Our Mission.
Escalante Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to restoring Utah's Escalante desert to its fullest ecological potential through holistic land management practices..
Our project site will serve as a hub for research, demonstrations, advocacy, training, and support in regenerative land management practices, exemplified by our operational ranch.
The Escalante Desert.
The Escalante Desert, situated in Southern Utah, USA, spans approximately 2,092,800 acres and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including wild horses, antelope, coyotes, eagles, and ravens. Unfortunately, disruptions in the region's ecosystem processes have led to its gradual transition into a true desert landscape called Desertification. Additionally, a concerning depletion of its water aquifers and relentless wildfires presents challenges for our local residents.
Despite a surplus of rainfall in the previous years, historical patterns have not always been as favorable. Inadequate soil penetration exacerbates the issue, leading to substantial water evaporation following rain. The land, for the most part, remains untouched, with sporadic appearances of free-ranging cattle and other wildlife.
Our initiative aims to address these challenges through the introduction of a managed livestock herd employing holistic management practices. This approach seeks to emulate historical predator-prey dynamics indigenous to the region. Leveraging contemporary drone technology, we will monitor progress through aerial surveillance, including the observation of vegetation growth and soil moisture levels. Our "boots on the ground" team will ensure meticulous management, preventing both overgrazing and under grazing.
The projected timeline for this endeavor spans 5 to 10 years, contingent upon the land's response, as indicated by insights shared by various regeneratively operated ranches. Through this initiative, we aim to restore balance to the Escalante High Desert and safeguard its ecosystem for future generations.
Location
Escalante Desert, Utah USA
Desertification.
In the Escalante Desert region, evident signs of desertification have been surfacing, leading to the disruption of ecological cycles. These disruptions have led to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, depletion of our local aquafers, and uncontrollable wildfires. This concerning trend is predominantly fueled by climate pattern shifts, with a significant impact from human activities and mismanagement practices.
Desertification, the conversion of once-fertile land into arid and unproductive expanses, is a consequence of both climatic changes and human interventions. This phenomenon poses a global threat, endangering ecosystems, biodiversity, and community well-being. The issue extends beyond the State of Utah, echoing a global concern that necessitates collective attention and concerted efforts.
What is Holistic Management?
The cure for desertification. Holistic management is a comprehensive and sustainable approach to land and resource management that transcends traditional practices. Rooted in the idea of interconnectedness, it emphasizes the integration of ecological, social, and economic considerations. By embracing a holistic worldview, this approach seeks to regenerate ecosystems, enhance soil health, and promote overall resilience.
Our Intended Partner
The Savory Institute
The Savory Institute, a worldwide nonprofit, is dedicated to the extensive regeneration of the Earth's grasslands through the implementation of Holistic Management. This decision-making framework recognizes the inseparable connection between humans, their economies, and the environment. In pursuit of this vision, the institute is strategically establishing Savory Hubs across the globe. These hubs serve as catalysts, empowering individuals everywhere to contribute to land healing through conscious and intentional resource management. Central to these teachings are the integral roles of properly managed livestock and other regenerative strategies, positioning them at the core of a sustainable and thriving future.
In order to fulfill our mission in the Escalante Desert, our goal is to partner with the Savory Global Hub Network; a global community of Holistic Management practitioners and educators. The Escalante Land Trust intends to become the first Savory Hub in the State of Utah that is focused primarily on revitalization of the soil and its water aquifers. We are creating a new path for the implementation of land management practices as alternatives to traditional engineering for solving the symptoms of desertification, including large-scale events such as dust storms, wildfires, proliferation of invasive species, soil loss and erosion, and flooding.
Our initial donation goal includes a $10,000 which establishes the hub.
“The Land is our foundation, our past, and our future”
— Native American Proverbs