Condition of Our Rangelands

STATUS: Overstocking coupled With prolonged droughts near the turn of the
century severely damaged nearly all of our rangelands. Since about 1920 this
trend has been reversed and now only a very small fraction of our land is
deteriorating. Today our rangelands are in better condition than they have been
for decades. The following estimates of trend in range condition have been made
by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) range personnel. The
estimates were made by comparing current vegetation (composition and
production) with natural potential or practical potential vegetation. These
estimates represent about 2.6 million acres on the District and do not include
national forest lands.

Current Trend in Condition and Production (Percent of District)
Static at very good or excellent level (3)
Improving at acceptable (practical) rate(17)
Static at depressed level(78)
Deteriorating(2)

POLICY: We know that if we take care of the land it will take care of us. We
believe we can greatly improve the condition and productivity of many of our
rangeland acres. Conservation of our soil, water, and plants through better
range management is the key. Hou:ever, land managers are faced with the
constraints of a dry and unpredictable climate, low site potential, and the
political and economic realities of range management.

IMPLEMENTATION: Improvements come only with a good deal of time,
patience, and persistence and within the constraints listed above. We will work
closely with ranchers and personnel of land managing agencies to bring about
the improved condition of our rangelands. We plan to accomplish this through
activities that promote and teach good range management, such as field days,
workshops, and forums. We will sponsor at least one of these each year. We ask
the NRCS personnel to work closely with our local ranchers who have many
years of valuable experience and knowledge to share. NRCS personnel are also
directed to keep detailed written and photographic records of range condition
and trend. We not only will share information and knowledge with ranchers
but will educate young people, those in government, and those involved in special
interest groups about range condition, range trend, and practical potential.