Adaptive Grazing Management Experiment
The overarching goal of this study is to examine how science can be conducted in a real-world manner (i.e., at ranch-level scales with manager involvement) to evaluate the effectiveness of adaptive grazing management for both production and conservation goals. In particular, we seek to examine how grazing management can be implemented in a manner that responds to current and changing rangeland conditions, incorporates active learning, and makes decisions based on quantitative, repeatable measurements collected at multiple spatial and temporal scales. To this end, ARS scientists and university collaborators have developed an adaptive grazing management experiment being implemented at the Central Plains Experimental Range in northeastern Colorado. A Stakeholder Group of 10 persons was selected to represent ranchers, public land managers, conservation organizations and nongovernmental organizations. This Stakeholder Group met in September of 2012 and January and September of 2013 to 1) choose and prioritize outcomes desired from this experiment, 2) determine criteria and/or triggers for movement of livestock among pastures in an adaptive manner, and 3) select appropriate monitoring data requirements needed for feedback to determine if management is achieving desired outcomes.
Project URL: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=25733
Geographic Scope: Norther Plains
Project Status: Active - not recruiting volunteers
Participation Tasks: Learning, Measurement, Observation, Problem solving,
Start Date: 2012-09-01
Project Contact: Justin.Derner@ars.usda.gov
Federal Government Sponsor:


Other Federal Government Sponsor: USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)
Fields of Science: Animals, Biology, Birds, Climate and weather, Ecology and environment, Education, Food, Geography, Nature and outdoors
Intended Outcomes: Research development, Civic and community, Individual learning, Conservation,