2016 Public Lands Council Meeting wraps up; Utah rancher takes the reins

On Sept. 10, the annual Public Lands Council meeting wrapped up with a high desert range and operation tour in Southern Idaho. The meeting drew more than 150 public lands ranchers along with affiliate representatives to engage in the grassroots policy process, hear from agency officials and discuss critical issues that are impacting the West. This year’s PLC meeting focused on top issues for public lands ranchers including preserving and enhancing sage grouse habitat through land stewardship, managing wild horse and burro populations at appropriate levels, and fighting regulation that threatens multiple use and vibrant western communities. “We had a successful meeting this year, and we are pleased with the turnout of not only our members, but agency officials that took to time to meet with us and hear our concerns,” said Ethan Lane, PLC executive director. At the conclusion of the business meeting, Dave Eliason, a fifth-generation rancher from Utah, was elected serve the two-year term as PLC president, succeeding Brenda Richards, who will serve as immediate past president. Bob Skinner of Jordan Valley, Oregon, was elected to serve as vice president, and Nels Hansen of Rawlins, Wyoming, is the new secretary/treasurer...more