The Public Lands Council wrapped up its Annual Meeting and 50th Anniversary Celebration recently in Park City, Utah, where it set policy priorities for the upcoming year, elected new officers and celebrated the organization’s historic milestone. The four-day meeting attracted one of the highest numbers of attendees in the organization’s history, including federal lands ranchers, top leadership of western cattle and sheep associations, national affiliate associations, and top agency and congressional staff.
“To me, this past week was a testament to the next year ahead. The entire western cattle and sheep industry was well represented, bringing key voices together. Ranchers are eternal optimists, and that energy resonated throughout all of Park City. It’s this mindset and dedication that will take our organization far,” said Dave Eliason, who served as the PLC president from 2016 to 2018.
PLC reviewed policy and issues facing the industry including efforts to modernize the Endangered Species Act, grazing regulations, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Bob Skinner, a fifth-generation cow-calf producer from Oregon, was elected as the new PLC president during the annual meeting. Skinner noted the momentum gained this year provides a great foundation to build on.
“Our policy priorities are big asks, but we know they are possible,” said Skinner. “We have an Administration that is willing to listen—a big change from previous years, and an opportunity we won’t let slip by. Ensuring public lands ranchers can operate and are provided the resources to succeed is PLC’s main priority.”
Skinner, who has held leadership roles within the PLC and the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, will serve a two-year term with the PLC. Other elected leaders for PLC include Wyoming rancher Niels Hansen as vice-president and Mark Rober as secretary. Eliason handed off the reins during the Friday afternoon board meeting.
“I have confidence the PLC is in exceptional hands with our new leadership,” Eliason said. “PLC is about more than just advocating for grazing on public lands. We are raising grass, cows, wool and a new generation that can take the reins.
In addition to policy and leadership updates, the PLC recognized individuals who were instrumental in the PLC’s success. Jim Magagna received the President’s Award and Caroline Lobdell received the Friend of PLC Award, both being recognized for their exceptional contributions to the industry and the organization.
The annual meeting also provided an opportunity to explore public grazing land in Utah during a range tour that visited Rowdy Fitzgerald’s allotment and John Blassard’s allotment.
Celebrating 50 years
The PLC Annual Meeting brought past presidents and leadership together to reminisce on the legacy of western ranching and the organization’s 50th anniversary. This push was guided by the Jim Magagna, the PLC 50th Anniversary Committee Chair.
“I can remember early conversations of the organization that helped advocate for needed policy for western ranching over the years,” said Magagna, who served as president of the PLC from 1989-1990. “This week I witnessed over 200 cattle and sheep industry leaders come together in Park City filled with that same excitement for the future of the Public Lands Council that we saw those many years ago.”
PLC was founded in 1968 by western cattle and sheep ranchers who held federal grazing permits. The focus of the organization was to provide a voice for the public lands ranching industry in Washington, D.C.
“Without the constant voice of PLC, we can’t imagine where the public lands ranching industry would be,” said Magagna. “We spent this week recognizing the value of this organization. I know I’m not alone in thanking those ranchers who came before us and spoke loud enough to ensure our industry is still here today.”
