Natural Resources
The health of our nation depends, in many ways, on the vitality of our nation’s forests and grasslands. These natural resources contribute a variety of essential elements to our well-being, including clean air, water and soil. The Rocky Mountain Region is charged with managing natural resources in a way that best serves the multiple needs of a growing nation. The agency was established to ensure a renewable supply of timber and a steady source of clean water and minerals. The Forest Service does not "own" the natural resources. Instead, the agency serves as caretaker for the real owners...the people of the United States.
Natural Resources-Water, Air & Soil
Water is one of the most important commodities on Forest Service lands, and the cleanest water flows from healthy, forested watersheds. The most effective way to approach ecological issues is to consider them at a watershed level.
Air, like water, is inseparable from the health of natural resources. Poor air quality decreases visibility, acidifies or disrupts the nutrient balance in lakes and streams, injures plant and animal communities and harms human health.
Healthy soil absorbs water and makes it available for plants, cycle nutrients and filter pollutants. Soil also controls water flow and stores and cycles nutrients. Soil is the basis of our ecosystem and controls living things above and below the surface.
Rangeland Management
The term "rangeland management" is a common phrase in the Rocky Mountain Region. There is a rich, long history of ranchers and landowners grazing their sheep and cattle on federal lands. We work together to support local ranchers, the agriculture industry, and health of our public lands under our Range program.
What are Rangelands?
There are many definitions of rangelands, but generally speaking, rangelands are a type of land the primarily supports herbs, shrubs, and grasses that provide food, fiber, clean water, biofuels, and cultural heritage and recreation opportunities. Rangelands include grasslands, tallgrass & shortgrass prairie, shrublands, woodlands, wetlands, and deserts that are grazed by domestic livestock and/or wildlife. Rangelands are managed to provide clean water, improve important wildlife habitat, and supply sustainable forage for the production of food and fiber that supports local economies.
Grazing Permits & Permitees
Grazing permittees are individuals or organizations who have acquired the privilege to graze livestock on National Forest or National Grasslands. Groups, such as Grazing Associations, often hold grazing permits.
Grazing management on rangelands today is a collaborative effort. There is a lot of public concern about management of livestock on federals lands. Gaining the understanding and cooperation of everyone involved in grazing management improves the chances for a successful program. This includes landowners, land managers, users, universities, other agencies, and the public.
Rocky Mountain Region, Range Allotment Interactive Range Map
This Range Allotment Interactive Map shows the allotments and pastures of the Rocky Mountain Region of the USDA Forest Service. The status of these allotments and pastures are classified as Active, Vacant or Closed.
Looking for More Information on Rangelands & Rangeland Management?
Visit the Rocky Mountain Research Station "Rangelands on the Edge: Quantifying the Modification, Fragmentation, and Future Residential Development of U.S. Rangelands" authored by: Matthew C. Reeves, Michael Krebs, Ian Leinwand, Dave M. Theobald, John E. Mitchell