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Values of Rangelands. Objectives. Define multiple use Identify and discuss the benefits and uses of rangeland. Multiple Use. Because rangelands have many important uses, most rangelands are managed under principles of multiple-use
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Objectives • Define multiple use • Identify and discuss the benefits and uses of rangeland
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