Range and pasture lands are comprised of herbaceous plants and shrubs, providing forage for beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, horses and other types of domestic livestock. Many species of wildlife, ranging from big game such as elk to small nesting song birds depend on these lands for food and cover.
We work with private landowners to enhance private grazing and range lands. Through the Conservation of Private Grazing Lands Program, partner organizations and technical service providers, we provide technical assistance to land owners and managers to improve the quality and of their soil, water, air, plants and animals. We help owners and managers prepare conservation plans that address livestock production efficiency, forage production and quality and wildlife habitats.
Range and Pasture Technical Resources
Application of Ecological Sites and Forage Suitability Groups
Ecological Sites comprise a land classification system that describes vegetation, ecological potential, and ecosystem dynamics of land areas. They are used to stratify the landscape and organize ecological information for monitoring, assessment and management. Ecological Sites are the basic unit of land classification for range lands. View recorded Ecological Site Description webinars to learn more.
Forage Suitability Groups are used to classify pasture lands. They are comprised of soils and ecological sites having similar potentials and limitations for forage production.
Technical References
The National Grazing Lands Coalition is a nationwide consortium of organizations working together to maintain and improve the management of grazing lands. Find out more.
Review the NatGLC Strategic Plan
See the NatGLC Newsletter
Visit the NatGLC website
Program Contact
Andy Hopkin, state rangeland management specialist, 352-338-9532.
