The Bingham County commissioners, at their regular meeting on April 29, unanimously issued a proclamation designating 2026 as The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

This designation followed similar proclamations from the United Nations and Idaho’s Gov. Brad Little, and it was further supported by a resolution from the Idaho Legislature during the recent legislative session.

The worldwide proclamation is intended to bring attention to the importance of rangelands. According to IYRP, it also outlines the importance of “frontline custodians,” those livestock owners who derive a significant part of their livelihoods from grazing domestic animals on native range.

Bingham County mirrors the state in that 60% of the land in the county is defined as rangeland. These lands support native grasses, shrubs and forbs, which are non-woody plants like wildflowers. There may also be scattered trees, but not forests.

Rangelands have not been developed or plowed. Instead, they remain as they have always been — home to wildlife such as sage grouse, mule deer, pronghorn, and a wide breadth of insects and songbirds. They also provide forage for sheep and cattle in the region. These lands are highly valued for recreation and are beautiful open spaces enjoyed by our growing human population.

The IYRP proclamation request was led by local rancher, Wendy Pratt, who said that the native range has a unique ability to capture and store rain and snowmelt in ways that irrigated agricultural fields or developments cannot.

Pratt also noted there are threats to rangelands — off-road vehicle recreation, a declining water table, invasive weeds and conversions to other uses that are “perceived as more valuable than grazing.” She said these challenges need conversations with all involved partners to find mutual solutions.

In attendance were local ranchers and representatives from Idaho Fish and Game, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho Department of Lands, the Central Bingham Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Activities and education opportunities to support the rangelands and pastoralists during this proclamation year are currently in the planning stage.