The Pape Family has a long tradition of utilizing various conservation practices to keep the operation economically and environmentally sustainable. They place high emphasis on grazing management and manipulate sagebrush on their land to increase forage production for cattle and wildlife. The family also uses fencing to maintain naturally occurring windbreaks and to allow for the passage of wildlife, participating in a program with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and Wyoming Department of Transportation to install wildlife friendly fencing along Highway 191.

The Papes are actively involved as leaders in their community. Norm has been a member of the Green River Valley Cattlemen’s Association for over 30 years. The family supports 4-H, and Norm and Barbara have opened their home to schoolchildren to educate them about the importance of wildlife and natural resources.

“The Pape Family is known for their integrity, hard work, and willingness to give to the community,” wrote Darrell Walker, Chairman, Sublette County Conservation District, in his letter of recommendation. “They are one of manyWyoming ranch families that are good stewards of the land, their community, their state, and nation.”

Although the Papes are proud of their accomplishments, they have a deep appreciation for those before them who laid the foundation for what the ranch is today.