Society for Range Management
POLICY STATEMENT:

Rangeland and Range Resources

Rangelands, a broad category of land comprising more than 40% of the earth’s land area, are characterized by native plant communities, which are often associated with grazing, and are managed by ecological, rather than agronomic methods.

The term “range” can also include forestlands that have grazing resources, or seeded lands that are managed like rangeland. Range resources are not limited to the grazable forage, but may include wildlife, water and many other benefits.

  • Management of Rangeland Ecosystems
    The Society believes that rangeland ecosystems should be managed to provide optimum sustained yield of tangible and intangible products and benefits for human welfare. This can only be achieved through the sound use of ecological and economic principles. The use of valid resource inventories and monitoring are a basic requirement for planning and management of rangeland resources. Other manipulative management practices, including fire and integrated pest management may be employed to create positive changes in the landscape through development of sustainable, desired plant communities.

  • Multiple Use of Rangeland Resources
    The Society supports managing combinations of rangeland uses, which best meet the needs and desires of people and are compatible with the sustainability and adaptability of the land. Multiple use management, where appropriate, is encouraged on both public and private lands.

    Uses of rangeland the Society for Range Management supports includes:

    • Livestock Grazing: Rangelands constitute an important forage base for livestock, and livestock constitute an important management tool for rangelands. The Society supports appropriately planned and monitored livestock grazing based on scientific principles that meet management goals and societal needs.

    • Water Management: Rangelands constitute a large portion of the water producing land area of the earth. The Society promotes rangeland management that results in healthy ecosystems which enhance the quality of water and minimize soil erosion and sedimentation.

    • Wildlife Management: Rangelands provide habitat for many species of wildlife. The Society promotes ecologically sound wildlife management integrated with rangeland management practices to maintain or restore desired wildlife habitat.

    • Management of Aesthetic Value: Rangelands possess natural beauty and other aesthetic values. The Society supports the concept that range management activities should not detract from aesthetic values of rangelands and may often enhance them.

    • Recreational Use of Rangelands: Rangeland provide recreational opportunities. The Society supports development of recreational opportunities, as appropriate, in range management planning, providing that such use is compatible with other rangeland resource values.
Society for Range Management
©2003- Society for Range Management. All Rights Reserved.
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