SRM Celebrates International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026
SRM Celebrates International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026
Backed by Bipartisan Resolutions
Washington DC — The Society for Range Management (SRM) celebrates the bipartisan introduction of the House and Senate resolutions recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
SRM is proud to have championed this effort from the beginning, engaging with partners, agencies, and legislative offices to support both the United Nations designation and recognition in the United States. “Range management, at its core, is about how we are better together—working, managing, and collaborating across disciplines, communities, and landscapes,” President Walker added. “We thank Senators Lummis (R-WY) and Luján (D-NM) and Representatives Maloy (R-UT) and Costa (D-CA) for their leadership on this resolution. Together with Congress, agencies, land managers, producers, scientists, and local communities, we intend to make 2026 a decisive turning point for long-term investment in resilient rangelands and thriving pastoral communities.”
Rangelands cover nearly one-third of the United States, providing food and fiber, wildlife habitat, water resources, carbon storage, recreation, and energy, while anchoring rural economies and cultures. Pastoralists and ranchers play a critical role as land stewards, applying generational knowledge and science-based grazing to sustain healthy, resilient rangeland ecosystems.
By formally recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, these resolutions underscore the economic, social, and ecological importance of these lands and the people who manage them, and encourage expanded education, research, and outreach on sustainable rangeland management.
President John Walker states: “The 2026 designation as the International Year of Rangelands is a global milestone in what SRM has always known—that the impact rangelands, ranchers, and pastoralists alike have on this world is indispensable and undeniable. Not only is this a moment to be celebrated throughout 2026 and beyond, but an invitation to educate, connect, and ensure rangeland science shapes the conversations that shape these landscapes for generations to come.”
SRM is proud to have championed this effort from the beginning, engaging with partners, agencies, and legislative offices to support both the United Nations designation and recognition in the United States. “Range management, at its core, is about how we are better together—working, managing, and collaborating across disciplines, communities, and landscapes,” President Walker added. “We thank Senators Lummis (R-WY) and Luján (D-NM) and Representatives Maloy (R-UT) and Costa (D-CA) for their leadership on this resolution. Together with Congress, agencies, land managers, producers, scientists, and local communities, we intend to make 2026 a decisive turning point for long-term investment in resilient rangelands and thriving pastoral communities.”
Rangelands cover nearly one-third of the United States, providing food and fiber, wildlife habitat, water resources, carbon storage, recreation, and energy, while anchoring rural economies and cultures. Pastoralists and ranchers play a critical role as land stewards, applying generational knowledge and science-based grazing to sustain healthy, resilient rangeland ecosystems.
By formally recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, these resolutions underscore the economic, social, and ecological importance of these lands and the people who manage them, and encourage expanded education, research, and outreach on sustainable rangeland management.
President John Walker states: “The 2026 designation as the International Year of Rangelands is a global milestone in what SRM has always known—that the impact rangelands, ranchers, and pastoralists alike have on this world is indispensable and undeniable. Not only is this a moment to be celebrated throughout 2026 and beyond, but an invitation to educate, connect, and ensure rangeland science shapes the conversations that shape these landscapes for generations to come.”