Rangeland Resource Science
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Approximately 70 percent of the land surface of the earth is rangeland. This includes natural grasslands, savannas, shrublands, deserts, tundra, coastal marshes, and wet meadows. Rangeland also embraces many forest lands as a secondary resource through the supply of forage for livestock and wildlife. Herbaceous vegetation and shrubs represent the central attribute of rangeland. Water yield from vast rangeland watershed is extremely important for all life forms. Open space is also an important component of rangelands.
Rangeland resource science is the art and science of optimizing the returns from rangelands in those combinations most desired by and suitable to society through the management of range ecosystems. The rangeland resource curriculum at Humboldt is designed to give the student a sound basis for the sustainable use and management of rangeland ecosystems. Since range management is practiced on lands providing forage, timber, water, wildlife, and recreation, the concepts of multiple-use management are an integral part of the training. The departmental rangeland herbarium and plant and soil laboratories enhance classroom instruction. Private ranches and state or federal land near Arcata provide access to field studies of situations encountered in rangeland resource science and management.
With heavier demand on rangelands for meat and fiber, increased efficiency of rangelands is of paramount interest. In addition, as human populations increase and become more highly urbanized, the importance of rangelands as open space and as places for recreational pursuits have increased. The rangeland specialist is the primary individual responsible for managing the rangelands to realize sustainable production and utilization of this resource.
To have a thorough understanding of the complex rangeland ecosystems, emphasis is placed on a sound background of knowledge in the biological and physical sciences. General education course work in behavioral and social sciences, plus the humanities, educates the student about the interaction of humans and the rangeland environment.
Degrees Offered
MS, BS, Minor