Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 123, introduced by the State Affairs Committee, expresses the Idaho Legislature's support for the recognition of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. The resolution highlights the significance of rangelands, which cover a substantial portion of the Earth's surface and are essential for the livelihoods of over 500 million pastoralists worldwide. It emphasizes the economic, social, and cultural importance of these ecosystems, which provide various ecological services and support both pastoralists and non-pastoralists through activities such as livestock grazing, tourism, and biodiversity conservation.
The resolution also acknowledges the historical role of pastoralists in Idaho's development and their ongoing contributions to the state's economy and community vitality. It calls for sustainable livestock grazing practices and collaboration among various stakeholders, including pastoralists, recreationalists, and conservation partners, to ensure the health of rangelands. Furthermore, it stresses the need for national policies that promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, enabling effective land management and ecosystem resilience.