Robinson Family Ranch Secures Audubon Certification
The 916,000-acre Pathfinder Ensign Ranches in Natrona County is now one of 13 certified operations in Wyoming.
By Alyssa Parker ·
Pathfinder Ensign Ranches has received Bird-Friendly Land Certification from the National Audubon Society. The designation applies to the 916,000-acre property located southwest of Casper, spanning deeded land and public grazing allotments across Natrona, Carbon, Fremont, and Sweetwater counties.
The Ensign Group LLC purchased the ranch in January after Swan Land Co. listed the property for $79.5 million. The group is co-owned by Christopher, Victoria, and Alexander Robinson. Since the acquisition, the family has implemented rotational grazing, installed wildlife-friendly fencing, controlled weeds, upgraded water pipelines, and restored wetlands.
Anthony Hauck, communications director for Audubon’s working lands initiatives, confirmed these recent investments. The certification recognizes cattle and bison producers who manage pastures to protect birds and wildlife. In exchange, Audubon provides technical assistance and wildlife monitoring services.
Ranch managers move cattle quickly through specific pastures while allowing others to rest. This practice creates varied grassland structures. Short grass areas support mountain plovers and horned larks, while taller plants provide habitat for sage thrashers, Brewer’s sparrows, and greater sage grouse. Margo Rosenbaum, an Audubon communications associate, noted that this mosaic of grassland structure provides nesting and foraging habitat for priority species.
The property also documents populations of lark bunting, vesper sparrow, and burrowing owl. Elk, mule deer, and pronghorn use the ranch as well. The operation is partnering with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to reintroduce bighorn sheep to the Sweetwater Rocks, a location where wild herds have been absent for over 100 years.
Pathfinder Ensign Ranches maintains the first and largest federally approved greater sage grouse conservation bank in the nation. This bank protects connected nesting and breeding grounds. Chris Robinson, CEO of Ensign Ranches, stated that practices beneficial for birds also support rangeland health and business viability.
Audubon launched its ranching initiative 10 years ago to demonstrate that large agricultural operations can coexist with wildlife. The program now includes 160 producers managing more than 4.7 million acres nationwide. Wyoming has 13 certified ranches managing over 1.4 million acres. Cidney Handy, a range ecologist with Audubon Rockies, emphasized that supporting these producers helps sustain bird habitat, healthy soils, clean water, open spaces, and rural communities.
