Rangeland NRI: 2002 and Beyond Presentation given to NRCS State Conservationists NRI Exec. Committee Northwest Watershed Research Center, Boise ID Kenneth E. Spaeth, Jr. Rangeland Hydrologist & Cooperating Scientist, NRCS

Extent of US Private Grazingland Private US Rangeland 399 million acres Private US Pastureland 126 million acres Total US Private Grazingland 525 million acres (66.8 % of Land Area in US excl Alaska

NRI Objectives USDA-NRCS GM 290-INV, Issue 1, Part 400,  Fulfill legislative mandates  Conduct all phases of NRI in accordance with scientifically developed statistical principles, procedures, and practices  Obtain scientifically credible, timely and relevant information about the Nation’s natural resources and environmental conditions at national, regional, and sub- regional levels  Collect and develop science-based, continuous natural resource information in support of NRCS strategic planning and accountability

NRI Objectives USDA-NRCS GM 290-INV, Issue 1, Part 400,  Provide information to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation programs  Support development of agri-environmental policy and programs at national, regional, and local levels  Provide information to the public on status, condition, and trends of the Nation’s soil, water, and related resources  Provide the scientific community with natural resource information to facilitate the development of models, analysis tools, and reports

Brief Review of Past NRI Efforts NRI-1992 Highlights on Rangeland National Summary Percent of Total Rangeland Acres ( 373,504,900 ac)

NRI-1992 Highlights on Rangeland Regional Summary

Idaho: NRI 1992 Brush Management and Weed Control Needed by MLRA

2002: NRI Benefits  During the NRI technical development phase and implementation of field pilot studies (1996, 1997, 1999) NRCS has become a leader in Rangeland inventory and data analysis technologies.  Cooperation among ARS, BLM, USGS, USFS, Iowa State Univ.

2002: NRI Benefits to States  The NRI process has many benefits to Regions and States  Going beyond the traditional NRI summaries

2002: NRI Benefits to States  States can provide information about how NRCS benefits the customer through conservation activities.  States can use new data to prioritize and gain support for new programs.

2002: NRI Benefits to States  Summary statistics on Rangeland  Noxious weeds  Invasive plants (Shrubs)  Productivity information  Rangeland Health  Hydrologic Function  Soil Surface Stability  Biotic Integrity  Rangeland Trend  Protective plant cover  Identifies Disturbances  Identifies Applied Conservation Practices

2002: Building of State and Field Office Expertise as a Result of NRI Training  NRI Training from NRCS Grazingland Institute and other designated Rangeland Management Specialists  Will increase technical expertise of State and Field Office Staff  knowledge of plant communities  Applying Rangeland Health Protocol  Training in field inventory procedures for planning  Training on Hydrologic Concepts  Identifying Noxious and Invasive Plants

2002: Building of State and Field Office Expertise as a Result of NRI Training  Training will enhance Conservation Planning Skills  Training in Ecological Site Development (ESIS)  Use NRI data for Updating Ecological Sites  Use of New Process Based Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Models (SPUR-WEPP)

2002: Building of State and Field Office Expertise as a Result of NRI Training  Build Technical Knowledge and Skills: Increase Moral among NRCS employees  > NRCS Staff skills >>> better service and technical information to NRCS customers  NRI data can be used to document and support Benefits of Conservation Practices  Enhance NRCS Technology Transfer (Institutes-State Office- Field Office)

NRI 2002 and Beyond: Benefits  NRI data can assist NHQ, Regions, and States in identifying grazingland resource problems and priorities  “New Grassland Reserve” Program. This program to date has support from both the U.S. Senate and Congress. It is being considered in new National Agriculture Programs.  Gov’t purchases easements for reserve areas (could include restoration)

NRI 2002: What is New? l In order to meet NRI objectives, a new approach was needed to inventory rangeland.  New field protocols  Objectives defined for each protocol  Computer Assisted Survey Instrument (CASI)  Programmed and tested for field use 10/01  Use of Geographic Positioning System (GPS)  Linked with CASI  Analysis team  Summary and analysis of data can begin immediately

I = N Quadrant III =S Quadrant I = N Quadrant 45 deg 1=N Quadrant 2 =W Quadrant 3=S Quadrant PSU Point NW-SE Transect (2) 150 ft 315 o Skew from N NE-SW Transect (1) 150 ft 45 o Skew from N 4=E Quadrant N Sample Plot (0.04 acres) New field protocols Rangeland Health Productivity Rangeland Trend Identify Noxious and Invasive weeds Plant Canopy and Ground cover Cover Pole Measurements Canopy Gap Measurements Identify Disturbances Identify Conservation Practices

NRI 2002: Conducting the Work  Experienced and trained field crew  2 man crew (suggested)  Knowledge of state rangeland communities  Trained in inventory protocols  Time to perform work  avg. PSU point - 3 hrs with 2 individuals.  One PSU point = two sites/work day