Training

See also: Central Coast Rangeland Coalition, Sustainable Human Systems

Description

Grazing can benefit many California grassland plant and birds. This meeting provided participants with the most current science-based grazing management strategies that benefit these species. Often times on conservation properties, ranchers are asked to check on fields and move cattle much more frequently than they normally would. This significantly increases the time commitment from the rancher and reduces the cost-effectiveness of the operation. This meeting provided ranchers and land management agencies the opportunity to better understand each other’s needs. With this improved understanding, they might be better able to more effectively work together to come up with management strategies that benefit plants and birds, and that are cost-effective for the rancher.

Goal

Identify cost-effective grazing strategies that benefit grassland plants and birds

Objectives

• Increase understanding of science-based grazing management strategies
• Provide an opportunity for ranchers to give agency managers feedback on how their management requests affect the rancher’s bottom line
• Increase knowledge of management strategies that experts disagree on because clear science-based recommendations do not exist (areas where more research is needed)

Meeting Format

This workshop consisted of indoor lectures with group discussions in the morning with afternoon field excursion to sites featuring rangeland issues with birds and native plants. Participants needed to drive (or carpool) to the field sites. Small group discussions were interspersed so that participants had an opportunity to learn from others involved with rangeland conservation.