Countless acres of grasslands stretch across the American West. Centuries ago, bison roamed the range freely and lived off the grass. By the 19th century, herds of cattle grazed the same land. Over time, much of the original grassland was either plowed and planted or trampled to dust, causing the topsoil to dry up and blow away. Today many ranchers have learned to manage their herds of beef cattle so that the damaged range has been transformed into productive grasslands with clear streams running through them. Montana ranchers Bob Lee, Ray Marxer, and Tom Milesnick have won awards for their innovative approaches to raising beef cattle and managing the western range. While creating a healthy environment and abundant grasslands for their cattle, they and other ranchers and farmers across the United States have provided quality habitat for wildlife. The author of this book for children has visited each ranch to learn firsthand about the philosophy of the owners as well as how the ranches are run. The book is filled with photographs illustrating every aspect of the ranch environment and the daily activities of people who live on a ranch. Suggested for ages four through eight. (BT)