Publication Date
1997
Description
Accurate determination of range condition and trend is essential for proper range management. In the United States, the range condition model currently used is not based on up-to-date ecological knowledge. It assumes a single stable state (climax) and linear pathways. Multiple stable state models more accurately depict community dynamics but have not been widely accepted. U.S. Federal land management agencies are using surrogates, such as qualitative “instant trend” measures and substitution of utilization for measured condition and trend to guide management. Most of these short cuts are not based on science. Attacks on livestock grazing by environmentalists are based on inaccurate assumptions about the effect of grazing on biodiversity.
Citation
Laycock, W A., "Are We Ignoring Science in our Quest for Simplicity in Range Management?" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 6.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session27/6
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Are We Ignoring Science in our Quest for Simplicity in Range Management?
Accurate determination of range condition and trend is essential for proper range management. In the United States, the range condition model currently used is not based on up-to-date ecological knowledge. It assumes a single stable state (climax) and linear pathways. Multiple stable state models more accurately depict community dynamics but have not been widely accepted. U.S. Federal land management agencies are using surrogates, such as qualitative “instant trend” measures and substitution of utilization for measured condition and trend to guide management. Most of these short cuts are not based on science. Attacks on livestock grazing by environmentalists are based on inaccurate assumptions about the effect of grazing on biodiversity.
