Rangeland Recreation REM 456 - Integrated Rangeland Management

Recreational on rangeland is increasing Changing recreation types Upward trend in thrill-based activities like rock climbing and base jumping Technology is allowing new types of recreation off-road vehicles, GPS, etc. Hunting - still a major sport but decreasing Traditional activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding continue strong and growing

Demographics favor recreation on public lands Urbanization has created a population with a desire to “get out of town” & enjoy nature Few people now living in towns/cities grew up on farms & have few rural connections. Recreation is one way they can connect with the nature Growing willingness to spend money on recreation.

Range Plants -- OBJ 2: PPT Economically Potent Pros Cons There are 16 slides in this presentation

Often perceived as “benign” People don’t see impact of their individual activity. Cumulative impacts are serious but there is little one person can do to reduce or increase this impact. Lack of data - many people don’t realize or notice the impact that recreation has on the land. Impacts of specific types of recreation vary – some are very hard on the land and others are quite benign.

Extractive vs Amenity uses Varying impacts: Extractive = removal of something from environment Amenity = enjoyment, comfort Education plays a role in affecting impacts Recreation may be some people’s only contact with nature

Impacts of recreational uses - Positive Economics to community Economics for resource improvement & protection $$ to lessen impact Education “connection to land” Trail development for wildlife and livestock Weed & fire monitoring Monitoring dumping/trash (self policing) Hunting/fishing to maintain wildlife/fish

Impacts of recreational uses - Negative Death of wildlife (abandon young) Attracts animals to people (dangerous) Fire Weeds Erosion & compaction Water contamination Disturbing the wildlife Displacing wildlife (water and forage) Trash and other dangers Can alter habitat (human browse line)

For Example – Impact on Wildlife Range Plants -- OBJ 2: PPT For Example – Impact on Wildlife Effect of Hikers on Mule Deer WILDLIFE RESPONSES TO PEDESTRIANS AND DOGS: Final Report. 1996 Submitted to City of Boulder Open Space Department by Richard L. Knight and Scott G. Miller Study by Knight & Miller –Boulder, Colorado 1996 There are 16 slides in this presentation

For Example – Impact on Wildlife Range Plants -- OBJ 2: PPT For Example – Impact on Wildlife Effect of Hikers on Vesper Sparrow Miller, S.G., R.L. Knight, and C.K. Miller. 2001. Wildlife Responses to Pedestrians and Dogs. Wildlife Society Bulletin 2001, 29(1):124-132. Miller, Knight, and Miller. 2001. Wildlife Responses to Pedestrians and Dogs. Wildlife Soc. Bull. 29(1):124-132. There are 16 slides in this presentation

For Example – Impact on Wildlife Range Plants -- OBJ 2: PPT For Example – Impact on Wildlife Alert Distance Effect of Hikers vs Mountain Bikers on Bison, Deer & Pronghorn at Antelope Island, Utah Flight Distance Taylor, Audrey R., and Richard L. Knight. 2003. WILDLIFE RESPONSES TO RECREATION AND ASSOCIATED VISITOR PERCEPTIONS. Ecological Applications 13:951–963 Distance Moved Deer ON and OFF tail Taylor and Knight. 2003. Wildlife response to recreation and associated visitor perceptions. Ecol. Appl. 13:951–963. There are 16 slides in this presentation

How do wildlife respond & adjust? Learned response Avoidance -- Attraction -- Habituation -- Genetic response

Conflicts Between Recreationists Range Plants -- OBJ 2: PPT Conflicts Between Recreationists Motorized vs non-motorized Sound, litter, etc. Presence of other people Impacts There are 16 slides in this presentation

Management Approaches Rest Close roads and trails Adjust seasons Limit areas of activity

Management Approaches Change intensity No fire use Bad roads Limited facilities Fees Foot only ... not motorized vehicles Increase available facilities Designate uses on specific areas

Survey of New Mexico Citizens Percentages of New Mexico Citizens Ranking: Environmental Preservation Commerce Recreation as the Most Important Priority for Public Land Management

Recreation Spectrum of opportunity and conflict Required Not Welcome Will require: Compromise New Livestock Management Plans Listening to Understand

Recreation Wilderness visitor evaluation of encounters that affect the visitor experience. (n=577) Detracts (%) Neutral (%) Adds (%) Other Visitors 54 32 14 Rangers 7 42 51 Cowboys w/ cattle 62 24 13 Anglers/hunters 37 47 16 Backpackers 55 Outfitters 65 28 Wildlife <1 99 Cattle 68 22 10 Sheep 66 23 11 Dogs 48 40 12 Horse/mules 34 15 Other packstock 45 44 Can’t deny that livestock can affect recreationists. But, don’t make assumptions. “Operations on these lands are governed by a management philosophy that appreciated complexity and the vital role of each species from the large predators to the smallest soil microbe. We feel that economic activates like grazing and recreation must be subordinate to the needs of a healthy ecosystem. And that although we have had the honor of managing lands owned by the American public for five generations, we have no ownership right to these lands. Our tenure on the land should be based on our ability to successfully meet three criteria: protection and enhancement of ecosystem health, recognition and application of public goals and, finally, to produce healthy food for a growing population.” Jim Winder in The art of Resource Management in the Chihuahuan Desert (on the Quivira Coalition web page) The New Ranch is a place where cooperation has replaced confrontation, where common interests and common sense prevail, where environmentalists might come for supper. Johnson, Wallace & Mitchell. 1997

Rangeland Recreation Conflicts www.lifeontherange.org Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=D9IWO-N1hF0

Range Plants -- OBJ 2: PPT Economic Impacts Ecological Impact Pros Cons Pros Cons 2 Questions for today? How to use economic benefit to reduce ecological detriment? How to use ecological benefit to reduce economic detriment? There are 16 slides in this presentation

Rangeland Recreation REM 456 - Integrated Rangeland Management