Lessons from the past: Have we learned from our mistakes?
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Authors: W. A. Laycock
Date: 2003
Journal: Arid Land Research and Management
Volume: 17
Number:
Pages: 359-367
Summary of Methods: Laycock states that past history of range management is important in understanding where we are and how we got here. However, dogmatic clinging to the past, has, in some situations, hindered our ability to make rapid progress toward understanding and improvement of the management of rangelands. One such concept is that of range readiness, which delays start of grazing until a certain plant growth target has been met. While useful for continuous grazing systems, this concept may actually be detrimental when applied to a rotation system. Other rule-of-thumb concepts include using utilization as an objective when it properly is a tool, inappropriate use of rest, and continued efforts to attempt to determine apparent trend instead of measuring trend over time. Laycock notes that we continue to perpetuate myths that have no basis in fact including: the Intermountain region evolved without heavy grazing pressure, the Western U.S. was "pristine" prior to the arrival of the Europeans, and bison were migratory animals which minimized their impact on the rangeland. Laycock asks that we try to recognize when concepts and ideas from our past are no longer pertinent and to adopt new concepts when and where needed.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Opinion
Keywords: range management, monitoring methodology, grazing systems, climax communities, rangeland health
Annotation: Season of use is not specified.
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