Developing Strategies For Rangeland Management: A Report Prepared By The Committee On Developing Strategies For Rangeland Management

The National Academy of Sciences Committee on Developing Strategies for Rangeland Management examined the scientific, political, economic, legal, and social issues arising from the BLM's stewardship role in a two-year study. This book contains over eighty professional papers presented at workshops designed to assess forage allocation, inventory of rangeland resources, impact of grazing intensity and specialized grazing systems, manipulative range improvements, application of socioeconomic techniques to range management decision-making, and political and legal aspects of range management.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 2044 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The National Academy of Sciences Committee on Developing Strategies for Rangeland Management conducted a comprehensive two-year study to delve into the intricate web of scientific, political, economic, legal, and social challenges associated with the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) stewardship responsibilities. This comprehensive book, presenting the findings and recommendations of the NAS committee, encompasses a vast collection of over eighty professional papers presented at meticulously designed workshops. These workshops aimed to assess diverse aspects of forage allocation, inventory rangeland resources, evaluate the impact of grazing intensity and specialized grazing systems on rangeland utilization and value, explore manipulative range improvements, apply socioeconomic techniques to range management decision-making, and examine the political and legal dimensions of range management.

The study delved into a wide range of topics, including the scientific basis for rangeland management, the political complexities surrounding land ownership and management, the economic implications of different grazing practices, the legal frameworks governing rangeland use, and the social and cultural implications of rangeland management decisions. The committee's findings and recommendations aimed to provide a comprehensive framework for effective rangeland management that balances the needs of multiple stakeholders, including ranchers, environmentalists, policymakers, and local communities.

One of the key findings of the study was the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in rangeland management. The committee recognized that rangeland issues are complex and multifaceted, requiring a holistic approach that incorporates expertise from various scientific disciplines, such as ecology, economics, and sociology. By bringing together experts from different fields, the committee was able to develop more comprehensive and effective solutions to rangeland management challenges.

Another important recommendation of the study was the need for improved data collection and analysis in rangeland management. The committee recognized that accurate and up-to-date information is essential for making informed decisions about rangeland use and management. To this end, the committee called for the development of a comprehensive rangeland monitoring program that includes regular surveys, research studies, and data analysis to track changes in rangeland conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of management practices.

The study also emphasized the importance of considering the economic value of rangeland resources. The committee recognized that rangeland provides a variety of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water purification, and wildlife habitat, that have significant economic value. By incorporating economic analysis into rangeland management decisions, the committee was able to develop strategies that balance the needs of resource users with the long-term sustainability of the rangeland ecosystem.

In addition to these findings and recommendations, the study also examined the political and legal aspects of rangeland management. The committee recognized that rangeland issues often involve complex political dynamics, including competing interests, jurisdictional boundaries, and political polarization. To address these challenges, the committee called for the development of effective governance structures that promote collaboration, transparency, and accountability in rangeland management decision-making.

Overall, the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Developing Strategies for Rangeland Management's two-year study was a groundbreaking effort to comprehensively examine the scientific, political, economic, legal, and social issues arising from the BLM's stewardship role. The committee's findings and recommendations provide a valuable roadmap for effective rangeland management that balances the needs of multiple stakeholders and promotes the long-term sustainability of the rangeland ecosystem.

ISBN-13: 9780367169718