Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition launches Rangeland Monitoring Program

The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition announces the launch of its Rangeland Monitoring Program and has contracted with two new 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. Dana Larsen, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist and NGLC advisor, said, "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." 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...HighPlainsJournal