Ecosystem Services from Grazed Rangeland in the Arid and Semi-Arid West

TitleEcosystem Services from Grazed Rangeland in the Arid and Semi-Arid West
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsHavstad K
Conference NameAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meetings
Date PublishedFebruary 16-20,
Conference LocationSt. Louis, MO
ARIS Log Number195653
Keywordsendangered, rangelands, threatened, wildlife
AbstractOver 500 million acres of public and private rangelands are in the western United States. These diverse environments also provide wildlife habitat (including for species listed as threatened or endangered), regulate water flow and quality, make available outdoor recreation, and preserve open spaces for expanding urban environments. Under careful management, livestock grazing can produce drastically fewer negative impacts on eocsystem services and remarkable positive impacts as well. However, appropriate management practices by ranchers are the key to providing these additional ecosystem services from over 25% of the land surface of the United States.