Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis and Senator Ben Ray Luján introduced a bipartisan resolution on Mar. 17 declaring 2026 as the “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists” to honor those who manage and protect rangelands across the United States.
The resolution aims to recognize the vital role that pastoralists and ranchers play in maintaining food security, supporting rural communities, and preserving ecological resilience. The initiative also aligns with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 for this purpose.
“America’s pastoralists manage, conserve, and protect more than 700 million acres of land across our nation,” said Lummis. “These ranchers keep our domestic food supply secure and rural communities strong, raising the beef, lamb, and livestock that feed America. The quiet work of our nation’s pastoralists deserves to be commended, and I am proud to lead this recognition alongside Senator Luján.”
Luján said, “I’m proud to partner with Senator Lummis to recognize the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. Rangelands make up a vast majority of New Mexico and are critical to our economy, culture, and way of life. Our ranchers and pastoralists care for these lands with generations of knowledge and practices that strengthen food security, support rural communities, and reduce wildfire risk. This resolution recognizes their essential role and encourages continued research and education to sustain our rangelands for future generations.”
Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of Natural Resources at NCBA and PLC Executive Director, said: “The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists honors the unsung work of those who manage, study, cultivate, and protect millions of acres of America’s treasured landscapes. Pastoral management of livestock is alive and well across the country, as grazing animals are carefully managed to provide food and fiber from resilient ecosystems. From rancher to researcher, rangeland conservationist to shepherd, everyone does their part and PLC thanks all of those who are part of this special culture on grasslands and rangelands around the globe.”
The Society for Range Management stated: “The Society for Range Management (SRM) applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Senate resolution recognizing 2026 as the ‘International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.’ Rangelands cover nearly one-third of the United States… By formally recognizing 2026, the Senate resolution underscores the economic, social, and ecological importance of these lands… We thank Senators Lummis and Luján for their leadership…”
According to the official website, Lummis supports community service initiatives in Wyoming while contributing to family ranching traditions that shape local heritage. She also focuses on legislative efforts such as maintaining national forest trails through measures like authoring the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act in 2016.
Lummis has served Wyoming in various capacities including roles in both state legislative chambers as well as state treasurer before becoming its first female U.S. senator according to her official biography. She represents Wyoming with offices throughout its communities extending into Washington D.C.
The broader impact expected from this resolution includes increased awareness about sustainable land management practices among policymakers as well as public recognition for those working on rangeland stewardship.
