Why should I monitor my rangelands?

Maintaining the health and productivity of rangelands is in everyone's best interest. Regular monitoring of rangeland resources is the best way to detect gradual changes that may go unnoticed by the casual observer. A deterioration of rangeland health often precedes a drop in livestock production; therefore, it pays for livestock producers to monitor their rangelands. Early detection of a decline in rangeland health can prevent rangeland from deteriorating to the point that it will take years to recover or require additional inputs for restoration. Monitoring is essential to determine if you are meeting your goals and objectives and allows for adaptive management by demonstrating the effects of changes in grazing management or from investments in range improvements. Once you begin monitoring rangelands, you will become more aware of the plants and animals on your rangelands and how they interact. Regular monitoring data can instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in your management skills, as well as provide a record of improvement for critics or neighbors. For more information about monitoring rangelands, view the Montana State Cooperative Extension fact sheet: Rangeland Monitoring Fact Sheet.

Browse related Faqs by tag: planning, ranching, grazing, rangelands