Range Science

Range science is the study and application of ecology in rangeland environments (Utah State University). Rangeland is “any extensive area of land that is occupied by native herbaceous or shrubby vegetation (Britannica). We learn early in the range degree that rangelands have several uses. Commonly, rangelands are grazed by livestock or wildlife. Rangelands also serve an aesthetic purpose, that being rangelands can be enjoyed for their natural beauty. The other services of rangeland are providing habitat for wildlife, watershed health and recreation.

Keeping the integrity of rangelands is vital for a multitude of people such as landowners, ranchers, and the public.  Range science provides students and range professionals the knowledge on how to manage, conserve, and restore our rangelands. Range science requires extensive knowledge in plants, animals, ecology, and more!

Our rangelands are diverse and vary location to location. You have the sagebrush steppe, tall grass prairie, short grass prairie, savannah, just to name a few. Rangelands occur all over our world, in the United States they are strongly associated with the west. With ever an ever-changing climate and society, it is important that we strive to protect our rangelands. Range science provides us the knowledge to do so.