The Rangeland Condition Concept and Range Science's Search for Identity: A Systems Viewpoint

Abstract

This paper analyzes the rangeland condition concept, and discusses how the search for a general concept has been part of the larger search for the identity of range science. It distinguishes between the concept and the assessment of rangeland condition, and distinguishes between the concept and ecological theories used in condition assessment. It proposes a general condition concept of modular character in which different ecological theories and field data are interchangeable components applied locally on appropriate, specific areas. It discusses past distinctions between range management and range science, implores the development of range management science, and discusses efforts needed in research, education, and administration to pursue its development. It interprets past and current events related to range science, including the advent of rangelund health, and discusses their relationships to range science's unfulfilled development as a management science. The paper encourages systematic design of concepts needed to allow range science to fulfill its philosophical potential as a management science.

Broad-Scale Assessment of Rangeland Health, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, USA

“…The definition of "range condition" is widely debated (Friedel 1991, Joyce 1993, Schacht 1993, Scarnecchia 1995, Society for Range Management 1995. The set of environmental qualities that form the conceptual foundation of "range condition" influence not only our understanding of the effects of grazing but also our management actions to manipulate sagebrush habitats (West 2003).…”

Vegetation Responses following Wildfire on Grazed and Ungrazed Sagebrush Semi-Desert

“…Joyce (1993), however, cautions the profession not to abandon older ways of applying successional theory to the monitoring of trend and assessment of condition until we have adequate means of operating within a new theoretical framework. Scarnecchia (1995) persuasively argues that theory and methods should not be intimately linked if the profession is to mature. Both theory and methods will continue to evolve independently anyway.…”

Viewpoint: Synthesis, range management science, and the Journal of Range Management

“…By following an overly empirical route from management art to management science by way of experimental science, development of range management science as a multi -objective, multi -variable, management science of land, animals and people has been critically delayed. The delayed development of the natural identity of range management science as an integrative management science rather than a technical, experimental science has contributed significantly to the recent and ongoing weak identity of range science (Scarnecchia 1995(Scarnecchia , 2003, and to its current political misfortunes.…”