From the frigid temperatures sweeping the nation to the inauguration of a new President, this month has been eventful for all of us.
We offer congratulations to both President Trump and Vice President Vance. At Public Lands Council (PLC), we are enthusiastic about collaborating with the new administration and are eager to commence our work as the President’s Cabinet nominations take shape.
We are delighted to endorse Mr. Doug Burgum for the position of Secretary of the Interior and Mr. Lee Zeldin for Administrator of the EPA. These distinguished individuals are poised to provide exceptional leadership to their respective agencies in the coming term. It is crucial for PLC to have robust support from our federal agencies, and we are optimistic that these nominees will offer just that.
There is much work ahead, but I am confident that PLC will remain resilient, diligent, and focused to see every task through to completion. While challenges will undoubtedly arise in the coming years, I am certain that we, as an organization, can overcome each one. I encourage all of you to continue fighting the good fight and to remain steadfast in all endeavors within the public lands grazing community.
It is always a pleasure to serve you, and I wish you all a safe and healthy calving season!
Tim Canterbury, President | Public Lands Council
From the Desk of the Executive Director
“Promises made, promises kept.”
This is the refrain echoing through the halls of Washington this month as the sweeping changes in the House of Representatives and President Trump’s decisive victory in November became reality after the January 20th inauguration.
For ranchers and rural communities, this mantra has already started to bring change. One of the Day One Executive Orders reconstituted the Endangered Species Act “God Squad” to bring commonsense back to the law that has continued to destroy local confidence in land management. President Trump visited California this week to discuss wildfire damage and policy change. The House passed key legislation to address pervasive wildfire threats and interrupt the “business as usual” of the wildfire mega-industry.
The outcome of the November election made clear that the American people are looking for disruptors; in ranching and natural resources, this holds true. PLC is working toward and immediate end to sue-and-settle. We are working to reform regulations and guidance like the ESA and NEPA that have long plagued reasonable and effective permitting. Now is the time to address wasteful spending and ineffective policy in all areas, like wild horse and burro management.
Congress and the agencies are with us – with YOU. As leadership teams take shape at USDA, the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and more, it’s clear that the next four years will be the best opportunity we have had in generations to not just “get back to where we were” before Biden administration regulatory reversals, but make real, lasting policy progress. On grazing regs, on land management for fire, on single-species management, on water rights (and the list goes on) – now is the time to be creative and think about foundational changes for the future. Not for the next four years, or the next 10, but the next 50.
This won’t come easily. Already, we have seen a huge upswing in the fundraising emails coming from the groups who are working to raise money to fight all of our priorities in court. They are treating this political reality as the end of the world – and they’re fundraising on fear and outrage.
PLC will need your support and engagement to defend our priorities and ensure we can make land management policy in Congress and in the agencies, not in isolated courtrooms that lack natural resource expertise.
Support your local PLC affiliate. Participate in our meetings and working groups. Support our mission by visiting our website and keeping up to date with all of our open opportunities.
We often say that “we’re in Washington so you don’t have to be”, but we look forward to seeing you this year as you attend our Legislative Conference (dates coming soon!) and as you come to visit. I think you’ll find Washington feels a little less… red tape-y this year..
Kaitlynn Glover | kglover@beef.org
Executive Director, Public Lands Council
Association Update
As we begin a new year, PLC is off to a dynamic start. It has been an eventful period here in Washington, DC, marked by the commencement of the 119th Congress and the Trump Administration.
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n addition to the developments in DC, our national affiliates are actively engaged in their convention season. Last week, the American Sheep Industry Association convened in Scottsdale, Arizona, where PLC Vice President Ron Cerri and Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover shared their insights and expertise with the sheep industry. In a few weeks, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will host its annual CattleCon in San Antonio, Texas. PLC staff and leadership will be present, and we look forward to connecting with those attending. To register, please visit: convention.ncba.org
Furthermore, PLC is pleased to welcome two new interns for the spring semester, Madelyn Schmidt and Samuel Griffith. We are excited to have them join us for the next few months! Their introduction messages can be found below. In addition to that, our Summer 2025 intern applications are now open! To apply, please visit: publiclandscouncil.org/get-involved/careers
As we look ahead to the remainder of 2025, I am eager to see our plans and initiatives come to fruition. It is always an honor to serve each and every one of you, and I look forward to seeing you in the coming months!
Will Baugh | wbaugh@beef.org
Associate Director, Public Lands Council
Policy Update
The start of 2025 marked a pivotal shift in our nation’s policy direction. Despite the winter chill, Americans gathered in Washington, D.C., to witness history as Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term as President. By day’s end, the administration had already begun advancing a bold agenda, with several executive orders signed hours after the oath of office.
Among these actions, President Trump declared a national energy emergency aimed at “unleashing America’s affordable and reliable energy and natural resources.” For ranchers, rural communities, and public land users, this executive order represents a significant opportunity to strengthen local economies while ensuring access to the resources necessary for agricultural and energy development. By opening more federal lands, including areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, to oil and gas exploration, this administration has signaled its commitment to revitalizing domestic production and ensuring America’s energy independence. Supporters emphasize that these measures not only bolster national security but also provide essential revenue streams that support rural economies and public land management programs.
