Oregon Ranchers Mark and Patti Bennett Recognized for Helping Wildlife

By Vanessa Torres

Mark and Patti Bennett from Baker County recognized for helping Sage-Grouse as well as other wildlife

Oregon -(Ammoland.com)- Mark and Patti Bennett of Unity were recognized with the 2015 Riley Freeman Award during the Oregon Cattlemen Association conference last weekend in Bend.

In giving the award, ODFW Director Curt Melcher praised the Bennetts for being model stewards on their working cattle ranch in Unity, Ore. Melcher spotlighted their ranch’s role in the conservation and recovery of Greater sage-grouse.

“The Bennetts recently signed a Candidate Conservation Agreement related to sage-grouse and are enhancing habitat for these birds,” said Melcher.

Chip Dale, ODFW watershed manager for southeast Oregon, praised Mark Bennett’s participation on the sage-grouse rule advisory committees (both DLCD and ODFWs), “Mark was a strong advocate not only for Baker County, but also for ensuring the persistence of sage-grouse,” Dale said.

As a neighbor, County Commissioner, and private landowner/county representative on Oregon’s Sage-Con group, Bennett pushed for a reasonable approach to protecting sage-grouse habitat while also protecting the economic viability of eastern Oregon and working lands. He spent numerous hours working with the Governor’s …Read the Rest

Source:: AmmoLand