5 minute read
Message from the Natural Resources Policy Director
Why meeting in-person is the keystone for connection
Updates from the PLC annual meeting
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BY KAREN WILLIAMS ICA Natural Resources Policy Director
Irecently attended the Public Lands Council (PLC) annual meeting, along with leadership of ICA and the Idaho Public Lands Council. Due to COVID-related disruptions, this was the first in-person meeting held by PLC in three years. The event confirmed the importance of gathering together. While COVID closures proved that work can go on in a virtual world, there is no match for meeting face to face. It cannot be denied that coming together in a room and having real-time conversations is the most fruitful
way to handle business and resolve issues. Just as meaningful as the information presented and issues discussed in a meeting format, are the hallway conversations that can occur when people are gathered together. This is an aspect of meetings that is particularly lost when business is conducted solely in the virtual world. I have participated in countless meetings where break time conversations that stemmed from information presented in the meeting format resulted in the most meaningful communications and productive outcomes. It’s my belief that these types of interactions are mostly non-existent in the virtual world.
As someone who works from a home office, I would be the last person to say that all business must be conducted in person all the time. Modern and emerging technologies continue to make it easier to stay connected, to conduct work more efficiently, to allow flexibility in time and space, and to more quickly react and respond to current needs and happenings. However, what the two-year hiatus on in-person contact proved is that personal connection and interaction cannot be wholly replaced by virtual interface. An occasional ”coming together” is the key link in the chain of mutual understanding, cooperation, and productivity.
Likewise, it is important for Idaho ranchers to gather annually at the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) annual convention. Fortunately, ICA only had to cancel one convention during the COVID years. That one year, however, left a bit of a gap that could not be replaced by a Zoom gathering, however hard we tried.
In my years of attending ICA conventions, I have seen relationships grow to produce outcomes and form friendships, constructive differences of opinion which led to additional complete and bullet-proof solutions, and meaningful dialogue that resulted in important changes and advances in policy affecting our industry.
With a wide spectrum of issues pointed in our direction, from political pressures to the unfortunate forces of mother nature, this year will certainly be no exception. I urge you to attend the convention to take part in shaping ICA policy, work toward meaningful solutions to complex problems, forge relationships with fellow cattlemen and women, and to simply get off the ranch for a little time away in Sun Valley. We need your input, your
knowledge, your experience, your energy, and your friendship!
Some of the issues that were discussed at the PLC meeting will take center stage at the ICA Convention as well, and we need your input as we move forward in those things that are impacting the cattle industry. Key among those issues are the BLM grazing regulations. During the Trump Administration, the BLM began the long overdue process of updating the regulations that govern BLM grazing permits. The current regulations were instituted under the ill-begotten Rangeland Reform efforts of anti-grazing Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt during the 1990s.
They have proven their failings time and again, burdening our industry and the BLM staff, who often fall short in implementing the oppressive regulations, not necessarily due to their own shortcomings. The problem lies not only in inefficient regulations, but also unworkable processes that create layers of paperwork and inaction.
The regulation updates were not completed prior to the 2020 presidential election and with the ensuing change in administration, we all but gave up hope on any action happening. Despite this, we had been repeatedly reassured by BLM staff that the work was still being done. And now, that promise appears to be coming to fruition, despite our doubts. At the PLC meeting, the BLM reported that work has, in fact, continued on the regulation revisions and a rule should be out for review during the winter of 2023. To back up this claim, ICA was just given the rare occasion to have cooperating agency status in the regulation’s revision process – this means we will have the unique and elevated opportunity to provide meaningful input to the agency on needed changes. Stay tuned on this issue as it develops. At convention, we will provide the latest updates.
Another emerging issue that was discussed in great detail at the PLC meeting (and will be followed up on at ICA’s convention) is the role of grazing in carbon sequestration and how/ if our industry can benefit from carbon crediting.
The carbon footprint of our business is a complex issue that will require extensive review and investigation by our industry. We must determine where and how we fit in this discussion, and how ranchers can benefit, while also underscoring the vital role grazing provides for climate change mitigation and in the carbon debate.
At the convention, we will have speakers dedicated to presenting their expertise and perspectives on this issue to help us navigate a path forward for our industry.
So come to the convention. Come to learn more about these and other issues. Come to have a say in setting policy that will inform ICA actions to improve the regulatory and political environment impacting our industry. Come to mix and mingle with fellow cattlemen. Come to learn from and be encouraged by each other. Come to take an active part in the greatest industry and the greatest association in the nation.
Drought Solutions. Delivered.
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