Author
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Clements, Darin - Charlie |
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JENKINS, RIXEY - Us Forest Service (FS) |
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Submitted to: The Progressive Rancher
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 12/20/2017 Publication Date: 1/5/2018 Citation: Clements, D.D., Jenkins, R. 2018. Monitoring Nevada's rangelands . The Progressive Rancher. 18(1):26-28. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The importance of conducting proper and efficient monitoring to meet management objectives benefits rangelands and their natural resources. The Rangeland Monitoring Handbook increases the utilization of information already gathered and better provides an understanding of long-term versus short-term monitoring to improve adaptive management, cooperative management with permittees and an expanded explanation of data analysis and interpretation. The importance of adaptive management includes active engagement with stakeholders to meet management objectives and quantify desired future conditions. The roles and responsibilities of all involved (federal, state, local governments, land owners) must have an open communication line in the monitoring program to better understand Disturbance Response Groups (ecological sites and states, invasive species, wildfires, etc.), designated monitoring areas (upland, riparian) and management strategies (seeding, grazing, fencing) in measuring and achieving management goals and objectives. The use of long-term photos, grazing records and precipitation are also very useful in monitoring and tracking accomplishments to better record appropriate management strategies. Permittees are better advised to have a monitoring program in place and should be budgeted into the operation just like other added expenses. This approach will save the permittee in the future when renewing grazing permits and battling future litigation. Monitoring is not an end in itself, but rather a tool to interpret how current management is affecting the resource. |
