026Nebraska Natural Resources Conference
2026 Conference
October 27-29, 2026 | Younes Conference Center South, Kearney, NE
Nebraska Natural Legacy Project, the Nebraska Chapter of The Wildlife Society, and the Nebraska Section of the Society for Range Management have come together to host this unique event, reflecting our shared mission to sustain Nebraska’s natural resources through stewardship, science, and education. The theme for the 2026 conference is “Deep Roots, Lasting Lands”.
October 27 - 29, 2026
October 27 - 29, 2026