Rangeland and Grazing

Mission:

The mission of the Rangeland Management Program is to promote healthy rangelands by:

Supporting rural heritage and economic sustainability,
Administering responsible livestock grazing,
Providing ecological services and desired management outcomes,
Reducing risk of wildfire through active management, and
Ensuring long-term resiliency of rangelands.

Vision:

Guided by a deep respect for tradition, we recognize the need to adapt to changing circumstances. Our commitment to innovation and sound natural resource management serves as the bedrock in our decision-making process. We rely on a well-trained workforce of motivated employees to optimize outcomes for the ecological health of our rangelands. We embrace the balance between tradition and progress, understanding that our heritage can coexist with modern methodologies.

In collaboration with tribes, states, communities, stakeholders, and partners, we are committed to fostering a balance between conservation and production. Together, we shape a future where the sustainable management of rangelands serves as a testament to our dedication to the land, current and future inhabitants, and the prosperity of our nation.

Links to national website for:

Black Hills specific program info:

Approximately 200 ranchers hold grazing permits for 24,000 head of cattle on 135 grazing allotments across the forest

Who we are:

Rangeland management specialists are working to provide such things as habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, clean water, and sustainable grazing and browsing. They inventory, classify, and monitor rangeland conditions to maintain or improve rangeland health. When they identify unhealthy rangelands, they strive to restore rangeland ecosystem functions. Forest Service rangeland management includes a whole host of partners, public and private, working together to make sure our rangelands are healthy and functioning properly.