June 26, 2009

The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition has launched a Rangeland Monitoring Program and has contracted with two rangeland technicians to implement on-site technical monitoring assistance.

 

Funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Nebraska, the new NGLC Rangeland Monitoring Program provides assistance to landowners and managers in identifying grazing management goals and implementing a monitoring system to measure change. The program is available across the state on a first-come, first-serve basis for a low cost of only $25. Participants will receive an initial on-site consultation and training session with an NGLC Rangeland Technician who will provide assistance in identifying a monitoring plan, establishing one monitoring site and collecting samples. They will also receive a monitoring kit valued at over $175 consisting of grass shears, and a scale, tape measure, clipping frame and more.

“Ranchers and landowners who are dedicated to improving the quality of their grazing lands will ultimately see results in profitability, with economic and environmental changes that benefit the long-term sustainability of their business and the land,” said Dana Larsen, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist and NGLC advisor.

As part of enrollment, participants will agree to share their knowledge and experience — and help the program grow — by committing to help one additional rancher or landowner in their region set up a similar monitoring program. The program is limited to 100 participants statewide, and is expected to fill up fast, according to Larsen.

To sign up for the program, contact NGLC Coordinator Marcy Hunter at marcy@nebraskagrazinglands.org or 402-613-9144.

The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition is an independent organization of ranchers, interest groups, and agencies whose mission is to collaborate on projects that improve the management and health of Nebraska grazing lands and ensure long-term stability of rangeland resources. The NGLC is funded through grants from the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Nebraska Rural Development Commission and the Sandhills Task Force.

 

News Release
Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition