Thurston County Commissioners, in Olympia Washington, formally adopted a Proclamation on March 17th for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. At the same time the Commissioners celebrated World Frog Day (March 20th), and National Agriculture Day (March 24th). The combination was appropriate given the rich wildlife habitat support by rangelands, and the importance of these biomes in supporting humans and habitat.
Thurston County events coordinator Ellen Massey brought together representatives from local organizations and ranchers, including Thurston Conservation District- Sarah Moorehead, Agriculture Park / STEDI – Aslan and Michael, Ecostudies Institute – Sara Hamman, Colvin Ranch, Withy Windle Valley Farm – Carissa, Tracking Y Ranch, Olympia Farmers Market - Isabel, WSU Extension -- Stephen Bramwell, US Fish Partners Program -- Nicholas George, Riverbend Ranch -- Kevin Jensen, and the County Community Planning and Economic Development Program -- Ashley Arai.
The full proclamation is attached.
