AZSRM SPRING MEETING 2026
Investing in Range
The AZSRM 2026 Spring Meeting brought together a strong community of professionals, students, and partners committed to the stewardship of Arizona’s rangelands under this year’s theme, Investing in Range. Attendees heard from a diverse lineup of speakers and programs, including updates from Arizona Game and Fish Department by Nick Schobinger, funding opportunities for farmers and ranchers presented by Raina Hines, and the Audubon Certification Program shared by Ariel Leger. Additional insights were provided by Meghan LaPointe and Alanna Riggs on the Fort Huachuca Sentinel Landscape Partnership, Cameron Burleson on the Arizona State Land Department Permitting Portal, and NRCS programs presented by Jennifer Krentz and Cary Lily. The day also featured Department of Forestry and Fire Management programs by Jessica Warner and hands-on plant identification training led by the University of Arizona, creating a well-rounded and impactful experience for all attendees.
Our Location
Hosted at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, the setting provided a welcoming and scenic backdrop for this year’s meeting. With comfortable meeting spaces, beautiful desert surroundings, and convenient on-site amenities, the venue created the perfect environment for both learning and connection. From morning sessions to evening gatherings, the location played an important role in bringing attendees together in a relaxed and productive atmosphere.
Driven by Passion
A wide range of organizations were represented at the AZSRM 2026 Spring Meeting, highlighting the strong collaboration across agencies, universities, and private partners working in rangeland management. Attendees included Tierra Seca, Pima County Flood Control District, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, the University of Arizona, and the University of Arizona Range Management Club, alongside federal partners such as USDA-NRCS, the U.S. Forest Service—including the Apache-Sitgreaves and Kaibab National Forests—and the Bureau of Land Management. Tribal and local representation included the San Carlos Apache Tribe, Santa Cruz NRCD, Apache NRCD, and Arizona State Land Department, as well as organizations like AACD, Quivira Coalition, Rangeland Review LLC, 4 Canyons Land & Cattle, Clyne Ranch, and Pima County Cooperative Land Resources. The diversity of participants reflects the collaborative effort required to support, manage, and sustain Arizona’s rangelands.
Bidding, Laughs, and Big Wins: A Night to Remember
A highlight of the meeting was the live auction, which proved to be a huge success and a memorable part of the event. With a wide variety of unique and generously donated items—from handcrafted goods and artwork to specialty packages—the auction created excitement while supporting the important work of AZSRM. Dean Fish, our auctioneer, kept the energy high and the crowd fully engaged, bringing plenty of laughter and fun to the evening. The success of the auction reflects the generosity of our donors and the strong support of our members, all contributing to the continued advancement of rangeland conservation.
