Part 1: Laying the Groundwork for Range Monitoring

What is monitoring?

Rangeland monitoring documents changes over time on the ranch.

These changes can be documented using photography, in addition to taking qualitative and quantitative measurements. Monitoring is performed to assist the rancher in determining the composition and productivity of the rangeland, and to detect whether or not current management practices are giving the desired results. Monitoring will also give you data to establish baseline information before a change is implemented. This may be particularly relevant when assessing changes in grazing management.

Monitoring is an art and a science, and has been conducted by ranchers and land managers for over 100 years. Science has made major contributions largely from research conducted at universities or government agencies. Ranchers who monitor have a better understanding of the range ecosystem and of how their activities affect range conditions.