Range Management works with native species (plants that are natural to the area) grasses, forbs, legumes, shrubs and trees to achieve a balance between use by grazing and protecting the natural resources.

Many times through neglect, misuse and over-use, rangeland areas have lost their natural plant communities. Some of the same plants may be present but in an altered and weaken plant community. Less desired species, invader species, introduced species (plants not natural to the area), a shift from a dominated grass community to brush and trees all reduce the quality of the rangeland from its' original state.

Each soil, in a given landscape and climate, has a finite ability to produce forage. Generally, NO ADDITIONAL NUTRIENTS ARE ADDED TO RANGELAND soils. You work with the native plants you have and the natural ability the land has to produce, no more.

Good Range Management includes these components:

• Limiting the number and the length and season livestock are allowed to graze a given area. Consult with your nearest Conservation District or Natural Resources Conservation Service office for more details.
• Prescribed burning is used to control unwanted vegetation and to even grazing patterns.
• When other means are not available or practical, pesticides are used to control noxious weeds and other ranageland problems.