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Habitat Heroes

America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are continuing to show how wildlife and working lands can prosper together. Meet some of the producers managing for top-notch wildlife habitat on their working lands.

Mike Fenn, Pinedale, Wyoming
September 26, 2017 – In western Wyoming ranchers like Mike Fenn are voluntarily stepping up to protect and restore the country that supports their way of life. Working with the Sage Grouse Initiative, he has implemented new practices, like resting his pastures, protecting wetlands and limiting development on his land, and is improving forage for cattle and wildlife. Read our multimedia story.

John Hoover, Centre County, Pennsylvania
July 20, 2017 – John Hoover says walking through his Pennsylvania forest is like walking through rooms of a house. "Each room is different and has its own use," he says, referring to the different age classes of tree stands on his property. Some are old. Some are young. Over the years, John has learned a diverse forest can yield better timber while benefiting wildlife. Read our multimedia story.

Greg Peterson, Gunnison, Colorado
July 13, 2017 – The lush green flats on his ranch offer plenty of quality forage for his cow/calf pairs as well as the elk and Gunnison sage-grouse that frequent his property. The health of these flourishing Rocky Mountain rangelands is due to nearly 20 years of sagebrush restoration, water projects and sustainable grazing practices. Read our multimedia story.

Natalie and Donald Love, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
February 21, 2017 – Natalie and Donald Love are working to improve the healthy, structurally diverse forests that provide many benefits for wildlife by managing their Pennsylvania land with sustainable forestry practices. Their work benefits the golden-winged warbler and many other species. Read our story.