Rangeland and Grazing
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.
(The data layers in this map are being improved. The map will be available when the data is finalized.)
Looking for More Information on Rangelands & Rangeland Management?
Read the Rocky Mountain Research Station feature, "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