Join the Public Lands Council leadership, staff, and affiliates for our annual Legislative Conference! Attendees will hear from Members of Congress, policy experts, scientists, and other industry professionals who are dedicated to Western lands, waters, and perspectives. The 2021 PLC Legislative Conference will prepare attendees to share coordinated messages with their Members of Congress, provide a forum to shape PLC policy, and provide a unique opportunity to “gather” with public lands permittees without interrupting spring ranch work.

For the first time, this year’s legislative conference will be a dynamic virtual event — we thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is no cost to participate in this event.

Click here to register for PLC’s Virtual 2021 Legislative Conference

Tuesday, March 23

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Session 1: Opening Session
Join PLC leadership, staff, and guest speakers during the opening session of the 2021 PLC Legislative Conference. This session will be the roadmap for the next few days, outlining policy opportunities, challenges, and key messages.

• PLC Welcome: Niels Hansen, PLC President; Mark Roeber, PLC Vice President
• Guest Keynote Remarks
• PLC Policy Update: Kaitlynn Glover, PLC Executive Director

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Session 2: 117th Congressional Outlook: New Members, New Perspective
During this session, attendees will hear from newly-elected Members of Congress about their experience during the opening months of the 117th Congress. Successful engagement with Congressional delegations is the best way to ensure local perspectives are reflected in federal legislation. This session will provide valuable insights into the dynamics and priorities of key House and Senate committees and how public lands ranchers can be the most effective advocates for our industry and communities.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session 3: Multiple Use for Mutual Benefit: Grazing’s role in protecting multiple use for the future.(Panel)
This panel discussion will focus on public land use and how grazing facilitates opportunities for other multiple uses. Panelists are expects in land use, economics, and the relationships between successful multiple-use management and beneficial outcomes for wildlife, communities, economies, and other recreational uses.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Session 4: Carbon Sequestration and Rangelands: Grazing’s Role in the Climate Conversation.
Grazing protects open spaces from conversion, reduces the risk of catastrophic wildfire, promotes biodiversity, and is involved in a host of other environmental processes that public lands ranchers often classify under the broad category of “range management”. This panel will explore key roles grazing plays in the central issues that are at the core of climate legislation, regulation, and litigation – and highlight the good story grazing has to tell.

5:15 p.m.
Session 5: Closing Session
Closing remarks from Niels Hansen, PLC President; Mark Roeber, PLC Vice President

Wednesday, March 24

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Session 1: Opening Session
Join PLC as we open the day with issue briefings and helpful tips for meetings with your delegations.

• PLC Welcome: Niels Hansen, PLC President; Mark Roeber, PLC Vice President
• Hill Preparation: Kaitlynn Glover, PLC Executive Director

Afternoon Sessions – Times TBD.
Log in throughout the afternoon for open forums with staff from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Wildlife Services to meet staff, ask questions, and foster dialogue about ongoing priorities.

Thursday, March 25

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Session 1: Final General Session
Close the 2021 PLC Legislative Conference with reflection on delegation meetings, agency meetings, and other key discussions.