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The demand for recreational opportunities on Western rangelands has skyrocketed over the past two decades. Hikers, birders, and rock hounds share the range with mountain bikers, off-road vehicle (ORV) operators and ranchers' livestock. In recent years advocates have also sought the designation of millions of acres of mostly Bureau of Land Management rangeland as wilderness. The divergent goals of these many rangeland users inevitably results in conflict. Motorized recreation and livestock grazing alter the pristine character and solitude sought by some, while restricting areas to primitive, low-tech use limits access by others. Land management agencies struggle to resolve conflicts among constituents and still protect the natural resource base.

The cumulative impact of so many activities on the land can be significant. Some activities, such as unrestricted ORV use can be more deleterious than poor grazing management. Other pursuits while light on the surface may, in sufficient numbers, disrupt wildlife breeding and feeding. Agencies are faced with the need to increase monitoring, education, and regulation, which also increases costs. Controversially, some have turned to recreational fees to off-set costs. Here we describe the social, ecological, and economic aspects of Western rangeland recreation conflicts and the controversy over rangeland wilderness designation. Areas of conflict resolution and successful cooperation are also highlighted.

Western rangelands are rich in deposits of minerals and fossil fuels. The states of Nevada and Utah house the world's largest mines respectively for gold and copper, while parts of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana are slated for unprecedented development of coal bed methane (a source of natural gas). As the population of the United States and the world continues to grow and demand a higher standard of living, the demand for mineral and energy resources is increasing. At the same time, the mining and fuel industries are facing increased public scrutiny as citizens question past policies and demand higher environmental standards. Here we present some of the main issues surrounding mineral and fossil fuels extraction including both environmental and industry concerns. While recognizing that not all situations can be win-win, we highlight innovative solutions and successful collaborations.

Rangelands provide the greatest benefit to society when they are used for multiple uses rather than for a single purpose.  Globally rangelands are used to raise livestock for food and fiber, harvest renewable and non-renewable energy and mineral resources, provide habitat for wildlife, and open space for human enjoyment and recreation.

The grasses, forbs and shrubs that grow on rangelands are an important source of forage for grazing animals.  Livestock efficiently convert these forages into high-density meat protein to feed our growing global population. Domestic livestock grazing often reduces fine fuels which if left unchecked create a greater risk of wildfire. Some grazing by domestic livestock protect important habitat for rare and endangered flora and fauna species. Rangelands are also critical to preserving open space for aesthetics, recreation and providing important habitat for many species of wildlife.  Additionally, rangelands provide renewable resources such as clean water and wind for energy production and non-renewable resources like oil, coal, and other minerals. 

In this section you will find information on the various uses of rangelands. You will discover how livestock grazing on rangelands can help supply the growing global demand for meat protein.  Loss of open space is an emerging issue globally.  Here you will learn how rangelands preserve that open space for recreation, wildlife habitat and aesthetics while also meeting society’s needs for energy, renewable resources, and minerals.  Finally, you will discover how rangelands play an important ecological role by reducing the effects of carbon dioxide on the atmosphere through carbon sequestration.