Ecological Services
Respecting America’s natural grasslands can be as rewarding economically as it is spiritually when you are able to find the right balance of ecological benefits achieved from working with the land as opposed to around it. By working with farmers and landowners, Roeslein Alternative Energy incorporates wildlife, water quality, and carbon sequestration to create a system where the restoration of natural prairie grasses allows farmers to yield additional revenue from otherwise marginal land.
Through the harvesting of diverse prairie biomass for bioenergy applications, farmers and landowners see the economic benefits of biomass production as well as the savings earned through efficient use of the land’s water, nitrogen, and energy resources.
Making a Change for the Better
One of Roeslein Alternative Energy’s main missions is to restore and convert 30,000,000 acres of marginal land to native prairie grasses in just 30 years, it’s called the 30/30 Vision. This vision benefits farmers economically and positively impacts surrounding ecosystems by creating homes for various types of wildlife, providing erosion control, and preventing flooding. Currently, Roeslein Alternative Energy is undergoing multiple prairie restoration efforts with Smithfield Hog Production.
What Others are Saying
Roeslein Alternative Energy, Smithfield Hog Production, and the Environmental Defense Fund brought together conservationists, food producers, scientists, educators, farmers, policymakers, and other interested members of the community to discuss the future of responsible land management on and around the Missouri Grand River Basin. Additionally, this conference was centered around providing market-based solutions that significantly improve water quality, soil erosion, nutrient losses, carbon sequestration, and soil health. Weren’t able to attend the conference or want a conference recap? Check out the Grand River Watershed Event Page.
Several initiatives have taken shape since this conference on May 17th, 2018. If you or your organization would like to be involved, learn more, have an idea you want to discuss or a project with a similar mission, please fill out the below form or email us at [email protected].
A strategic reintroduction of native grasslands on just 10 percent of the Mississippi River watershed’s tributary landscape would significantly reduce flood levels. The potential positive impact is enormous with simultaneous benefits for the environment, wildlife, and renewable energy.
Roughly one-third of Missouri was once completely covered by tall grass prairie, with root systems several feet long capable of absorbing and storing water deep in the soil. Roeslein Alternative Energy is working to strategically re-introduce native grasses and clean up the waters that affect all forms of the ecosystem.