Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) is responsible for managing numerous grazing dispositions throughout Alberta. These dispositions are managed for multiple land uses that include wildlife and domestic animals, timber, recreation, and oil and gas exploration. Reducing conflict between land users and minimizing environmental damage is achieved by practicing range management in these areas. Range management planning depends on accurate, up-to-date range inventories and inspections that are done according to the procedures and standards that are outlined in this manual. The purpose of a range and reconnaisance surveys and disposition audits is to aid in the determination of the number of head that can be supported by a given site, for a given period of time, or the stocking rate. This stocking rate is the balance between the livestock’s monthly forage utilization requirements, the plant production and the ecology of the site. Ecologically sustainable stocking rates [ESSR] are suggested for each plant community described within Range Plant Community Type Guides. 1 The ESSR reflects the maximum number of livestock [e.g. hectares (ha)/animal unit month (AUM)] that can be supported by the plant community given inherent biophysical constraints and the ecological goal of sustainable health and proper functioning of the plant community. When the ESSR is expressed for the area [e.g. ha] of a plant community polygon, the result is termed carrying capacity [CC], and is written in AUMs. Often the CC must be adjusted for access factors [e.g. areas that are inaccessible due to natural barriers], and management factors [e.g. reduced livestock distribution attributed to livestock management]. This adjusted/reduced carrying capacity is the grazing capacity [GC]. The various survey methods used by Rangeland managers to collect the information needed to calculate carrying and grazing capacities manage public rangelands 2 in Alberta is outlined in this document. It also explains the process for map development. source: introduction
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