“Sustainable Rangelands”

Key Topics

1. Basic rangeland and pastureland knowledge, to include: identification of state grass, plant I.D. and definitions, importance of grazing lands in Montana.
2. Range Ecology Processes – definition of ecological sites (soil – plant relationships), ecological processes (energy flow, nutrient cycle, water cycle and plant succession).
3. Rangeland and pastureland management – stocking rates/carrying capacity, general types of grazing systems, improvement practices (fencing and water development), wetland, riparian and upland communities
4. Basic knowledge of livestock and wildlife interactions, forage preferences, forage overlap, and habitat requirements.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Define rangeland and pastureland, percentage of state encompassed by rangeland and pastureland, importance of grazing lands.
2. Identify state grasses of Montana, differentiate between plant types (grass, forb, shrub, and trees), identify parts of a grass and/or grass like species.
3. Define rangeland ecological sites, understand ecological process, understanding of all definitions inclusion to all key topic areas.
4. Understanding of basic rangeland and pastureland management concepts, i. e. grazing systems, stocking rates, and rangeland improvements.
5. Understanding of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on rangeland and pastureland and how different communities (wetland, riparian, and upland areas) interact.
6. Recognize different classes of livestock and understand their interaction with wildlife species.
7. Understanding of the historical use of the land by humans, domestic livestock and wildlife and its effect on the plant community.
8. Understanding the rights of the private landowner and citizens’ rights to public land.