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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Tucson, Arizona » SWRC » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #125101
Title: RANGESPACE: A PRECISION APPROACH FOR NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ON SOUTHWESTERN RANGELANDS

Author
item Moran, Mary
item ORR, BARRON - UNIV. OR ARIZ.
item QI, JIAGUO - MICHIGAN STATE UNIV.
item Heilman, Philip - Phil

Submitted to: American Water Resources Association Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/7/2001
Publication Date: 8/7/2001
Citation: Moran, M.S., Orr, B., Qi, J., Heilman, P. 2001. Rangespace: a precision approach for natural resource management on southwestern rangelands. Proc. Am. Water Resour. Assoc. Annual Water Resour. Conf., Nov. 12-15, Albuquerque, NM, p. 47.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The purpose of the RangeSpace Consortium is to assemble, develop, generate and disseminate science based tools to help traditional producers remain competitive and assist new land owners in productive management of resources. RangeSpace will coordinate 1) research scientists in a user-driven program to provide relevant products and tools for natural resource management and 2) geospatial and range extension scientists in six SW states to ensure relevance, diffusion and use. Consortium research synthesizes three developing technologies -- remote sensing, simulation modeling and decision support systems -- to develop a product line suited to the needs of range managers. The user- identified products include regional land cover, grassland forage, and fuel load, grassland phenology, range erosion potential and a vegetation forecasting tool. By focusing attention on problem areas and reducing uncertainties for rangeland managers, this project could make the difference for economically stressed ranchers, many of who are only breaking even.