William Burnidge

William Burnidge is an integral leader in both The Nature Conservancy’s Colorado state program and North America Agriculture program. As the Sustainable Grazing Lands Program Director for Colorado, his work involves building and testing tools to improve conservation, business and quality of life conditions on commercial cattle ranches. William also strives to define and improve incentives that advance sustainable practices. Integral to his job, William collaborates with NGO, agency and beef value chain partners to share and support proven tools and approaches that advance sustainable grazing goals. Among his many career accomplishments, William’s successful 10-year management of the Conservancy’s 14,000-acre Fox Ranch as both a nature preserve and a commercial ranching operation has positioned him as a well-respected and sought-after expert on the integrated management of grazing lands. In 2017, William – in addition to his Colorado program work – began working as a Sustainable Grazing Lands Coda Fellow for the North American Agriculture Program. He is providing much-need insight and technical guidance to promote the use of conservation planning among key players in the beef supply chain to achieve significant environmental, social and economic benefits. Since joining the Conservancy in 2005, William’s list of accomplishments include advancing the sustainable use of the Ogallala Aquifer in Colorado, protecting vital lands in northeast Colorado with conservation easements, and helping shape renewable energy strategies for the Colorado state program and the North America region. He also managed the Conservancy’s relationship with the Colorado State Land Board, providing technical guidance for its energy development programs, support for management of its large ranch assets, and input to its stewardship programs and policies. Prior to joining the Conservancy in Colorado in 2005, William worked in consulting and with the U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development to advance large corporate sustainable development projects. He earned his MBA and MS in Environmental Policy at the University of Michigan and his BS in Wildlife Management and Biology at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Outside of work, William enjoys life in Colorado with his lovely wife and two delightful daughters.