Chap.2 Range M. Flashcards
What did Smith 1899 see issues with?
- reduction in grazing capacity
2.
Who was the first in 1899 to discover issues with land management?
Smith
Smith noticed range destruction caused by uncontrolled grazing
- reduction in grazing capacity
- replacement of desirable forage with unpalatable plants
- compaction of soil
- decreased soil fertility
- decreased absorption after rain
- increased loss of soil during rain
- increase in jackrabbits and prairie dogs
Smith needs for change
- control of livestock numbers
- range rest period
- water developments
- brush control
- seeding
Why progress in improving rangeland has been slow?
- low precipitation, much range recovers slowly
- range ecosystems are complex and variable.
- government agencies monetary and personnel resources into environmental impact not range impact.
- rangeland principles not widely applied till recently
- unsound gov. policies create incentive for mismanagement.
Homestead Act
- 1862
- granted 160acres after 5yrs residence
- encourage movement west for farming
Forest Reserves Act
- 1891
- set aside forested areas for timber and grazing privileges allocated to ranchers in these areas.
Enlarged Homestead Act
-1909
-granted 320 acres and required 1/4 to be cultivated
-designed to promote farming on remaining federal land
caused rangeland destruction by cultivation of land not suited for farming
Stockraising Homestead Act
- 1916
- granted 640 acres for raising 50 cows
- caused rangeland destruction because 640 acres would not support 50 cows in most areas
Taylor Grazing Act
- ⭐️1934
- allocated grazing on unsold government lands in the West based on the rancher’s ability to provide water (southwest) or hay (northwest).
- passed because ranchers concerned with range deterioration
Multiple Use Act
- 1960
- mandated that forest service lands be managed for several purposes rather than single use.
- BLM in 1976 applied this act as well
Endangered Species Act
- 1973
- requires federal agencies to protect listed wildlife/ habitat
National Environmental Policy Act
- 1969
- required gov. and private agencies to draft environmental impact statements on proposed actions that would affect federal lands (EIS/EA)
The US BLM has what percentage of federal land?
47%, it has the most federal land
The US Forest Service has what percentage of federal land?
26%
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has what percentage of federal land?
12%
Nevada has what percentage of federal land ownership?
80%
Texas has what percentage of federal land ownership?
1%
Nevada has how much public land?
80%
Arthur Sampson
- conducted the 1st American grazing system experiments in northeastern Oregon.
- ⭐️considered father of range management
- wrote 1st range management textbook in 1923
Frederick Clements
- addressed range abuse
- recommended: rest, controlled season of use, reduced livestock numbers, noxious plant control, and seeding
John Weaver
-initiated some of the classic ecological studies involving tallgrass prairie.
Open Space
-declining
