CASPER, WY — Pathfinder Ensign Ranches, a 916,000‑acre cattle and bison operation southwest of Casper, has been awarded the National Audubon Society’s Bird‑Friendly Land Certification. The certification recognizes ranches that manage pastures to protect birds and wildlife while maintaining profitable operations.

Conservation practices earn recognition

Audubon’s Conservation Ranching program, now in its tenth year, highlights producers who use rotational grazing, wildlife‑friendly fencing, weed control, upgraded water pipelines, and wetland restoration. According to Anthony Hauck, communications director for Audubon’s working lands initiatives, the Robinson family has implemented these practices since purchasing the property in January.

Habitat benefits for priority species

Range ecologist Cidney Handy of Audubon Rockies noted that Wyoming’s rangelands face challenges such as drought, invasive cheatgrass, woody plant encroachment, and development pressure. By moving cattle quickly through some pastures and allowing others to rest, the ranch creates a mosaic of short grass, taller cover, and diverse forbs. This structure supports priority grassland birds like mountain plovers, horned larks, sage thrashers, Brewer’s sparrows and greater sage‑grouse, as well as lark buntings, vesper sparrows and burrowing owls.

Broader wildlife partnerships

The ranch also provides habitat for elk, mule deer and pronghorn, and is partnering with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to reintroduce bighorn sheep to the Sweetwater Rocks, where wild herds have been absent for more than a century. Additionally, Pathfinder Ensign Ranches maintains the nation’s first and largest federally approved greater sage‑grouse conservation bank, protecting connected nesting and breeding grounds.

Economic and community impact

“What’s good for birds is also beneficial for rangelands and the viability of our business,” said Chris Robinson, CEO of Ensign Ranches. Audubon’s ranching initiative now includes 160 beef and bison producers managing over 4.7 million acres nationwide, with 13 certified ranches in Wyoming covering more than 1.4 million acres. Handy added, “We want to support families like the Robinsons who are helping ensure these working landscapes remain healthy and productive for generations to come.”

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.