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TOWER ROCK RANCH

Year Inducted: 2023

Region V

Mansfield, WA

THE MILLER, MATSUMURA & VARGAS FAMILIES

WASHINGTON RANCH HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Since 1883 Tower Rock Ranch has been an active cattle operation. Environmental sustainability is a daily goal and cattle management practices keep water, natural habitat and wildlife top of mind. Wildfire has changed the function and appearance of the ranch many times over the years with brush and small trees consumed, leaving pastures with no shade, fence replacement a financial burden and fewer calves to market. Despite setbacks from fires, the Miller, Matsumura and Vargas families forge ahead with a commitment to protecting the environment. Tower Rock Ranch preserves habitat for sage grouse, releases beneficial insects to control Dalmatian Toadflax, and effectively manages rangeland through rotational grazing. The ranch also regularly hosts tours, training sessions and studies for agency employees, organizations, schools and fellow cattle producers.

“Proper range management is an art that needs to be blended with science,” said Allen Miller with Tower Rock Ranch.


TOWER ROCK RANCH

“The families managing Tower Rock Ranch monitor habitat, reduce grazing pressure at the first sign of drought, move livestock frequently to avoid overgrazing, and maintain stocking rates at levels that don’t damage native vegetation,” said Michael Schroeder, research scientist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “In addition, the ranch fully engages with government agencies to take advantage of useful conservation and management programs.”

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