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  • A remote area inside an Assamese national park and reserved land that has been encroached on is shown December 28, 2003 The encroachers are causing tremendous deforestation as they sell the wood and clear the land for agriculture. Forsetry officials chase them off the land but they come back almost immediately after the clearing operation and continue to live in this protected area. (Ami Vitale)
    Elephants023.psd
  • The daughter of Kadija, Saidya, 11, and her neighbors' children including Jima Ali (wearing purple) collect water with a donkey August 25, 2006 in Barentu, Eritrea. Some of the most difficult and labor intensive work is gathering wood and water and it is traditionally carried out by women only. (Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0090.jpg
  • The daughter of Kadija, Saidya, 11, and her neighbors' children including Jima Ali (wearing purple) collect water with a donkey August 25, 2006 in Barentu, Eritrea. Some of the most difficult and labor intensive work is gathering wood and water and it is traditionally carried out by women only. (Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0066b.jpg
  • The daughter of Kadija, Saidya, 11, and her neighbors' children including Jima Ali (wearing purple) collect water with a donkey August 25, 2006 in Barentu, Eritrea. Some of the most difficult and labor intensive work is gathering wood and water and it is traditionally carried out by women only. (Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0104.jpg
  • The daughter of Kadija, Saidya, 11, and her neighbors' children including Jima Ali (wearing purple) collect water with a donkey August 25, 2006 in Barentu, Eritrea. Some of the most difficult and labor intensive work is gathering wood and water and it is traditionally carried out by women only. (Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0086.jpg
  • Chitrakoot District, Uttar Pradesh, India: Women and children work in the fields gathering wood in the Chitrakoot District of Uttar Pradesh. In India woman are responsible for carrying out many hard labored tasks. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    2005_India_UP_024.jpg
  • Chitrakoot District, Uttar Pradesh, India: Women work in the fields gathering wood in the Chitrakoot District of Uttar Pradesh. In India woman are responsible for carrying out many hard labored tasks. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    2005_India_UP_023.jpg
  • Chitrakoot District, Uttar Pradesh, India: Women work in the fields gathering wood in the Chitrakoot District of Uttar Pradesh. In India woman are responsible for carrying out many hard labored tasks. Chitrakoot District in Uttar Pradesh, India.  (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    2005_India_UP_022.jpg
  • Chitrakoot District, Uttar Pradesh, India: Women work in the fields gathering wood in the Chitrakoot District of Uttar Pradesh. In India woman are responsible for carrying out many hard labored tasks.  (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    2005_India_UP_021.jpg
  • Girls gather water in the village of Nkonkwa, on Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania August 25, 2011. Ami Vitale
    TAN_1813.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly, left, his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey  and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows to prepare for a move as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6869.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6842.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1810.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1805.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1787.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1781.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1780.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1777.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1766.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1753.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1748.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1744.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1707.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1704.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1672.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly, his daughter Layla,  researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1522.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly, his daughter Layla,  researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1519.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1504.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1502.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1476.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1459.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1449.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1446.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1442.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1434.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1432.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1418.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1410.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1406.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1312.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla,  5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1133.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla,  5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1130.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1104.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Neighbors gather to drink coffee that Amlel Ambaye  and Zeritu Makonen prepared for a coffee ceremony inside their family home near the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia.  Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. First she roasts the coffee beans over coals, then takes a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
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  • Andy Anderson, 4, races to say goodbye to his dad in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The days are long and hard on the ranch and family time is minimal. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..Andy Anderson, 4, waits while his parents gather a calf in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
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  • Hank the cow dog waits to begin work  in their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..Andy Anderson, 4, waits while his parents gather a calf in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    TAN_9389.TIF
  • Andy Anderson, 4, watches while his parents try to get a cow into their trailer in their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..Andy Anderson, 4, waits while his parents gather a calf in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    DSC_2776.TIF
  • Horses gather around Danielle Lattuga in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_2220.TIF
  • Horses gather in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_2182.TIF
  • Women and children from the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console Moyna, who just lost her brother in a fishing accident because of violent weather, October 20, 2010 . She was screaming, "Where is my brother? oh brother, where are you?"Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
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  • Women and children from the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console Moyna, who just lost her brother in a fishing accident because of violent weather, October 20, 2010 . She was screaming, "Where is my brother? oh brother, where are you?"Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
    DSC_9527.TIF
  • Women   from the fishing village of Dema in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console one another after it was learned that a boat carrying their loved ones capsized,  October 19, 2010 . Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
    DSC_9222.TIF
  • Women   from the fishing village of Dema in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console one another after it was learned that a boat carrying their loved ones capsized,  October 19, 2010 . Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
    DSC_9214.TIF
  • Women   from the fishing village of Dema in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console one another after it was learned that a boat carrying their loved ones capsized,  October 19, 2010 . Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
    DSC_9167.JPG
  • Women and children from the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console Moyna, who just lost her brother in a fishing accident because of violent weather, October 21, 2010 . She was screaming, "Where is my brother? oh brother, where are you?"Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0786.TIF
  • Women and children from the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console Moyna, who just lost her brother in a fishing accident because of violent weather, October 21, 2010 . She was screaming, "Where is my brother? oh brother, where are you?"Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0733.TIF
  • Women and children from the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console Moyna, who just lost her brother in a fishing accident because of violent weather, October 21, 2010 . She was screaming, "Where is my brother? oh brother, where are you?"Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0724.TIF
