Wyoming
Big Piney’s Miller Ranch is recognized for bridging the conservation gap
Cowboy hats, boots and even spurs peppered the crowd of ranchers, lawmakers and wildlife advocates at Miller Land and Livestock. The sixth generation ranch, nestled between Big Piney and the Wyoming Range, hosted a recent conservation event.
“We’re all about horses and cattle, but we really like our birds too,” said Mike Miller, who runs the ranch with his wife, Tara Miller, and the help of their sons, Will and Wes, and grandsons, Kaleb and Blu.
The Miller Ranch’s conservation efforts caught the eye of the National Audubon Society – specifically, their work to preserve bird habitat.
“Every year we have a [bird] family around our house. Last year was ferruginous hawk,” Mike said as birds chirped in the background. “This year, it’s an owl family. They’re really fun to watch. They’re pretty stoic individuals.”
The Audubon’s event was pegged as a “Sagebrush Celebration”, with a nod to the Miller’s recent ‘bird-friendly habitat certification from the Society. It’s a coveted title given to ranches who have prioritized conservation. The Millers said they couldn’t have gotten to this place without state and federal assistance.
Caitlin Tan
/
Wyoming Public Media
“They all have been a godsend to ranchers,” said Tara to the crowd of about 70. “The help and knowledge we have gained from them is invaluable.”
This is noticeably a different tone from Wyoming’s growing number of lawsuits against federal agencies over conservation efforts and management of natural resources. Wyoming often argues that local knowledge isn’t being prioritized in these efforts.
But not at the Miller Ranch. In attendance was Gov. Mark Gordon, and he said this is an example of the system working.
“Wildlife migrates across federal, state and private lands, each with management objectives,” Gordon said to the crowd of ranchers, wildlife advocates and lawmakers. “It’s only when people come together, with leadership from folks like Mike and Tara, that we can actually get that solved on the ground in a way that makes sense to wildlife, because wildlife don’t understand red lines.”
Jaden Bales
/
Wyoming Wildlife Federation
The Millers are the 11th ranch in Wyoming to receive the Audubon recognition. The society highlighted the Miller’s strategic rotational grazing of their cattle.
“Short, intense grazing periods create patches of short vegetation suitable for species like the Burrowing Owl and Ferruginous Hawk,” according to an Audubon press release. “Extended periods of rest from grazing allow for taller habitat structures, benefiting species like the Lark Bunting, Loggerhead Shrike and Sagebrush Sparrow.”
Speaker of the Wyoming House Albert Sommers (R-Pinedale) also acknowledged the Millers’ efforts, saying collaboration is key for conservation.
“If we can’t find ways to work together, to preserve these working landscapes, we’re going to be in a far worse place than we are today,” Sommers said.
Right now, Wyoming is in talks with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) over a newly proposed sage grouse management plan. The goal is to prevent an Endangered Species listing. Science shows conservation of sagebrush and limited disturbance can slow the population’s decline.
A final version of the plan is expected in the coming months. Then, the work will start. That means collaboration between federal, state and local landowners, like the Millers.
Tara acknowledged all the hard work it takes to do so. It’s been a learning process since she married into the family 50 years ago.
“I was glad to be a cowgirl marrying a good looking, fun loving bronc rider and had little idea of the lifetime commitment I was making to a big ranch,” she said.
But Tara said she wouldn’t have it anyother way. The Millers have built a reputation for not only their ranching and conservation, but also their horse breeding program.
They won Best Remuda from the American Quarter Horse Association in 2021, which awards ranches across the country with top of the line home-raised ranch horses.
Just this year, Mike Miller was inducted into the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hall of Fame. He earned more than $623,000 and made it to multiple cow horse final showing events since the late 1980s – all achieved on horses bred and raised on their wildlife-friendly ranch.
The Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) released a comprehensive study assessing the Wyoming coal value chain, including supply and demand, offshore exports, and the regulatory barriers and reforms needed to maintain a viable, long-term thermal coal market for Wyoming.
Commissioned by the Wyoming Energy Authority and prepared by Energy Ventures Analysis, Inc., and its subcontractors, the Energy Policy Network and WWC Engineering. The study evaluates current production levels, reserve availability, domestic and international demand outlooks, and the regulatory landscape affecting Wyoming coal. The report also examines offshore export potential and federal leasing and permitting processes that influence future Wyoming production.
