HUTCHINSON, KS – “Sustaining Rangelands by Leaving A Legacy is the theme for the Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition (KGLC) summer range schools,” said Tim Christian, state coordinator for the group.  “The Mid-/Shortgrass Range School runs from August 4-6 at Camp Lakeside, Lake Scott, and the Tallgrass Range School is set for August 18-20 at Camp Wood YMCA, Elmdale.”

The notion of leaving your ranch better than you got it – economically and environmentally; recognizing those who have done a great job over time; addressing current and emerging threats like old world bluestems, Eastern red cedar, and other invasive species, plus a host of practices and systems to enhance grasslands will be included in the three-day agenda, said Christian. Instructors include ranchers, agency, university and organizational staffs who provide hands-on instruction in the field as well as classroom presentation with the intent to help inform decision-makers and provide them with sound grazing principles that they can take home and employ on their operations.  

The 2015 registration fee has seen a slight jump to $350 per person; the first increase since 2010. The fee covers course materials, on-site lodging and meals, and other related costs.  Ranchers, landowners, and students may qualify for a $175 scholarship if they meet eligibility and request one using KGLC’s scholarship form.  Agency staffs may qualify for $125 in scholarships.  The form and more information on the Schools is available at www.kglc.org under 2015 Range Schools found in the navigation bar.  Scholarship applications must be submitted by July 24 for the Mid-/Shortgrass School and August 7 for the Tallgrass School.  

KGLC organized in 1991 as a non-profit educational organization and its vision is to regenerate Kansas grazing lands.  This is achieved through the management, economics, ecology, production, and technical assistance programs provided by voluntary methods to reach landowners, ranchers, and others making decisions on grazing lands. 

For more information on the 2015 KGLC Range Schools, contact Tim Christian, state coordinator, at 620-242-6440, email to tdchristian@cox.net, You may also go to the web at www.kglc.org.