Rangeland health: perspectives on landscapes

Authors: Harmon, Daniel - Dan; VOTH, DAVE - Newmont Mining Corporation

Submitted to: The Progressive Rancher
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/23/2020
Publication Date: 1/8/2021
Citation: Harmon, D.N., Voth, D. 2021. Rangeland health: perspectives on landscapes. The Progressive Rancher. 21(1):16-17.

Interpretive Summary: The field of range management is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses many aspects of land use. From a wildlife manager to a cattle operator to the recreational enthusiast, we all share common core beliefs of rangeland health, yet each of us may interpret differently to judge the health of the range on specific values. While we may have a different perspective on the landscape based on our specific working fields, we are all connected by that landscape. The Society for Range Management-Nevada Section held a Virtual Summer Meeting where invited speakers presented on pro-active range management practices such as fuel breaks, pinion-juniper control and grazing management. Presenters also provided post-disturbance management practices such as the use of herbicides to control invasive species such as cheatgrass to improve restoration/rehabilitation success with desirable seeded species. Among the various presentations, the common recommendation focused on the establishment of deep-rooted perennial grasses to suppress cheatgrass and associated fuels that threaten ecosystem function.

Technical Abstract: The Society for Range Management-Nevada Section held its annual summer meeting on July 17th, 2020. The field of range management is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses many aspects of land use. From a wildlife manager to a cattle operator to the recreational enthusiast, we all share common core beliefs of rangeland health, yet each of us may interpret differently to judge the health of the range on specific values. While we may have a different perspective on the landscape based on our specific working fields, we are all connected by that landscape. Guest speakers presented on the importance of pro-active management such as fuel breaks and grazing management as well as post-disturbance or reactive management such as effective annual grass control using herbicides, plant material testing and seeding methodologies. One of the take home messages from the presenters is the importance of establishing deep rooted perennial grasses to suppress cheatgrass densities and associated fuel loads.