2013 Learning Objectives
“Sustainable Rangelands”
Key Topics
- Basic rangeland and pastureland knowledge, to include: identification of state grass, plant I.D. and definitions, importance of grazing lands in Montana.
- Range Ecology Processes – definition of ecological sites (soil – plant relationships), ecological processes (energy flow, nutrient cycle, water cycle and plant succession).
- Rangeland and pastureland management – stocking rates/carrying capacity, general types of grazing systems, improvement practices (fencing and water development), wetland, riparian and upland communities
- Basic knowledge of livestock and wildlife interactions, forage preferences, forage overlap, and habitat requirements.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Define rangeland and pastureland, percentage of state encompassed by rangeland and pastureland, importance of grazing lands.
- Identify state grasses of Montana, differentiate between plant types (grass, forb, shrub, and trees), identify parts of a grass and/or grass like species.
- Define rangeland ecological sites, understand ecological process, understanding of all definitions inclusion to all key topic areas.
- Understanding of basic rangeland and pastureland management concepts, i. e. grazing systems, stocking rates, and rangeland improvements.
- Understanding of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on rangeland and pastureland and how different communities (wetland, riparian, and upland areas) interact.
- Recognize different classes of livestock and understand their interaction with wildlife species.
- Understanding of the historical use of the land by humans, domestic livestock and wildlife and its effect on the plant community.
- Understanding the rights of the private landowner and citizens’ rights to public land.