Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition Offers Free Post-Wildfire Stewardship Support For Ranchers

The aftermath of the Morrill (County) Fire in March, where range and hay reserves were destroyed. Photo by Gary Stone

By Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition

Recent wildfires across Nebraska have left many ranchers facing difficult questions

about forage recovery, grazing management, infrastructure repairs, and what comes

next.

To help navigate those decisions, the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NGLC) is

launching a new Post-Wildfire Stewardship Resilience program, offering free,

one-on-one consultations to Nebraska ranchers affected by wildfire in 2026.

The program connects ranchers with an experienced range management professional who

will visit the operation, walk the pastures, discuss recovery goals and concerns,

and help evaluate practical options to move forward.

Support may include conversations around:

 Grazing rest and recovery timing

 Forage availability and stocking decisions

Infrastructure repair priorities

Monitoring approaches to track recovery

 Strategies to strengthen long-term ranch resilience

Each participating ranch will receive an on-site consultation, practical

recommendations tailored to their operation, and follow-up support as recovery

progresses. This program is intended for ranchers who are looking for a thought

partner as they navigate post-fire recovery. You do not need to have a specific

project in mind or be enrolled in any government program to participate.

The pilot is open to any Nebraska rancher affected by wildfire in 2026. Because this

is a pilot program, space is limited. If demand exceeds availability, preference

will be given to young and beginning ranchers. Participation is free of charge.

Ranchers interested in learning more or signing up can contact Executive Director Laura Nelson at laura@nebraskagrazinglands.org or

(308) 235-8420.

Friends, neighbors, local conservation professionals, and community members are also

welcome to nominate ranchers who may benefit from the program.

Funding for this pilot is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), administered by the

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), as part of NGLC's Strengthening

the Ranching Legacy initiative.