Guide to Regenerative Grazing Leases: Opportunities for Resilience

Table of Contents
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How to Use This Guidebook 2
CHAPTER 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Role of Grazing Animals in Rangeland Ecosystems 5
Healthy Soils, Healthy Rangelands 7
Regenerative Agriculture 8
CHAPTER 2. Grazing Leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Lease Basics 12
Writing, Negotiating, and Maintaining the Lease 13
Values and Intent 15
Agricultural Management Plans 16
Term 18
Rent and Rent Payments 19
Uses, Operations, and Practices 21
Maintenance and Improvements 24
Water Access, Conservation, and Quality 25
Monitoring and Evaluation 26
Conservation Easements 27
Assignment/Subleasing 28
Indemnification/Insurance 28
Communication and Dispute Resolution 28
Termination/Binding on Heirs 30
In Summary 30
CHAPTER 3. Agricultural Management Plans . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Creating an Agricultural Management Plan (AMP) 33
Practice Implementation 36
Biodiversity and Threatened or Endangered Species 38
Monitoring 40
In Summary 41
CHAPTER 4. Into the Next Generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Acknowledging Land and Power 44
Cultural Resources and Indigenous Solidarity 45
Selecting and Supporting Lessees 46
Passing Down the Ranch 50
Transitions with Purpose 51
In Summary 53
Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
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