For six years the Fund has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, NMSU-Cooperative Extension Service, Northern New Mexico Stockman's Association, Quivira Coalition, Ford Foundation and McCune Foundation to revitalize public grazing lands under the auspices of the Valle Grande Grass Bank. Balancing economic and environmental objectives, local ranchers place their cattle on the Valle Grande's 36,000 acres while their allotments on federal lands are restored.
The Valle Grande Grass Bank, a project of The Conservation Fund, has received a Certificate of Appreciation from Natalie M. Runyan, President, New Mexico Riparian Council for Excellence in Partnership. The Grass Bank was nominated by peers based on evaluation criteria put forth by the NMRC. The award was presented at the 44th Annual New Mexico Water Conference on December 2, 1999.