Assessing rangelands

Fact Sheet 125-02
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Abstract

It is important for land managers and technical assistance specialists to be able to assess the health of rangelands in order to know where to focus management efforts. The complexity of ecological processes, and the inherent expense of directly measuring site integrity, suggests a need for an evaluation process that focuses instead on biological and physical attributes. In a collaborative effort, the USGS, ARS, BLM, and NRCS have jointly developed a system in which 17 indicators are used to gauge three attributes of rangeland health. A qualitative, observational procedure provides an assessment of the functional status of these indicators. This quick assessment technique, by providing an understanding about each attribute, helps interpret rangeland health.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Assessing rangelands
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 125-02
DOI 10.3133/fs12502
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description 2 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
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