Why are rangelands important?
Rangelands affect everyone’s quality of life in the United States. These lands account for about 770 million acres, or 30% of U.S. lands, including Great Plains grasslands, savannas in Texas and Florida, Great Basin shrublands and woodlands, Alaska tundra, alpine meadows, wetlands and Southwestern deserts. Federal lands comprise 34% of U.S. rangelands. People derive multiple goods and services from rangeland ecosystems including wildlife and wildlife habitat; high quality water, clean air, and open spaces; carbon sequestration to mitigate global warming; habitat for threatened and endangered species; recreational uses; food and fiber production, including livestock grazing; and a unique setting for social and cultural activities. We depend on these goods and services and expect them to be sustained for the benefit of future generations.
