Montana Rangeland Resources Program

Abstract

1977 legislation created the Rangeland Resources Program (RRP) MCA 76-14-102. The purpose is to establish a program of whereby; the importance of Montana's rangeland with respect to livestock, forage, wildlife habitat, high-quality water production, pollution control, erosion control, recreation, and the natural beauty of the state is recognized; cooperation and coordination of range management activities between persons and organizations charged with or having the management of rangeland, whether private or public, can be promoted and developed; and those who are doing exceptional work in range management can receive appropriate recognition. The program is guided by 6 ranchers from across Montana whom serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Coordinator has specific roles outlined in 76-14-105, to serve as an advisor, counselor, and coordinator for and between persons and agencies involved in range management; strive to create understanding and compatibility between the many users of rangeland, including sportsmen, recreationists, ranchers, and others; promote and coordinate the adoption and implementation of sound range management plans to minimize conflicts between governmental agencies and private landowners; participate in zoning and planning studies to insure that native ranges are adequately represented at sessions for development of zoning and planning regulations; and coordinate range management research to help prevent duplication and overlap of effort in this area. Rangeland Resources Program serves as a credible source of information, unbiased, and non-political. RRP fosters understanding and creates collaborative partnerships to sustain healthy rangelands by building relationships with diverse groups and creating positive relationships proactively working together.