Society for Range Management Applauds USDA and Department of Interior Collaboration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC - The Society for Range Management (SRM) has long been the primary architect of interagency collaboration, bridging the gap between federal departments, rangeland researchers, and the ranching community. This week’s announcement of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USDA and the Department of the Interior exemplifies the kind of common-sense, partnership-driven approach we have pioneered since our founding.

SRM is encouraged by the commitment to modernize grazing management. We have consistently advocated for policies that are grounded in sound range science while remaining functional for the producers who steward these landscapes. We particularly commend the inclusion of ranch immersion programs for federal employees and the creation of Grazing Permittee Wildfire Liaisons—initiatives that reflect the need for improved communication and a first-hand understanding of range realities.

“We applaud USDA and DOI for their coordinated efforts to conserve and enhance our nation’s public rangelands for future generations. Our Society looks forward to supporting the application of this MOU on the ground. We stand ready to facilitate rancher partnerships, provide technical guidance for adaptive management, and help integrate new technologies that enhance rangeland resilience,” said President John Walker.