What We Do

Members of the Rangeland Center are dedicated to providing relevant and timely research and rich education opportunities for those who manage, care about, and enjoy rangelands.

Research

Our research is aimed at understanding rangeland communities with an eye on how dynamic biological and physical conditions influence the human communities that live on these rangeland landscapes. Our researchers are creating new knowledge to sustain and improve rangelands. Several projects focus on ecological forces affecting rangelands, such as fire, grazing, and invasive species.

We strive to bridge the gap between science and land management by using stakeholder input to develop solution-based research that has valuable and real-world implications for rangelands. We aim to conduct research that supports decision making and informs public policy.

Outreach

Through collaboration with our partners, including University of Idaho Extension, we ensure that science turns into viable “best practices” that are conveyed to stakeholders in Idaho, the region and beyond. The Rangeland Center provides a variety of informational products and venues to those interested in rangeland conservation and management, including:

• Workshops and Conferences 
• Informative Web Pages 
• Handbooks and Management Guides

Engaging the next Generation

Open-minded people with good communication skills and problem-solving abilities are essential to the future of land management. Our students are well-trained and ready to address the challenges facing rangelands and rural communities. We provide experiential learning opportunities such as:

• Stakeholder and partner participation in classroom and field activities to enhance perspectives. 
• Summer jobs on the range where students collaborate with land owners or managers to gather rangeland habitat data used to make real-life land management and conservation decisions. 
• Science review teams to conduct literature reviews and scientific summaries for agency or landowner projects. 
• Student research projects that explore the scientific principles that affect rangeland dynamics. 
• An intern program that engages students to conduct the daily work of the Rangeland Center during the fall and spring semesters on campus.

To learn more about rangeland courses and degrees:

• Visit our undergraduate Rangeland Conservation degree program page 
• View a list of rangeland courses 
• Or, contact the College of Natural Resources Student Services Center.