Integrating concepts of ecological sites, state-and-transition models, rangeland health, and NRCS conservation planning

Abstract

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  Resource managers are challenged to inventory and assess the condition of rangeland ecosystems, determine any existing management problems, implement management plans developed to correct problems and improve conditions, and predict and monitor changes in conditions.

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  Ecological site descriptions, state-and-transition models, and rangeland health assessments are three powerful tools to help managers understand current and potential conditions, describe resource concerns, and develop conservation plans to achieve desired conditions.

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  Resource concern risk ratings are a new feature of ecological site descriptions that enhance the integration of these tools and resources.