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MONITORING ARIZONA RANGELANDS: AN EVALUATION OF COOPERATIVE MONITORING PROGRAMS

Extension Education

Ashley Hall
Area Associate Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
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Abstract

Throughout the state, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (UACE) has been involved in rangeland monitoring as part of a collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service since 2000. These programs assist agency staff and ranchers in collecting long-term vegetation trend data that can be used for adaptive range management or during the grazing permit renewal process. A recent evaluation of the cooperative monitoring programs found agency staff and ranchers value the monitoring programs because they provide information that aids them in making science-based management decisions. Multiple ranchers in focus groups expressed they felt the future of their ranches depended on having reliable monitoring data like that provided by Extension. Ranchers who were involved in UACE monitoring programs were more likely to participate in formal monitoring on their ranch that those not involved. Of the ranchers that received services, 88 % felt it had increased their knowledge and understanding of rangeland monitoring “a lot” or “somewhat,” and 56% indicated that it had affected their ranch or range management activities. Cooperative Extension workshops were also listed as the second most popular source for information (76%) to improve ranching operations, second only to other ranchers (82%). Given the overall value and trust placed in Extension by both ranchers and agency staff, it is clear Extension plays an important role in the future of rangeland management in Arizona.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: A. L. Hall, A.S. Brischke, K. H. McReynolds
  1. Hall, A. Area Assistant Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 85501
  2. Brischke, A. Area Assistant Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 86401
  3. McReynolds, K. Agent, Natural Resources and County Director, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona, 85643