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  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9354.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9308.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9281.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9141.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9128.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9093.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9013.jpg
  • The sun rises over mountains in West Virginia, where mountain-top removal mines are abundant. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_7810.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9388.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9376.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9332.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9296.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9262.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9256.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9192.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9120.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9109.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9055.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8991.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8966.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8932.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8930.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8922.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8913.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8900.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8871.jpg
  • The sun rises over mountains in West Virginia, where mountain-top removal mines are abundant. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_7816.jpg
  • The sun rises over mountains in West Virginia, where mountain-top removal mines are abundant. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_7798.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9169.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_9158.jpg
  • A bird's-eye view of the mountaintop-removal mine that emptied Lindytown, West Virginia. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map.
    DSC_8959.jpg
  • Houses built for foreign families working for oil companies  sit in sharp contrast to the shanty towns that most Angolans have in the capital of Luanda in Angola.  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_027.tiff
  • Houses built for foreign families working for oil companies  sit in sharp contrast to the shanty towns that most Angolans have in the capital of  Luanda in Angola.  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)
    Angola0031.jpg
  • Houses built for foreign families working for oil companies  sit in sharp contrast to the shanty towns that most Angolans have in the capital of Luanda in Angola.  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)
    Africa_Angola_028.tiff
  • Houses built for foreign families working for oil companies  sit in sharp contrast to the shanty towns that most Angolans have in the capital of  Luanda in Angola.  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)
    Angola0032.jpg
  • Homes that Angolans live in are in sharp contrast to the homes for foreigners and government officials in the capital of Luanda in Angola 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_033.tiff
  • People walk along the main promenade in the capital of Luanda in Angola at dusk 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_031.tiff
  • Homes that Angolans live in are in sharp contrast to the homes for foreigners and government officials in the capital of Luanda in Angola 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)
    Africa_Angola_029.tiff
  • Bhutan014.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Brian Martin poses 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) his wife Jolynn plays with her daughters Janae and Layla 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) looks at birds with his daughter Layla, 5,   in Eastern Montana  at the Matador ranch "grass bank". The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservatio
    MON_2170.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch has LEAF volunteers monitor the prairie dog towns 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_8000.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch has LEAF volunteers monitor the prairie dog towns 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_2976.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse 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) sits on her horse 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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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse 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) sits on her horse 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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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse 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) sits on her horse 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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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse 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) sits on her horse 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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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse 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) sits on her horse 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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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughter Layla plays with her horse 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) sits on her horse 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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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's   daughter Layla looks for birds 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) looks at birds with his daughter Layla, 5,   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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  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch has LEAF volunteers monitor the prairie dog towns 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_8024.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch has LEAF volunteers monitor the prairie dog towns 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_8017.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch has LEAF volunteers monitor the prairie dog towns 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_7978.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch has LEAF volunteers monitor the prairie dog towns 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_8035.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch has LEAF volunteers monitor the prairie dog towns 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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  • Craig and Conni French brand their calves in Eastern Montana on May 12, 2013. The economic health of ranchers in Montana is greatly impacted by drought and climate change. Many ranchers are forced to sell at low prices during the drought because they run out of grass. This is why The Nature Conservancy's innovative grass bank project is so successful. 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • The Koss family works with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana on the "grass bank" project. 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 11, 2013)
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  • Kennedy Koss holds her cats on the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Kennedy Koss holds her cats on the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4851.jpg
  • Kennedy Koss holds her cats on the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Afternoon ligtht falls upon the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • The Koss's share a lively meal at home in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Kendall Koss moves cattle on the Koss's land in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. The Koss's work with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Bud and Sheila Walsh work with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana across from the Matador "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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 10, 2013)
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  • Bud Walsh and Denver Baker modify a fence to make it more wildlife friendly. The design helps eliminate or substantially reduce the number of injuries and deaths to wildlife. The Nature Conservancy is working with ranchers in Eastern Montana on the Matador "grass bank" project. 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 9, 2013)
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  • Bud Walsh, Jacob Folk and Denver Baker modify a fence to make it more wildlife friendly. The design helps eliminate or substantially reduce the number of injuries and deaths to wildlife. The Nature Conservancy is working with ranchers in Eastern Montana on the Matador "grass bank" project. 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 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. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  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 (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 9, 2013)
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  • Bud Walsh bails hay on the Matador ranch where he is working with The Nature Conservancy and 13 ranching families are    using  innovative ways 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_7789.jpg
  • Bud Walsh bails hay on the Matador ranch where he is working with The Nature Conservancy and 13 ranching families are    using  innovative ways 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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  • Prairie dogs give warning calls on the Matador ranch where 13 ranching families work together in Eastern Montana  at a "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_7729.jpg
  • Prairie dogs give warning calls on the Matador ranch where 13 ranching families work together in Eastern Montana  at a "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_7686.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly, his wife Jolynn and daughters Layla, 5, and Janae relax after a long day working with  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_2733.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly, his wife Jolynn and daughters Layla, 5, and Janae relax after a long day working with  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_2650.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's daughters Layla, 5, and Janae play with their horses in Eastern Montana. The ranch is using innovative ways 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_2634.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's wife Jolynn holds her daughter Janae as their other daughter Layla plays with their horses  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_2540.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly's wife Jolynn holds her daughter Janae  with their horses  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_2523.jpg
  • Researcher Marisa Lipsey works with The Nature Conservancy 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_7540.jpg
  • Researcher Marisa Lipsey works with The Nature Conservancy 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_7517.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_7437.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_7382.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_7353.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_2132.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_7195.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_7072.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_7068.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_7061.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_7056.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_2058.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_2042.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_2040.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Matador Ranch Operations Manager Charlie Messerly works 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_2020.jpg
  • Researcher Marisa Lipsey works with The Nature Conservancy 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_7875.jpg
  • Researcher Marisa Lipsey works with The Nature Conservancy 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_7869.jpg
  • Sage Grouse  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_2916.jpg
  • The Nature Conservancy's Brian Martin poses on the Matador Ranch where he works with 13 ranching families in Eastern Montana  at a "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_7845.jpg
  • Bird Researcher Marisa Lipsey brings her horses back after working on a cattle drive 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_7031.jpg
  • Bird Researcher Marisa Lipsey brings her horses back after working on a cattle drive 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_6936.jpg
  • Bird Researcher Marisa Lipsey brings her horses back after working on a cattle drive 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_6927.jpg
  • Bird Researcher Marisa Lipsey brings her horses back after working on a cattle drive 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_6917.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_6855.jpg
  • Bird Researcher Marisa Lipsey brings her horses back after working on a cattle drive 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_6819.jpg
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