Querencia Chronicles: Collaborative forest project spearheads landscape restoration across the Western U.S.

In the vast landscapes of the American West, public lands are critical resources, especially for rural communities. This is the backdrop for the Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project (CFLRP), a transformative initiative spanning 3.8 million acres.

In Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado, the Querencia. represents a sense of place where communities find safety, draw strength, and connect with a landscape that sustains livelihoods. This is the backdrop for the Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project (CFLRP), a transformative initiative spanning 3.8 million acres.

The essence of the Southwest is defined by Querencia — a place where communities thrive, drawing strength from their surroundings. The CFLRP embodies this spirit, fostering collaboration among Tribes, collaboratives, landowners, and federal agencies to restore ecosystems and ensure the vitality of the region.

In the vast landscapes of the American West, public lands are critical resources, especially for rural communities. Public and private lands are intertwined, driving the rural economy. Diverse voices at the table enrich perspectives, shaping better landscape management practices and promoting community well-being.

Collaboration emerges as the key to success in the CFLRP. A 15-year, $30 million initiative, the program breaks down arbitrary boundaries, emphasizing true ecosystem restoration. Voices from non-governmental entities are crucial, recognizing the necessity of involving the public and ensuring a comprehensive approach to landscape care.

Related Stories
Janie ventures to the desert in Prescott, Arizona for cattle branding at the 7UP ranch with Penny Kasun & Dani Jeanne Lawrence.
Janie camps out on the historic YP Ranch with the operation’s matriarch, RanchHER Renee Jackson, her family, and a talented crew of cowboys as they wrap up part of branding season on their remote and expansive operation located on the state line of Nevada and Idaho.
Janie camps out at the remote State Line of Nevada & Idaho with Renee Jackson, wrapping up branding season at the historic YP ranch.

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.