1. Range Planning 1 & Objectives & Objectives The Focus is on Results

2. Range Planning 2 Range Planning Process Qualifying to Prepare Plan Review & Comment Plan Preparation Plan Approval Process

3. Range Planning 3 Requirements under FRPA Range planning is results driven: Government sets objectives Range plans must show how you will carry out operations Must be consistent with objectives Range agreement holder is held accountable

4. Range Planning 4 Communication between range and forest licensees Natural range barriers must not be removed without mitigation Disturbed soils must be revegetated Limit introduction and spread of invasive plants Livestock must not interfere with the establishment of a free growing stand Scheduling Ecosystem restoration

5. Range Planning 5 Range Plans under FRPA Three types of range plans: Range Stewardship Plan Level 1 Range Stewardship Plan Level 2 Range Use Plan Plans are designed to be written by the range agreement holder Use tools and resources available to design the best plan Submit a plan that you have confidence you can live with

6. Range Planning 6 RUP Content a map a 5 Year grazing schedule actions to deal with issues conform with prescribed matters (range readiness criteria, stubble heights and required plant communities) measures to prevent introduction and spread of invasive plants consistent with objectives set by government Signature of the Agreement holder

7. Range Planning 7 RSP Level 1 vs. RSP Level 2 Range Stewardship Plan Level 1 Range Stewardship Plan Level 2 2+ years competence 5+ years competence Same content as RUP except: Does not include a schedule Requires a description of monitoring procedures to ensure objectives are met Same content as RSP Level 1 plus: may specify intended results & strategies that differ from those identified eg: range readiness criteria stubble heights plant communities

8. Range Planning 8 Range Stewardship Plans do not require a 5 Year grazing schedule HOWEVER A grazing schedule must be submitted each year to the district manager before the holder grazes livestock on Crown range. RSP GRAZING SCHEDULE

9. Range Planning 9 Exemptions from some Objectives and Measures Objectives for Wildlife habitat Areas and Ungulate Winter Range General Wildlife Measures within Wildlife habitat Areas

10. Range Planning 10 Regulated Practices & Exemptions fish and fish habitat water quality resource and wildlife habitat features revegetation restrictions of approval for a range development in a community watershed

11. Range Planning 11 Range Planning Steps

12. Range Planning 12 District Manager Package The Minister will provide the following: Resource Features and Identified Issues eg: riparian features, wildlife habitat areas etc. Prescribed Requirements eg: Descriptions of required plant communities Range readiness criteria Stubble heights Review & Comment Requirements

13. Range Planning 13 Preparing the RUP A Map Actions to deal with issues identified by the Minister Conform to any prescribed requirements Actions to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive plants Must be consistent with Objectives Set By Government RUP’s for livestock grazing schedule includes: Livestock class Number of Livestock Period of Use RUP’s for hay cutting schedule includes: Average stubble height Period of hay cutting Signature

14. Range Planning 14 Qualifying to prepare a RSP Submit an application to the Minister for authorization to prepare a RSP Minister considers: Past performance record Condition of Crown range to which RSP would apply prescribed matters (next slide)

15. Range Planning 15 Qualifying to prepare a RSP (continued) In determining whether you have demonstrated competence the minister will consider other prescribed matters such as: Written submissions, such as a rationale or justification of your qualifications; Details of continuing education courses that you have completed that are relevant to range management; Letters of recommendation Whether an agrologist will be involved preparing the RSP Demonstrated success in complying with RUPs or RSPs Capital investment and developments to manage rangelands; and Compliance with Act, regulations and Chief Forester standards

16. Range Planning 16 Preparing the RSP A Map Actions to deal with issues identified by the Minister Conform to any prescribed requirements Actions to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive plants Must be consistent with Objectives Set By Government Documented process for monitoring & evaluating Signature

17. Range Planning 17 Review & Comment This is no longer mandatory If your range plan impacts others, you may be required to make it available: Details can be found in the Range Planning & Practices Regulation (section 17 & 18) Notice commensurate with impact

18. Range Planning 18 First Nations Ensure aboriginal rights and issues are addressed Work with MOF The Minister may issue an order to vary or suspend: Plan Practice

19. Range Planning 19 Approving the RUP or RSP The plan is consistent with your Range Act Agreement Conforms to the Act, regulations & standards Plans will be approved for a 5 Year Term If Plan is not approved: the Minister must provide written explanation The Minister or the applicant may seek recommendations from an “advisory committee”

20. Range Planning 20 Amending the RUP or RSP Plan must continue to conform with: Act Regulations Standards If strategies/actions in plan are not achieving intended results, then an amendment is required.

21. Range Planning 21 Mandatory Amendment Establishment of an Objective Set By Government Establishment of an Ungulate Winter Range Objective Establishment of Wildlife Habitat Area Changes to your Range Act Agreement The Minister gives notice that amendment is required: Change to stubble height, desired plant community information, range readiness Any new issue

22. Range Planning 22 Multiple Range Plans More than one range plan affecting an area can create “cumulative impact” You can ask the Minister to review the situation The Minister can ask one or more range plan holders to amend their plans The Minister may establish targets for sharing responsibility (e.g., maintenance of a range development)

23. Range Planning 23 Minor Amendment Minister’s approval not required if: Conforms to: FRPA Regulations Standards Does not materially affect likelihood of achieving the results (eg grazing schedule change) Does not impact other Crown users Must be reported to us

24. Range Planning 24 Extending the RUP or RSP Minister may extend plans once for up to five years Plans must be consistent with all requirements of FRPA & RPPR May include changes as long as they are authorized by the regulations

25. Range Planning 25 Transferring RUP or RSP If an agreement under the Range Act is transferred, then the RUP is also transferred. Must provide notification to Minister You may transfer an RSP to another person: Person taking over plan is keeping existing management personnel (2 years) or Person taking over plan is qualified to hold RSP Must provide notification to Minister

26. Range Planning 26 Working with other tenure holders Agreement Holders will need to work with forest companies and other users: Communicate activities Ensure interests & values are considered in planning & practices MOF & WLAP will play reduced role in communication between tenure holders

27. Range Planning 27 RSP Reporting and Monitoring Responsibilities Monitoring & Reporting as described in the RSP Reporting as described in the Regulation: Provide annual reports: Number of livestock on Crown range The period in which the livestock occupied the Crown range, and Issues/events that affect the ability to manage the area of the plan

28. Range Planning 28 Effectiveness Evaluation....

29. 29 End of Range Planning Presentation Range Planning & Practices Workshop