"The maps are the product of more than a decade of research and collaboration," said USGS scientist Lynn Huntsinger, who led the development of the maps. "They provide a wealth of information that can be used to improve rangeland management practices and conserve these fragile ecosystems."
The maps show the vegetation conditions on public rangelands during the peak growing season (July or August) for the years 2000 and 2005. The maps are based on data collected from a variety of sources, including satellite imagery, field observations, and interviews with ranchers.
The maps show that rangeland conditions varied significantly across the western United States in 2000 and 2005. In some areas, such as the Great Basin and the Southwest, rangelands were in poor condition due to drought and overgrazing. In other areas, such as the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains, rangelands were in good condition due to favorable weather and careful management.
The maps can be used to identify areas where rangelands are at risk of degradation and to develop management plans to improve rangeland conditions. For example, ranchers can use the maps to determine which areas of their grazing allotments are in poor condition and need to be rested or grazed less intensively. Conservationists can use the maps to identify areas where threatened or endangered species are at risk due to overgrazing. And land managers can use the maps to develop grazing management plans that promote sustainable livestock grazing and conserve rangeland ecosystems.
The maps are available online at the USGS website.
