Preserving the Prairie

In 2005, Colvin Ranch was the first in Washington to participate in the USDA's Grassland Reserve Program, ensuring that the prairie would be preserved forever.

In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, we've worked to protect and enhance the native prairie habitat while continuing to operate our historic ranch. What we've found over the years is that by implementing conservation grazing practices, we've been able to increase the diversity of plant species, increase habitat for endangered species like the Mazama Pocket Gopher, and increase forage production for our cattle.

As Fred explains in this video, "what I like to tell people is when your grandchildren's grandchildren come out here, it will pretty much look like it does today."