Rangeland Health Assessment
Last Review/Updated: November 3, 2004
- In 1999, Sustainable Resource Development’s Rangeland Management Branch began to develop a new way to judge the health of native range and tame pasture in Alberta.
- The new system for rating rangeland health uses new scientific knowledge and is easy and practical to use.
- The range health system takes a traditional range condition approach and adds on other measures of natural processes and functions.
- Range health is measured by comparing the functioning of ecological processes on an area of rangeland to a standard known as an ecological site description.
- In 2000 to 2003, the new system was refined, evaluated with grazing disposition holders and the public and gradually phased into operation.
- In the spring of 2003, a new health assessment field workbook was published, along with field worksheets used for staff training and extension activities with disposition holders and the public.
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As the new system gains acceptance among staff, grazing disposition holders and the public, external interest in the system is emerging from other provinces like British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Lead Ministry: Sustainable Resource Development
Other Departments: Alberta Environment, Alberta Community Development, Alberta Energy—Energy and Utilities Board
Department Contact:
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Craig Quintilio, Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Lands Division and
Barry Adams, Range Management Specialist, Rangeland Management Branch (403) 382 4299)
- Range Health Assessment for Grassland, Forest and Tame Pasture – Field Workbook.
- Abridged range health field worksheets for:
- Grasslands
- Forests
- Tame Pastures
- New and existing plant community and carrying capacity guides are also available on our web page.
Documents/Link: Rangeland Health and Assessment