Coal remains a cornerstone of Wyoming’s economy and a critical component of national energy security. Wyoming produces roughly forty percent of the nation’s thermal coal demand and continues to supply affordable, reliable fuel to power plants and industrial users across the country. The study provides updated data on production trends in the Powder River Basin and the Green River Basin, as well as long-range demand modeling under multiple policy and market scenarios.
The study highlights the evolving national conversation and the current administration’s support for grid reliability due to increased public power demand, industrial growth through reshoring of manufacturing and data centers, and the role dispatchable energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, play in maintaining power stability and affordability. It also evaluates federal coal leasing trends, mine reserve replacement, and the regulatory framework shaping future production.
In addition to domestic demand, the study reviews global coal markets and export opportunities. It assesses transportation logistics, port capacity, and cost competitiveness in Asian markets, where coal demand continues to influence global supply chains.
The Wyoming Coal Study reflects Wyoming’s continued commitment to responsible resource development, regulatory engagement, and long-term economic resilience.
The full 2026 Wyoming Coal Study is available at wyoenergy.org/reports.
The Bureau of Land Management Buffalo Field Office is notifying the public of the presence of actively burning coal seam fires in Northern Campbell and Eastern Sheridan Counties.
Although these fires may be visible from the surface and/or from a distance (county roads and highways), they do not always constitute a threat or lead to wildland fires.
Coal seam fires are typically smoldering at or below the surface, with little to no open flame.
They spread very slowly, even on windy days. Continuous reporting of these active coal seam fires can overwhelm 911 Dispatch Centers and Casper Interagency Dispatch Center, which can hamper response to actual emergencies.
If coal seam fires are observed, and are not actively spreading to surface wildland fuels, please do not contact 911 or Casper Interagency Dispatch.
If there is an active wildfire observed, it is appropriate to call it in.
Please be able to provide some basic information such as the location, estimated size, fuel it is burning is (grass/sage vs. Juniper or Timber), and if there’s any valuables at risk to include homes, energy infrastructure, livestock, etc.
If you have any questions pertaining to this, please feel free to contact BLM Wyoming State Office Public Affairs at BLM_WY_912@blm.gov or by phone at (307) 775-6328.
If you know of a coal seam fire on BLM administered lands and have not reported it to the BLM, please email the location information, including any collected GIS data, to BLM_WY_Buffalo_WYMail@blm.gov.
Active burning coal seams can create serious hazards for bystanders and responders:
POTENTIAL HAZARDS:
· Unstable ground – sloughing and potential surface collapse.
· Hot surface areas – ground temperatures may be high enough to burn skin or ignite vegetation.
· Hidden openings or fissures- cracks or vents releasing heat or smoke.
· Toxic or irritating gases – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other gases may accumulate in low areas.
· Wildfire risk – surface ignition possible during dry conditions.
What should I do? –STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS AND TRAILS:
· Follow all closures and posted warnings.
· Do not approach steaming ground, vents, or smoke.
· Keep children and pets close.
· Report spreading vegetation fires immediately.
Sheridan hosts the 2026 WAHL ‘B’ State February 27th, 28th and March 1st inside the M&M Center.
The Hawks are the #1 seed and get a first round bye in the 9-team tournament.
Friday, February 27th:
#9 Rock Springs vs. #8 Gillette – 9am
#7 Cheyenne vs. #2 Pinedale – 11am
#6 Casper vs. #3 Fremont County – 1pm
#5 Laramie vs. #4 Cody – 3pm
Rock Springs/Gillette winner vs. #1 Sheridan – 5pm
Rock Springs/Gillette loser vs. Cheyenne/Pinedale loser – 7pm LOSER OUT!
Saturday, February 28th:
Laramie/Cody loser vs. Friday 5pm loser – 8am LOSER OUT!
Friday 7pm winner vs. Casper/Fremont County loser – 10am LOSER OUT!
Cheyenne/Pinedale winner vs. Casper/Fremont County winner – Noon Semi-Finals
Laramie/Cody winner vs. Friday 5pm winner – 2pm Semi-Finals
8am winner vs. Noon loser – 6pm LOSER OUT!
10am winner vs. 2pm loser – 8pm LOSER OUT!
Sunday, March 1st:
Saturday 6pm winner vs. Saturday 8pm winner – 8am 3rd Place
Saturday Noon winner vs. Saturday 2pm winner – 10am Championship
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