Wild open spaces of the west

What is rangeland? Deserts all except barren, all tundra, vegetation around
wetlands, all savannas, all shrub lands, only open forests, grasslands. Uncultivated
land dominated by native plants, grass, and shrubs
How much rangeland? Forest- 25%, cropland- 10%, urban- 3%, ice rock and barren
desert- 15%, rangeland 47%
Who owns rangeland? Mostly owned by the public, everyone has access to it,
Bureau of land management owns 88%.
What is rangeland good for? Livestock production, wildlife habitat, water, minerals
(oil, coal, and sulfur), native plant products, recreation, open space, western
heritage.
What is range management?
The careful use and management f rangeland resources (plants, animals, soil and
water) to meet the needs and desires of society without damaging the resource. the
needs and and desires are constantly changing making it difficult.
Tools of range management
Fences can be placed to control how a pasture is grazed and provide seasons for the
rest of the years of rest from grazing. The number of livestock can be increased or
decreased to meet management objectives. Very heavy grazing may be required for
some needs and light grazing is necessary for other purposes.
Species of livestock
Weed control with fire. Riparian zone- vegetation that grows alongside the river so
cattle wont muck up the water. Rotational grazing- squared land that the farmer
switches every half year.