Values of Rangelands

Define multiple use Identify and discuss the benefits

and uses of rangeland

Objectives

Multiple Use Because rangelands have many important uses, most

rangelands are managed under principles of multiple-use

Several uses or values of rangeland are managed simultaneously with care to avoid overuse or destruction of natural resources.

What is rangeland good for? Livestock production Wildlife habitat Water Minerals (oil, coal, sulfur) Native plant products Recreation Open space Western Heritage

Livestock Production Livestock production on rangeland is very important

to supply meat for American and World populations and also for leather, wool, mohair, and other products that livestock yield.

Range livestock production is Idaho’s major agricultural activity in terms of land used and cash receipts

Wildlife Habitat Rangelands provide habitat for

countless mammals, birds, amphibians, fishes, and insects.

Of the total number of animal species found in the United States 84% of the mammals, 74% of the birds, 58% of the amphibians and 38% of the fishes are represented in

rangeland ecosystems.

Water Most of the water in the streams and river of Idaho fell

initially on rangeland or forests. Therefore, proper management of rangeland requires careful attention to the amount & quality of water that flows off rangeland

Minerals Idaho hosts a wide array of mineral

resources Gold in north, central and southern Idaho Silver, lead and zinc in the north Molybdenum and cobalt in central Idaho Phosphate in southeast Idaho

UI Special Collections

BLM/Idaho

Native Plant Products Eating Wild on Public

Lands! A variety of wild foods

are found in Idaho Camas Huckleberries Pinenuts

William & Wilma Follette @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Recreation Rangelands are increasingly important for

recreational uses such as: Hiking Hunting Camping Mountain biking Cross-country skiing Snowmobiling

Open Space

People in the west value open space Livestock ranches are becoming “working

wilderness” to maintain biodiversity and wildlife habitat quality

Environmentally concerned citizens have paid ranchers to maintain open space through scenic easements

Western Heritage Legacy of the Cowboy Long-history of ranching

families in Idaho