  • Women and children from the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to console Moyna, who just lost her brother in a fishing accident because of violent weather, October 21, 2010 . She was screaming, "Where is my brother? oh brother, where are you?"Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0718.TIF
  • Women and children from the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh gather to watch their husbands and fathers and brothers prepare the boat to go out to sea, October 2o, 2010 . Its a dangerous job and everyone knows it could be the last time they see their loved ones. There is no guarantee that they will return home. Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
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  • First Nation Dene youth gather  during a spiritual gethering in Reliance after a group returns on a canoe trip from the Upper Thelon River is "the place where God began."  Sparsely populated, today few make it into the Thelon. Distances are simply too far, modern vehicles too expensive and unreliable. For the Dene youth, faced with the pressures of a western world, the ties that bind the people and their way of life to the land are even more tenuous. Every impending mine, road, and dam construction threatens to sever these connections. In July and August, 2011 a group of youth paddled to their ancestral hunting ground and spiritual abode.  this next generation of young leaders will be the ones who will need to speak for the Thelon the loudest. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • First Nation Dene youth gather  during a spiritual gethering in Reliance after a group returns on a canoe trip from the Upper Thelon River is "the place where God began."  Sparsely populated, today few make it into the Thelon. Distances are simply too far, modern vehicles too expensive and unreliable. For the Dene youth, faced with the pressures of a western world, the ties that bind the people and their way of life to the land are even more tenuous. Every impending mine, road, and dam construction threatens to sever these connections. In July and August, 2011 a group of youth paddled to their ancestral hunting ground and spiritual abode.  this next generation of young leaders will be the ones who will need to speak for the Thelon the loudest. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Koryak men who have been hired as salmon caviar poachers gather spawning fish along the Vyvenka river near Khailinina in Northern Kamchatka. Poaching is one of the biggest dangers to wild salmon. Since salmon eggs are in high demand in some countries like Russia and far more lucrative than any other viable trade in the region, many see this as the only opportunity for survival. The result is a vast decrease among the salmon population. Over the years, demand for salmon has gone up, while the population of salmon has steadily gone down. If this growing trend continues, it may not be long before salmon are on the verge of extinction.
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  • Blacksburg, Va. UNITED STATES: People gather to grieve at a candlelight vigil for the victims of the shooting massacre at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia April 17, 2007. A 23-year-old student from South Korea was identified as the gunman who carried out the deadliest school shooting in US history.  33 people died on Monday, police named the gunman as Cho Seung-Hui, a student at the school and resident alien in the United States. (AMi Vitale)
    _DSC2810.jpg
  • Blacksburg, Va. UNITED STATES: Members of the media gather on the Virginia Tech campus April 17, 2007 after a 23-year-old student from South Korea was identified as the gunman who carried out the deadliest school shooting in US history.  33 people died on Monday, police named the gunman as Cho Seung-Hui, a student at the school and resident alien in the United States. (AMi Vitale)
    _DSC2702.jpg
  • Blacksburg, Va. UNITED STATES: Virginia Tech students, media, polica and religious fundamentalists gather outside a stadium before a convocation and memorial April 17, 2007 for victims of the shooting massacre at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. A 23-year-old student from South Korea was identifiedas the gunman who carried out the deadliest school shooting in US history.  33 people died on Monday, police named the gunman as Cho Seung-Hui, a student at the school and resident alien in the United States. (AMi Vitale)
    DSC_0090.jpg
  • Blacksburg, Va. UNITED STATES: Students hug as a Virginia Tech Cadet stands nearby and photograpers gather before a convocation and memorial April 17, 2007 for victims of the shooting massacre at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. A 23-year-old student from South Korea was identifiedas the gunman who carried out the deadliest school shooting in US history.  33 people died on Monday, police named the gunman as Cho Seung-Hui, a student at the school and resident alien in the United States. (AMi Vitale)
    DSC_0041.jpg
  • Blacksburg, Va. UNITED STATES: Virginia Tech Cadets gather before a convocation and memorial April 17, 2007 for victims of the shooting massacre at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. A 23-year-old student from South Korea was identifiedas the gunman who carried out the deadliest school shooting in US history.  33 people died on Monday, police named the gunman as Cho Seung-Hui, a student at the school and resident alien in the United States. (AMi Vitale)
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  • Ali Ipak and his wife Ayse gather with neighbors in front of their home as turkeys that were given to them by the Food and Agricultural Organization telefood project run around December 13, 2005 in central Turkey, Konya in Kutoren district, about 400 kilometers from Ankara. The projects are meant to improve rural poor families livelihoods. (Ami Vitale)
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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly, left, his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey  and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows to prepare for a move as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6881.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly, left, his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey  and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows to prepare for a move as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6878.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly, left, his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey  and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows to prepare for a move as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6865.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6855.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6831.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6825.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1811.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1789.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1784.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1758.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1746.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1741.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1716.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1678.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1604.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1599.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1589.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1585.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1570.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1559.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1537.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1465.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1441.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1397.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1296.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1292.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_1137.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly. his daughter Layla, 5, researcher Marisa Lipsey and TNC employee Jason Hanlon gather cows  as they collaborate with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from  severe drought, offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Cowboys gather cattle for branding at the J Bar L ranch, a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. The ranch finishes their cattle on grass, in contrast to the vast majority of ranches in the U.S. that send cattle to feedlots. The 2,000 head at J Bar L "never go into a feedlot," said Bryan Ulring, manager of the ranch. He added that J Bar L is one of the biggest grass finishers in the state. The Centennial Valley is an important wildlife corridor for elk, moose, antelope, deer, wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and hundreds of bird species. The valley is largely owned by a handful of large ranches, which means their use of the land impacts the local environment. © Ami Vitale
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  • Horses gather around Danielle Lattuga in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
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  • Cowboys gather around a fire after a snowstorm and long day of herding cattle in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
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