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The efficacy of rangeland mechanical ripping in southeastern Butte County when applied using the guidelines of the Keyline� design process is being tested over a five year period. Rangeland mechanical ripping is one of the conservation practices approved of by the USDA�s Natural Resources Conservation Service. It is used to control erosion, increase forage production, increase water infiltration, and reduce compaction. The Keyline� design process was developed in Australia over 50 years ago and has a unique way of applying rangeland mechanical ripping techniques based on local topography. Proponents of Keyline� claim an increase in soil development, CO2 sequestration, and water holding capacity in rangelands that are treated with Keyline� mechanical ripping. Scientific literature has supported mechanical ripping, among other mechanical rangeland treatments, as being beneficial. However, there is not any scientific literature that supports the claims made by proponents of the Keyline� process that it has any efficacy in improving the water holding capacity of rangeland soils, increases forage production, or leads to more soil organic matter. This research is recording changes in bulk density, soil moisture levels, forage quality and quantity, and soil organic carbon. If Keyline� is shown to be effective at increasing the water holding capacity of rangeland soils, it makes sense that rangelands may be more productive with greater amounts of forage. An increase in water holding capacity may have positive impacts on riparian areas and stream health. If rangeland compaction can be effectively remedied, there is a possibility of rehabilitating degraded rangelands and offering those interested in the restoration of endangered perennial grass species a cost-effective tool toward that goal.