Episode 134: Rewilding Pitchfork Ranch – On The Ground With AT Cole
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AT Cole at Pitchfork Ranch
Show Notes
Rewilding On The Ground: Restoration Success at Pitchfork Ranch
In this episode, we explore Pitchfork Ranch, located between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, and how its owner has been dedicated to ecological restoration for the past 20 years. The ranch covers 11,000 acres, including BLM state-leased and deeded land, and features a significant Cienega—a threatened type of wetland. The discussion delves into the history of the land, the extensive restoration work funded by government grants, the diverse wildlife populations, and the impact of climate change on water resources. The owner’s efforts in securing a new Cienega National Monument and future plans for the ranch’s ecological sustainability are also highlighted. Despite facing significant challenges, especially due to climate change, the owner maintains hope and continues advocating for land restoration and carbon capture.
00:00 Introduction to the Ranch
00:24 Historical Background and Ecological Significance
01:24 Restoration Efforts and Government Grants
03:16 Wildlife and Ecological Changes
05:30 Technical Aspects of Restoration
15:58 Challenges and Climate Impact
22:24 Future Plans and Hopes
29:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Soldier’s Farewell Hill, AT Cole
“The overarching goals for this ranch are habitat repair and carbon sequestration, using “flood-n-flow” based restoration practices and accompanying sediment deposition to nudge the ciénaga and surrounding land toward its pre-settlement condition — to get the water back. Ongoing installation of grade-control structures is helping the ciénaga and surrounding land reclaim itself and reconnect surface and groundwater. Goals are to: refurbish the headquarters while retaining its historic character, monitor photo points and piezometers, perform water and soil data collection and mapping, raise the ciénaga bed, sequester a portion of the legacy load of atmospheric carbon, restore traditional and uplands, improve infiltration rates, fix roads, rebuild the cattle herd, provide science, research and education opportunities, protect the archaeology, improve habitat for wildlife and imperiled plants and animals, restore low-intensity fire and prevent range land fragmentation.” Read more about Pitchfork Ranch…
Unique Riparian Wetlands, AT Cole
Extra Credit
- Book Review: Restoring the Pitchfork Ranch: How Healing a Southwest Oasis Holds Promise for Our Endangered Land
- Visit Pitchfork Ranch website
Director of Digital Outreach (D.O.D.O.) for The Rewilding Institute
Host and Producer of the Rewilding Earth Podcast
Jack started Rewilding work as Executive Director of Sky Island Alliance in the mid-1990’s, organizing the Sky Island Wildlands Network design, ripping up illegal roads on forest service lands, installing wolf acclimatization pens on Ted Turner’s Ladder Ranch & conducting howling surveys to help make way for the final stage of the Lobo reintroduction program in the Southwest.
Through the years, Jack has worked with Dave Foreman and the Rewilding Gang to further Rewilding initiatives and education.