The 8th California Oak Symposium is set for Oct. 31–Nov. 3 in San Luis Obispo. The Symposium is intended for anyone involved in research, education, management, and conservation of California’s oak woodlands—including foresters, range managers, tribes, arborists, landowners, community groups, land trusts and policy makers. Registration and more information here!
“Ranch Water Quality Planning Instructor's Guide and Lesson Plan” won the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals Bronze Award! The Ranch Water Quality Planning Instructor's Guide and Lesson Plan represents the evolution of the UC Ranch Water Quality Planning Partnership and shortcourse program. Access education materials here!
Just Published! Rangeland Ecosystem Service Markets: Panacea or Wicked Problem? Land managers and society face increasing pressures to sustainably intensify rangeland food systems; therefore, the time is ripe for thoughtful approaches to simultaneously produce more food, provide economic opportunities for livestock-dependent communities, and enhance environmental benefits from rangeland ecosystems.
Just Published! Understanding spatial variability of forage production in California grasslands: delineating climate, topography and soil controls This machine learning based spatial analysis using 'big data' provided insights on impacts of climate and environmental factors on forage production variation at various scales. Our study demonstrates a cost-effective approach for rapid mapping and assessment of annual forage production with the potential for near real-time application.
Just Published! Microbial Water Quality Conditions Associated with Livestock Grazing, Recreation, and Rural Residences in Mixed-Use Landscapes Study of fecal indicator bacteria concentrations associated with extensive livestock grazing, recreation, and rural residences in three watersheds in California found 87% of sample sites were below contemporary Escherichia coli-based microbial water quality standards.
Rangeland Ecosystem Service Markets: Panacea or Wicked Problem?Despite the conceptual panacea of ecosystem service markets as a solution for key challenges to sustainable rangeland food production, why have such markets failed to emerge? For the whole story see — read more
Rangeland Management of Waterborne Pathogens from Livestock and WildlifeUC Cooperative Extension has put together extensive resources for training and education for ranch water quality planning for extension educators and technical trainers, which can be found here. This — read more
