Publication

Ranchers, Producers and Landowners Perspectives on Grassland Conservation Initiatives

A Summary of Survey Efforts in Canada, Mexico and the United States

Description

The Central Grasslands are among the largest remaining intact grasslands in North America, supporting both biodiversity and agricultural production. To ensure that the perspectives of ranchers, producers and landowners are included in conservation planning, surveys were conducted in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2021 and 2022. This report summarizes and compares responses across the three countries, highlighting shared concerns and differences shaped by local contexts. Results emphasize that landowners view themselves as stewards of the grasslands and prefer flexible, incentive-based programs that acknowledge and reward good practices rather than apply one-size-fits-all approaches.

This report is intended for policymakers, researchers, conservation practitioners and producer organizations. It provides valuable insights into landowner engagement strategies, underscoring the importance of face-to-face communication, recognition of stewardship and social science-based approaches to design effective, locally relevant grassland conservation initiatives.

Additional Information