One of the main threats to our water is sewage spills.  These spills endanger the lives of plants and animals as well as our own.  Our activities on these waterways are affected greatly by this pollution.  Many charitable groups out there devote their time and energy to seeing that these waterways are cleaned up.  However, they cannot do it alone; they need our contributions to help keep these places clean. When water is polluted, it is unsafe and unfit to drink or participate in recreational activities in or around it.

Point source and non point source are two types of pollutions.  When substances are mixed into a body of water by a direct route, this is called point source.  Through changes in our environment, other pollutants enter our waterways, which is called non point source pollution.  When farmers plow their fields, fertilizers drain into our rivers. This is a good example of non point source pollution.  

River pollution is not only in our lands, but all over the world.  Let us look at China and its Yellow river. This river is the second largest river in that country. It has gotten out of control with pollution.  The people, and government there are putting in laws to prevent a large amount pollution in this important waterway. If this is not done, it will slow their economic growth severely, as well as the health and welfare of the people living along this river.  
Keeping water free of pollutants is a priority for survival of all living beings on this planet.

A ranching vocation is synonymous with the term, "environmentalist".  Perhaps there was a time when ranchers used and overgrazed the land, but most individuals today have obtained their property and business' from at least 3 generations of antecedents.  There resides a deep respect and love for the land in ranching and farming people.  They highly value the "family" home, their animals, and independent lifestyle.  If a rancher does not practice sound land conservation, modern animal husbandry and  grazing practices, he will simply no longer be in business, his pasture, hay fields worthless, his animals unsound and unsalable.

In the distant past, when there were no fences or boundaries, the concept of conserving the earth's resources and being a steward of the land was not uncommon among herding peoples of the earth.  However, there wasn't sufficient population to present a threat to the land and its native grasses.  As populations grew and spread and markets expanded, the number of animals raised and cultivated increased, therefore the impact of those animals upon the earth became more pronounced. Education and experience have changed archaic practices and the earth has benefited.

Today's Rancher has considerable stigma to overcome as they have become as "branded", as their cattle.  As is common to many other vocations; the sins of a few, become the standard for their kind. The media and non-land based populations see a couple of astonishingly demonstrative pictures and immediately assume the pictured river pollution or ranch pond conditions are commonplace.  In fact there exists a far larger percentage of situations where there is no such overgrazing, pollution or violation.  The beautiful, lush undamaged river, stream and pond are rarely, if ever pictured, but they are there.  You never see them unless it is on a Real Estate advertisement.

    

Irrigation has been with us ever since man learned to cultivate crops, and continues to be practiced today. Different methods are used for various climates and conditions. Some types have transformed ranches, and farms to be environmentally friendly, as well as more efficient. The use of catch ponds allows water to be reused instead of wasted or polluting rivers. The method of flood irrigation can be very wasteful if not reused. Nearly 39% of fresh water is used for irrigation in the United States. In areas like the western states, it is very important to be conservative with all water, as it can be very scarce at times.

Farmers are leveling fields so they can take advantage of all water, and so that the captured water can be reused in the next cycle of irrigation. Other methods like drip irrigation are more efficient for vegetables and fruit trees, since the water is run through plastic pipes and even buried along the root lines. In this way, less evaporation takes place and a good percentage is saved when compared to flood irrigation. Spraying to irrigate is a more modern method to water plants.

One system is the center pivot, which can be like watering your yard with a hose and walking in a circle pivoting from the faucet. Ranchers and farmers try to increase their crop production in addition to creating a better habitat for the wildlife. Run-off is caught so that phosphates and others chemicals are trapped before entering the water supply. The more we irrigate, the better we understand it and use it to improve our lives.   

Most people enjoy the beauty and antics of wildlife in its natural habitat, especially birds.  Many of these people would also enjoy having a natural habitat close to their homes in order to enjoy these creatures of nature.  There are ways to attract wildlife, most easily birds, while helping to preserve their existence, as we watch them in all their glory.  

By dedicating a plot of land to this cause, you can build your own wildlife refuge, attracting native birds to your viewing area.  It will obviously take more land for the larger species you might wish to attract, although small areas may be constructed within the confines of your own backyard.  One of the most important factors to be considered is the availability of water.  This may be accomplished by adding a small water garden, or bird baths when attracting birds.  The water must be maintained fresh every day, year round, remaining unfrozen in winter.  Secondly, food must be available at all times, this may be accomplished through the use of feeders, as well as planting natural vegetation for the species you are attracting.  Shrubs and trees are important, giving cover and protection in the face of danger.  Flowers and other vegetative ground cover can also provide a beautiful backdrop, as well as food sources for many varieties of our fine feathered friends.  Feeders for your birds should be placed in order to give a clear viewing field, all the while being fairly close to trees, bushes and other cover.

By providing sufficient housing, you will be able to view the course of nature as the young are raised and leave the nest each year.  With the proper planning, patience and a desire to create a functional, and beautiful habitat, you can have a backyard wildlife refuge of your very own.
 

Ranch owners that still work their ranches for their livelihood know the importance of wildlife conservation. In order to keep the wildlife there on the ranch, they must have food, water, and shelter. If these things are available, whatever wildlife is there will stay, and other types will come as well.

Many ranchers will plant food plots of small grains for the birds, corn for deer and bears, and mixed grains for turkey and other wildlife. These plots are generally planted near a water supply, so the animals will have water available with their food supply. Many of the grain crops will hold their seed through part of the winter months.

Ranchers also cut brush and pile it up for animals to create their homes and nests. Rabbits and deer alike will make beds under the brush piles away from predators. Bird houses can be put up in the yard around the house for the smaller birds, such as finches and songbirds. Birds will also make nests in the trees for shelter.

Depending on what one desires, game birds can be bought and raised to be turned out on the ranch. This helps to raise populations and conserve the species. Many ranchers live off the land and depend on the wildlife as a means of food.

Ranchers must keep predators minimized in order to maintain the population of the wanted animals on the ranch. Hunting is a sport for some, but for certain people, it is a necessity. Life is what we choose to make it. We can live in the hustle and bustle of today’s world, or take time to appreciate what we have, conserve it, and pass it on.