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  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling109.jpg
  • Elephants roam inside the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, eastern India where thousands of tourists visit each year. India and its sacred elephants are threatened by deforestation and encroachment of the reserved land and natural forests.  As a result, wild elephants are rampaging through villages, killing people and destroying their homes and crops. They are often atttracted by the rice farms and in one night can destroy an entire villages' crop. (Ami Vitale)
    Elephants007.tif
  • The relatives and neighbors of Muzzamil Ahmad, a 19-year-old Muslim, who was killed when he was hit by an Indian security force vehicle move his body from a street in Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir.  Nearly 1,000 people blocked traffic, threw stones and shouted anti-India slogans after he was killed.
    049.jpg
  • Villagers mourn the death of five people who were killed along with  48 who were injured, when a grenade exploded in the hands of a man who was seeking to extort money from a family in Badgam district of Kashmir, March 10, 2004.   Locals said the man was a former militant who was extorting money from villagers and thousands came out to mourn the deaths. Tens of thousands of people have died in Kashmir since the eruption of anti-Indian revolt in the region in 1989. Separatists put the toll at between 80,000 and 100,000.
    DSC_0080.jpg
  • KABUL,AFGHANISTAN - SEPT. 12:  Two Afghan soldiers hold hands as the sun sets near the destroyed Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan September 12,2002. (Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    kab105E.jpg
  • BADGAM, KASHMIR,INDIA, MARCH 10, 2004:Villagers mourn the death of five people who were killed along with  48 who were injured, when a grenade exploded in the hands of a man who was seeking to extort money from a family in Badgam district of Kashmir, March 10, 2004.   Locals said the man was a former militant who was extorting money from villagers and thousands came out to mourn the deaths. Tens of thousands of people have died in Kashmir since the eruption of anti-Indian revolt in the region in 1989. Separatists put the toll at between 80,000 and 100,000.
    ami119.jpg
  • SRINAGAR, INDIA, MARCH 10, 2004:Children cry as Indian army bring back the bodies of  five people who were killed when a grenade exploded in the hands of a man who was seeking to extort money from a family in Budgam district of Kashmir, March 10, 2004.   Locals said the man was a former militant who was extorting money from villagers and thousands came out to mourn the deaths. Tens of thousands of people have died in Kashmir since the eruption of anti-Indian revolt in the region in 1989. Separatists put the toll at between 80,000 and 100,000.
    ami102m.jpg
  • Henna is applied to the hands and feet of a bride before her engagement ceremony in Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir.
    011.jpg
  • KABUL,AFGHANISTAN - SEPT. 9: Ahmad Massoud, the son of the slain leader Ahmad Shah Massoud  shakes hands of dignitaries and guests during a ceremony in Kabul Sports Stadium September 9, 2002  to commemorate  the one-year anniversary of the death of his father.   (Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    kab103C.jpg
  • SRINAGAR, INDIA, MARCH 2, 2004:A Kashmiri Shiite Muslim holds his blood stained hands to his chest after flagellating himself in a procession in Srinagar, India March 2, 2004. Shiite Muslims all over the world  are mourning the slaying of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed who was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions some 1300 years ago in Iran during the first month of the Islamic calender, called Muharram.
    ami11 0.jpg
  • BADGAM, INDIA, MARCH 10, 2004:A Kashmiri woman comforts her relative as they mourn the death of five people who were killed along with  48 who were injured, when a grenade exploded in the hands of a man who was seeking to extort money from a family in Badgam district of Kashmir, March 10, 2004.   Locals said the man was a former militant who was extorting money from villagers and thousands came out to mourn the deaths. Tens of thousands of people have died in Kashmir since the eruption of anti-Indian revolt in the region in 1989. Separatists put the toll at between 80,000 and 100,000.
    ami108.jpg
  • Marian Barthlemess holds Courtney Merrimen's hand on the Barthelmess Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 1, 2013. The Barthelmess Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature 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 several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4314.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch  hand Jason Hanlon and researcher Marisa Lipsey herd cows 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_7586.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch  hand Jason Hanlon and researcher Marisa Lipsey herd cows 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_7491.jpg
  • the Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch  hand Jason Hanlon herds cows 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_1512.jpg
  • Soil preparation for growing rice is labor intensive. Girls work in the fields with hand hoes because there are no tractors or machinery in this remote village.
