groups, organizations and state, local and federal subdivisions of government. This cooperative approach continues to be an STF cornerstone. In the spirit of consensus building among adjoining landowners, community leaders and governments, STF has a record of getting work done in a landscape where land stewards are often reluctant to work with government agencies. This grassroots success is often attributed to STF’s vision as well as the make-up of the STF Board of Directors, which is mostly ranchers. Also as a results of this, STF is viewed as a credible organization that represents the needs and goals of ranchers and other partners involved. The Sandhills Task Force’s credibility allows the partnership to find innovative solutions to complex ecological issues. Since its inception, the organization has completed more than 200 projects with individual ranchers. What began as a volunteer-run group has grown to an organization now hiring its fifth team member. The Sandhills Task Force has grown quickly in the last five years due in part to a diversification of funding sources as well as a desire to help ranchers in new ways. Conservation projects have been completed that address eastern red cedar encroachment with prescribed burning and mechanical clearing, wetland and stream restoration, lake renovation and grazing system improvements. In the last three years, projects or technical assistance has impacted more than 215,000 acres. Ashley Garrelts, STF project coordinator, works with many partners to plan and implement these projects. It’s very common to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasants Forever and the Natural Resources Conservation Service on projects, but sometimes the land steward is more comfortable working only with SANDHILLS TASK FORCE • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 12 Nebraska Cattleman September 2023 The Sandhills Task Force works to build consensus among land stewards, community leaders and governments. Since its inception, the organization has completed more than 200 projects with individual ranchers. The Sandhills Task Force's involvement with the Nebraska Youth Range Camp is one of the ways the organization works to teach students about rangeland management, conservation and more. The Nebraska Sandhills encompasses more than 19,000 square miles in the north-central part of the state. Cattle production remains its primary use because of the abundant forage and water supply.
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