In tandem with these policy changes, President Trump has nominated leaders whose expertise aligns with a pragmatic approach to resource use and public lands management. The nomination of Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior has sparked particular interest and support among public lands ranchers. Burgum’s background reflects a practical understanding of balancing land stewardship with economic development, a perspective shared by many in the ranching community. Similarly, the nominations of Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy and Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator indicate a coordinated focus on promoting energy innovation while respecting the unique needs of rural communities. While early tensions over hearing schedules have surfaced, Ranking Member Heinrich has signaled a willingness to collaborate, particularly noting Burgum’s experience and pragmatic approach to public land issues.
Amid these nominations, Brooke Rollins, nominated to serve as the Secretary of Agriculture, received a positive reception during her hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee. Rollins’ deep understanding of rural issues, combined with her pragmatic approach to policy, has earned her praise. She is seen as a strong advocate for agriculture and is well-positioned to champion rural America’s interest within the Trump administration. We are pleased to see Senate Majority Leader John Thune prioritizing the Senate’s role in confirming these key nominees, even going so far as to keep the Senate in session into the late-night and over weekends to vote and ensure swift confirmations.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, now chaired by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), has begun advancing the nominations within their jurisdiction, with bipartisan signals of cooperation from Ranking Member Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM). This collaboration is going to be critical as the committee tackles issues central to public land users, such as wildfire prevention, grazing policies, and permitting reforms. In addition to nominees, PLC welcomed Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso’s introduction of the Wildfire Prevention Act.
On the House side, Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, continues to advocate for sustainable policies that prioritize long-term stewardship of public lands while supporting rural economies. His acknowledgment of the complex roles in managing public lands presents an opportunity for dialogue moving forward. Encouragingly, January saw bipartisan progress with the passage of the Fix Our Forests Act and the ACRES (Accelerating Conservation and Environmental Sustainability) Act in the House. Sponsored by Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR), the Fix Our Forests Act addresses wildfire mitigation and rangeland health through proactive forest management. The ACRES Act, championed by Thomas P. Tiffany (R-WI), focuses on expanding conservation opportunities and providing resources for sustainable land management. For ranchers and rural communities, these bills represent a step forward in ensuring that public lands remain healthy and productive while fostering responsible economic growth. These legislative moves represent the momentum that developed towards the end of last Congress to address our federal lands.
As policies take shape, public land users are paying close attention to how these developments will influence the balance between environmental stewardship and economic opportunity. Ranchers, in particular, understand the value of sustainable practices that preserve land for future generations while enabling the economic vitality of today’s rural communities.
The month ahead promises to be transformative for public lands policy. As ranchers and advocates, we remain steadfast in pushing for practical, common-sense solutions that address the needs of the people who live and work on these lands. By collaborating with policymakers and other stakeholders, we can ensure that federal actions reflect the shared priorities of conservation, economic growth, and rural resilience. Together, we can champion policies that respect the critical role of ranching in maintaining the health, productivity, and legacy of America’s public lands.
Garrett Edmonds
gedmonds@beef.org
Director, Public Lands Council
Honoring a Legacy: Mike Byrne’s Lifelong Service to Public Lands
Mike Bryne’s lifelong contributions to the ranching community and public lands advocacy exemplify the core values of the Public Lands Council. As a seventh-generation cattle rancher from Klamath Basin, Mike diligently served as PLC president from 2004-2006, where his leadership solidified his legacy as a tireless advocate for livestock producers. His efforts not only supported cattle ranchers but also championed the preservation of sustainable land use practices across public lands.
Mike’s dedication extended far beyond his presidency. Throughout his career, he served in numerous national leadership roles, amplifying the voices of Western producers and fostering collaboration among agricultural stakeholders. His commitment to advancing the interests of ranchers nationwide has inspired many individuals within the livestock industry.
On January 22, 2025, over 225 members of the ranching community gathered at the Tulelake Fairgrounds to honor Mike Bryne’s remarkable legacy. U.S. Representative Bentz (R-OR) recognized his contributions on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, a testament to Mike’s extraordinary impact on public lands and agriculture. The event celebrated not only his professional accomplishments but also the values he upheld as a leader, rancher, and advocate.
The Public Lands Council is proud to have had Mike Byrne as one of its most influential leaders. His unwavering dedication to the public lands ranching industry and his local community serves as a beacon for future generations of ranchers and public lands stewards.
Welcome PLC Spring 2025 Interns Madelyn & Samuel
PLC is excited to introduce Madelyn Schmidt and Samuel Griffith as our public policy interns for the spring 2025 term. Over the next four months, they will be gaining valuable experience in our Washington, D.C. office while supporting PLC’s important work. We look forward to having them join our team and contribute to our mission!
Madelyn Schmidt is from North Dakota where she grew up on her family’s commercial cow-calf and backgrounding operation, and was very involved in agriculture and advocacy. A senior at the University of Jamestown, she’ll graduate with degrees in Political Science and Accounting, and with her acceptance to law school this fall, Madelyn’s aspirations to champion American agriculture in public policy are solidified. She’s excited to learn, grow, and advocate for American ranchers this spring in Washington, D.C.
Samuel Griffith was born and raised in Wolfforth, Texas. A junior at Texas Tech University, he’s pursuing a degree in Natural Resources Management with a focus on Ranch Management. Sam has always been an outdoor enthusiast, and while he did not grow up in agriculture, he has developed a passion for ranching and natural resources management through his time working for different cow-calf operations. He wants to pursue his passion through a career in natural resource law, representing the communities and people of agriculture he has grown to love so dearly.