Supporting recognition of 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists".

Summary

Declares congressional findings on the size, ecological value, and social and economic importance of rangelands and pastoralism in the United States and worldwide; notes the United Nations designation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and calls attention to the opportunity to highlight the contributions of pastoralists, ranchers, farmers, scientists, and land managers. The text provides acreage and herd statistics, emphasizes rangeland stewardship and wildfire-risk reduction benefits from grazing management, and underscores the role of Federal and private managers in caring for U.S. rangelands.

• Records findings on the large extent and ecological importance of U.S. and global rangelands.
• Notes that 2026 is designated by the U.N. as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and encourages U.S. recognition.
• Provides statistics on U.S. rangeland acreage and the share of livestock using Federal public rangelands.
• Emphasizes that pastoral grazing and science-based management can reduce catastrophic wildfire risk significantly.
• States that American ranchers and the Federal Government together manage roughly 43% of U.S. rangelands.
• Is declarative and symbolic: it recognizes and highlights, but does not create new programs or appropriate funds.
• May encourage awareness, research, and cooperation among ranchers, scientists, and land managers without imposing mandates.
• No tax changes, emergency designations, or unfunded mandates are included.