Get reliable science

The New Ranch Handbook: A Guide to Restoring Western Rangelands promises much in title and delivers more in substance. The book addresses the multitude of contemporary issues facing rangeland management as a profession and ranching as a livelihood. The vision is not just for livestock production but blends environmental concerns with social and cultural values as well. In this regard, Dr. Sayre is not encumbered by the traditional dogma of range managers and yet is able to select the best of that profession's literature and precepts. These include new principles in defoliation effects, an increased understanding of fire, and continued theoretical examination of succession, stability, and range condition. Less documented and highly controversial subjects that affect ranching are not overlooked. Included are such concerns as biodiversity, biological crusts, and endangered species. These are brought together in the context of ranching applications as they never have been before. Underlying themes include sustainability and the application of science to management. Range livestock grazing is presented as an ecological process, to be judged by management objectives and monitoring. While short duration grazing is clearly discussed, flexible grazing schedules that meet the requirements of each location and manager are emphasized. The book may serve both as a textbook and as a reference manual. As a textbook and as a reference manual. As a textbook, it may be broadly applied to both biological and social sciences. It will also serve as a reference manual for extension, research, and land management agency personnel. As such it blends concepts and principles with their application. For example, the "Ranch Profile" sections are a meticulous portrait of the infinite difficulties, skills, and solutions are required to apply science to ranch management. New insights are revealed that may require grazing managers and scientists to modify present concepts and practices. It is certain that grazing management policies must remain dynamic and flexible in order to accommodate new principles and applications as they become more fully documented. Here you will find a synthesis of the concepts, research data, and application experience necessary to justify the lofty title. (source: foreword written by George B. Ruyle)