Confronting Conifer Encroachment Across the American West
Conifer encroachment is the expansion of native tree species such as pinyon pine, juniper, and other conifers into open rangelands, grasslands, and shrublands that historically lacked these woodland species. As someone who has spent more than three decades working with ranch lands across the American West helping client navigate real estate transactions and conservation easements, I’ve seen firsthand how the health of our landscapes directly contributes to the economic viability, ecological function, and cultural heritage of rural communities.