Sustaining multifunctional working rangelands: Social, economic, and ecological insights into rancher decision-making

Abstract

Rangeland ecosystems encompass diverse global land resources. Rangelands used for grazing are often complex coupled human and natural systems from which society demands both goods (e.g., livestock and forage production) and services (e.g., abundant and high quality water). In California, rangelands cover approximately 60% of the state (approximately 23.1 million hectares), and are often at the nexus of wildland, agricultural, and urban landscapes. Based on a mail survey of 507 California ranchers, we characterize individual and operation demographics, agricultural production and ecosystem service goals, and the in-place management practices shaping California's rangeland systems. Here, we highlight the social-economic-ecological factors driving ranch management decision making, and suggest policy recommendations and outreach strategies to conserve these multifunctional landscapes