A Conservation Legend



This year marks the 20th anniversary of our NRCS conservation easement at Colvin Ranch. In 2005, we were the first in Washington to participate in the Grassland Reserve Program. When my family signed the documents permanently protecting the native prairies at the ranch under the conservation easement, it was the culmination of many years of work and planning. But it was just the start of a significant and long-term relationship. Once the documents are signed for a conservation easement, the real work begins. 

Over the past 20 years, we've worked closely with Marty Chaney, a pasture management specialist with NRCS, on the implementation of our grazing plans. I don't know whether it was by luck or chance that we ended up with Marty in our corner of the field, but it was certainly our good fortune. 

Marty is one of the most knowledgeable experts on conservation grazing in our region, making her a valuable resource. Ranchers and others working on native prairie habitats regularly seek out her insights and expertise. She balances her technical knowledge with a dose of practicality, understanding that conservation only works in partnership with all parties when everyone's needs are taken into account, including the needs of livestock producers like us. After all, we're only able to take on additional conservation projects above and beyond what's required by our conservation easement because we are able to have a sustainable business selling beef. 

Our grazing practices have evolved over the past 20 years as the prairies and native plants have responded to improved conservation grazing management techniques, and Marty has been instrumental in that evolution. Weather, wildlife, and nature herself create changing conditions that require us to adapt to every year. Rather than sticking with a formulaic grazing plan, Marty encouraged us to try out new things to see what works. When something didn't work out as well as we hoped, we'd adjust the next year. One of the remarkable things about these native prairies is their resilience, which is lucky for us as we've continued to learn and to try to do better every year. 

Today, you can see Marty's legacy in the native plants that thrive at the ranch, in the numerous pocket gopher mounds that dot the prairie, and in the oak trees that provide shelter for birds along the creek. 

In her long career with NRCS, Marty has failed at only one thing she's taken on - and that's her retirement. After 42 years at NRCS, Marty attempted to retire last week, but she quickly failed as she was back at work on Monday, although in a new consulting role. We're grateful that we will get to benefit from Marty's expertise, leadership, and friendship through NRCS for a while longer.