American Grasslands
Reckoning with the Law and Policy that Shaped Agriculture in the West

Compelling and integrated stories of agriculture in the west with achievable recommendations for future law and policy reforms.

Hillary M. Hoffmann (Author)

9781009573917, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 February 2025

224 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.479 kg

'Accessible despite its legal and policy focus, 'American Grasslands' is well suited for readers who are curious about how Western agriculture has evolved - and continues to evolve - through institutional forces. … Highly recommended.' K. J. Volanto, Choice

American Grasslands provides a comprehensive review of select laws and policies that have shaped modern western agriculture. Through compelling stories of both famous and lesser-known ranches, the book explores the trajectory of law and policy that has consolidated power in western ranchers and agricultural enterprises. Drawing lessons from historical events such as the Dust Bowl and the current climate and extinction crises, the book illustrates the harmful externalities of agricultural activity and the need for meaningful reform. The book also addresses recent national calls for social and racial justice in the context of western agriculture and public resources like water, land, and wildlife. After highlighting the problems created by current laws and policies, the book offers practical recommendations for future legal and policy reform. American Grasslands is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and future of western agriculture and the role of law and policy in shaping it.

Introduction
1 . Spanish land grants and the Cielo Vista ranch
2. The Doctrine of Discovery, and Vermejo Park reserve
3. Allotment laws, trusteeship, and Blackfeet ranching
4. Black homesteading, and the Dearfield colony
5. Treaties, homesteading, and the Carpenter ranch
6. Wildlife conservation laws and the Taylor Lawrence ranch
7. Grazing law, water law, and the Pine Creek ranch
8. Sage-Grouse conservation and the West Lake ranch
9. Malheur Wildlife Refuge and the 'War on Rangelands'
10. The reckoning: law and policy reform and the path forward
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: International law [LB]