Guest post by Clemson student Katherine Martin
Learning about how fire has shaped the Montana landscape has helped put into perspective how interconnected everything is on the plains. The effects of fi re on the land can benefit not just the wildlife but also the cattle grazing on the land. Fire has historically been present on this land, dating back to the times before Europeans inhabited it. Setting fires across the prairie was once part of Native American culture. This burning was not random, but rather to intentionally help manage and rejuvenate the land. After a fire, grass has the opportunity to grow back with even more nutrients, which is beneficial for the cattle grazing the land. It is essential for us to recognize and respect the ways of life of those who came before us because, oftentimes, there is a reason for their actions. Unlike us, the natives knew the benefits that fire could bring to the land. Today, fire can be a scary word for those living in the prairie, but it can also be good if managed and treated correctly. Fire brings new life to the land and brings a sense of community through their efforts to prevent it.
Not only did I get to learn about fire, but I also got to witness cattle being worked through the chutes for Brucellosis vaccination and ear tattooing. This has been one of my favorite activities. It is one thing to stay on a ranch with cattle all around you and another to actually see the ranching chores. Ranching really is a team sport. I can't imagine seeing Terry and LaVonne trying to do all that work by themselves. The community in Montana is for more than just trading sugar; they also help each other out with the dirty and difficult labor of ranching. The vet, Becca, was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to help us understand each of the processes. Many of us had never heard of brucellosis before and were curious as to what it actually did. The main answer to our question was that it aborted fetuses, which could be detrimental to ranchers if their herd were to get infected. In order to maintain a healthy herd, Terry and LaVonne have to take steps to vaccinate and ensure their cattle are not at risk for any of the diseases around them. Caring for their cattle is not just an act of care, but also an act to ensure the future of their ranch.
During my time here, I've asked myself over and over, 'Why does any of this matter? Why should I or others care?' I'm sure everyone has their own answer to this, whether spiritually or economically driven. However, what I've seen most often is that learning about the prairie is important because people truly care for this land. Whether you're a rancher or a conservationist, something deeply connects you to the land. People care about the prairie because it is part of their livelihood. The community of people here works as an ecosystem in their own right to serve the land that provides for them. Firefighters, veterinarians, ranchers, biologists, all these different people come together and interact in this space to further their environment. They want to see the beauty of this land carried on from generation to generation. In the words of Dustin, "This is God's country. Don't tell anyone about it." They want to preserve a way of life here, and to them, this means using sustainable practices so that the land is sustained into the future. Their mission is to maintain this land for as long as possible because they believe this beauty is worth preserving.
Spending these last two weeks in Montana has been incredible. I've learned how important it is to value community and the land's future use. By carefully stewarding our land, we will be able to preserve it for generations to come. To do this, though, we must come together with an open mind and a willingness to sacrifice our comfort for the good of future generations.