    014.jpg
  • Marian Barthlemess holds Courtney Merrimen's hand on the Barthelmess Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 1, 2013. The Barthelmess Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature 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 several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4317.jpg
  • the Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch  hand Jason Hanlon herds cows 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_1510.jpg
  • Hawke Ellis Williams, 4, plays with a hand made bow and arrow carved while waiting for a 3 day storm to pass over in the Thelon Sanctuary August, 2011. It is a place ruled by the biggest and smallest--the grizzly and the mosquito--and by the extremes of sub-arctic seasons. The Thelon is the largest and most remote game sanctuary in North America, which almost no one has heard of. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_6551.TIF
  • Angolan children attempt to surf on their hand made surf boards which they carved out of driftwood after they watched French foreigners surfing on the beaches outside of the capital of  Luanda in this file photo.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil war has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Africa_Angola_032.tiff
  • KABUL,AFGHANISTAN - AUGUST 29: Dr. Abdul Qader Ghafari stitches the hand of  Rashid, 6, in the Indira Ghandi Hospital for Children August 29, 2002 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The hospital has 300 beds but usually it is filled at double capacity with only 118 doctors. (Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
    kab102H.jpg
  • Angolan children attempt to surf on their hand made surf boards which they carved out of driftwood after they watched French foreigners surfing on the beaches outside of the capital of  Luanda  in this file photo.  President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has led Angola since 1979, said he would not run in presidential elections planned for next year.  Angola's brutal 26 year-civil has displaced around two million people - about a sixth of the population - and 200 die each day according to United Nations estimates. .(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Angola0008.jpg
  • Hilary Anderson plays with her daughter Elle outside their home on the J Bar L ranch. The J Bar L ranch is 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
    TAN_5470.jpg
  • Elle Anderson, 2,  plays with a calf outside her family's home on the J Bar L ranch. The J Bar L ranch is 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
    TAN_5387.jpg
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_3212.jpg
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_3167.jpg
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_3155.jpg
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_3092.jpg
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_3023.jpg
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_3022.jpg
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_2898.jpg
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_2919.tif
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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
    DSC_2906.tif
  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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
    TAN_9827.tif
  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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
    DSC_7768.tif
  • Bryan Ulring helps his son, Charlie, 4, herd cattle for the first time on a sunny November morning at the J Bar L Ranch in the Centennial Valley of Montana. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 Ulring, adding that the ranch 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
    TAN_1403.tif
  • Bryan Ulring, manager of the J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana, spends time with one of his horses after herding cattle on a chilly November day. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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
    DSC_1253.tif
  • The J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana experiences a cold November just before moving the cattle to Twin Bridges for the winter months. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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
    TAN_2202.jpg
  • Bryan Ulring, manager of the J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana, spends time with one of his horses after herding cattle on a chilly November day. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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
    DSC_1284.jpg
  • Bryan Ulring, manager of the J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana, spends time with one of his horses after herding cattle on a chilly November day. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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
    DSC_1251.jpg
  • Stephen Becklund and his dogs, Max and Ellie, herd cattle at the J Bar L ranch on a sunny November day in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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
    DSC_0691.tif
  • Bryan Ulring, manager at the J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana, goes for a sunset ride on a chilly November day. The J Bar L ranch finish 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," Ulring said. He added that the 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
    DSC_0072.jpg
  • Bryan Ulring, manager at the J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana, goes for a sunset ride on a chilly November day. The J Bar L ranch finish 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," Ulring said. He added that the 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
    DSC_0058.jpg
  • Bryan Ulring, manager at the J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana, goes for a sunset ride on a chilly November day. The J Bar L ranch finish 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," Ulring said. He added that the 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
    TAN_1903.jpg
  • Cowboys at the J Bar L ranch move cattle on a chilly November morning in the Centennial Valley of Montana. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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
    TAN_1800.jpg
  • Libby Ulring gives her son Charlie, 4, a snack while he's on a break from helping his father herd cattle on a chilly November morning at the J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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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  • Stephen Becklund, a cowboy at the J Bar L ranch in the Centennial Valley of southern Montana, ropes cattle on a chilly November day. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • The horses at the J Bar L ranch are treated with care and love by their trainer, Libby Ulring. Unlike many horse owners, Libby practices and teaches gentle, natural horsemanship. Riders are encouraged to get to know the horse and let it lead them, rather than kicking and provoking the horse. But horses aren't the only animals on the ranch. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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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  • The horses at the J Bar L ranch are treated with care and love by their trainer, Libby Ulring. Unlike many horse owners, Libby practices and teaches gentle, natural horsemanship. Riders are encouraged to get to know the horse and let it lead them, rather than kicking and provoking the horse. But horses aren't the only animals on the ranch. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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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  • The horses at the J Bar L ranch are treated with care and love by their trainer, Libby Ulring. Unlike many horse owners, Libby practices and teaches gentle, natural horsemanship. Riders are encouraged to get to know the horse and let it lead them, rather than kicking and provoking the horse. But horses aren't the only animals on the ranch. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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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  • Amber Mason and Danielle Lattuga ride in a trailer as a pony, Sparky, tows them for a ride at the J Bar L ranch. The J Bar L ranch is 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 Ulring. 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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  • Elle Anderson, 2,  plays with a calf outside her family's home on the J Bar L ranch. The J Bar L ranch is 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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  • Amber Mason rides in a trailer as a pony, Sparky, tows her for a ride. The J Bar L ranch is 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 Ulring. 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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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  • 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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  • Kiley Martinell and her children help herd cattle at sunset on an August day 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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  • Kiley Martinell and her children help herd cattle at sunset on an August day 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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  • Cowboys herd cattle at sunset on an August day 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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  • Cowboys herd cattle at sunset on an August day 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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  • Will Sparks helps herd cattle during sunset 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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  • Hilary Anderson herds cattle on an August day 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • Andy Anderson, 5, plays on the hay bales 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 the 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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  • Scientist M. Sanjayan films at the Wolong Panda Reserve managed by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan, China. For the first time in 50 years since the WWF adopted the panda as the symbol of wildlife conservation, the loss of one of the world’s most iconic species is being reversed. Their habitat is being restored, and every year from now on, more captive pandas will be “trained” to be wild and then released.<br />
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The accomplishment is extraordinary—first the Chinese have had to solve the famous problem of getting Pandas to mate. Then, they’ve had to take an animal that has lost its wild instincts, and re-train it to survive in the harsh Sichuan mountain cloud forests. It’s taken Chinese researchers over 30 years to solve these problems.<br />
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Many of us have ceased to think of the panda as a “wild” creature. It’s more of a cartoon animal that lives in zoos.  But watching Zhang Xiang, the first female panda to be released into the wild, you realize that she may be the most famous panda that no one—save a handful of scientists-- will ever see.
