Outcomes and Metrics of Adaptive Rangeland Grazing

Goals for the Webinar: Share information from leaders in innovative rangeland science and management to support group discussion on transferable and/or translatable outcomes and metrics for adaptive rangeland grazing management.

Abstract: Rangelands are dynamic and extensive landscapes that often have multiple uses and/or management goals associated with them, in addition to crossing jurisdictional boundaries at the landscape or watershed scale, and connecting to or incorporating other ecotypes (e.g. forestlands, meadows, and riparian/wetland areas).  This can result in complex scenarios with multiple stakeholders serving different and overlapping roles, such as decision-maker, funder, implementer, monitor, and in some cases where regulatory requirements exist, enforcer.  It also creates opportunities for multiple-uses and even synergistic-uses on these lands through adaptive management strategies. Key to discovering and pursuing these opportunities are the tasks of identifying desired and feasible outcomes, along with determining how to effectively and cost-efficiently monitor to determine both progress towards agreed upon outcomes and when to adapt our management.  Today we will be focusing on discussing outcomes and metrics (we’ll leave discussing implementation strategies for achieving outcomes for another day!)

Agenda:

Framing for discussion groups:

OUTCOMES

Ranging from stable economic returns to habitat for endemic species (such as vernal pool fairy shrimp) to increasing global soil carbon stores, Rangelands can have narrow to broad desired economic, ecological, and social outcomes associated with them.  How do you consider the importance of relevancy and trust? 

Please create a list of all desired outcomes with your discussion group and then select three priority outcomes from your list.

Economic, Ecological or Social Outcomes: 

15 min – Breakout groups – what outcomes should we be targeting on western rangelands?

METRICS

Rangeland monitoring can be costly and time consuming, especially when trying to monitor in relation to multiple objectives or desired outcomes.  Please develop a list of metrics or indicators that could be used to assess progress towards outcomes identified on your first list and then select two priority metrics/indicators that would most support that effort.

15 min – Breakout groups – what metrics would indicate movement towards success?

Metrics have to be based on the agreed upon outcomes. Practical examples were presented on how metrics are being applied across landscapes. Perhaps we need more translatable metrics rather than specific metrics to achieve desired outcomes.

Speaker Bios:

Richard Teague, Ph.D. – Grassland/Grazing Scientist, Texas A&M University

Grazing Management to Increase Ecological Function to Support Economic Outcomes

Dr. Teague is a range ecologist with Texas AgriLife Research. He believes that research and service must provide the linkage that enables managers to base decisions for sustainable land use on the principles of ecosystem function. He has used four key elements to enhance this linkage: a systems research program, resource accounting, long-term assessment and partnering with rancher clientele. He uses a systems approach in developing land and livestock management practices that sustain natural rangeland resources and the people depending on the land. His goals are to (1) broaden the understanding of requirements needed to sustain rangeland resources and economic viability, and (2) generate science-based information to allow producers to improve management practices on rangeland.

James Rodgers – Ranch Manager, Winecup-Gamble Ranch

Ecological, Social and Economic Outcomes in Northern Nevada

Winecup-Gamble Ranch has been engaged in a collaborative process through the BLM Outcome Based Grazing Initiative to develop a grazing management strategy for their public land grazing permit that includes Prime Sage Grouse Habitat. The process has included multiple stakeholders through facilitated meetings to address an extensive landscape description built on Ecological sites and current conditions (using Remote Sensing Technology).  James will be sharing about the development process and strategies incorporated in the plan to support adaptive flexibility with accountability.

Facilitator(s): Bre Owens, Center for Regenerative Ag

Discussion leads: Cindy Daley, CRA; Kris Hulvey, Working Lands Conservation; Hannah Gosnell, OR State;; Rick Danvir, Basin Wildlife Consulting; Jessica Crowder, WLA