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  • Elle Anderson, 2,  plays with a calf outside her family's home on the J Bar L ranch. The J Bar L ranch is 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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  • Elle Anderson, 2,  plays with a calf outside her family's home on the J Bar L ranch. The J Bar L ranch is 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • The horses at the J Bar L ranch are treated with care and love by their trainer, Libby Ulring. Unlike many horse owners, Libby practices and teaches gentle, natural horsemanship. Riders are encouraged to get to know the horse and let it lead them, rather than kicking and provoking the horse. But horses aren't the only animals on the ranch. The J Bar L ranch finish 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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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  • (Left to right) Andrew Anderson, Bryan Ulring, Stephen Becklund and Will Sparks herd cattle at sunset on an August day 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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  • Stephen Becklund herds cattle at sunset on an August day 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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  • Hilary Anderson takes her daughter, Elle out with the horses for the first time at the J Bar L ranch, a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. 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 J Bar L 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • The J Bar L ranch is 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 the 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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  • ZHARE DASHT,AFGHANISTAN - SEPT. 3:  Pashtun Afghans who were living in camps around Spin Boldak, near the border of Pakistan and southern Afghanistan, are relocated to the desolate, dusty encamptment of Zhare Dasht by the UNHCR September 3, 2002 and wait for food rations to be handed out.  As an estimated 1.6 million Afghan refugees return to Afghanistan,  ethnic Pashtuns from northern Afghanistan are seeking safety in refugee camps in the south. Numbering up to 120,000, they are fleeing the Tajik- and Uzbek-dominated cities of the north out of fear and prefer to live in the dismal camps like Zhare Dasht which is set in the middle of a desert about 30 kilometers west of Kandahar. (Photo by Ami Vitale/Getty Images)
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  • The signs of changing times are evident as Maasai children relax with a game of football as their elders walk by cloaked in traditional clothing during lunch break at the Endulen Primary school in Ngornogoro District in Tanzania September 29, 2003.  Most Maasai now see the value of sending their children to school so they can have a voice in the government to protect themselves with increasing land loss. The Maasai were thrown out of the Crater in 1972 in the name of conservation and are being threatened again  under a torrent of new legislation. Like other indigenous people the world over, they continue to be evicted from their land in the name of tourism and conservation. They have lived on these lands for centuries but now struggle to survive on their borders, especially in the difficult drought years. Though they were able to live in harmony with the wildlife for centuries, the places with rich water sources are now preserved for tourists.  Eco-tourism, the government solution to chronic poverty, brings in vast revenues but sadly, the dispossessed Maasai are not allowed to benefit. Only a handful, mostly foreign owned tourist operators profit and only a tiny portion of the money actually filters through to the local economy.
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  • Maasai pastoralists collect water at one of the few sources in Endulen, outside of the pristine Ngornogoro Crater in Tanzania, October 4, 2003.  The Maasai were thrown out of the Crater in 1972 in the name of conservation and are being threatened again with further land loss under a torrent of new legislation. Like other indigenous people the world over, they continue to be evicted from their land in the name of tourism and conservation. They have lived on these lands for centuries but now struggle to survive on their borders, especially in the difficult drought years. Though they were able to live in harmony with the wildlife for centuries, the places with rich water sources are now preserved for tourists.  Eco-tourism, the government solution to chronic poverty, brings in vast revenues but sadly, the dispossessed Maasai are not allowed to benefit. Only a handful, mostly foreign owned tourist operators profit and only a tiny portion of the money actually filters through to the local economy.
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