tat ion is limiting; and an equal amoTint has an equal effect where ranges are 

 in high condition, whether it falls as rain or snow. We know that tempera- 

 tures are limiting in tundra and alpine ranges. 



Now concerning rangeland used as natxrral pasture where stockmen control 

 grazing. Global shortages of food and energy are turning new attention to 

 proper treatment of rangeland as a soiirce of protein and fiber. Vastness of 

 the area offsets low yields per acre. Direct human consumption of grain is 

 increasing. Economic and energy considerations are forcing a greater depen- 

 dence on range forage where nature plants and animals harvest. Hence, less 

 dependence on planted and harvested feeds for the growing of livestock. 

 Though the need to make better use of range will become ever more critical, 

 only a fraction of educators, legislators, and the voters generally, under- 

 stand the uniqueness and importance of the range resource. 



Agronomic crops may well supplement range forage. But over 25 years ago, 

 rancher Dan Fulton, then president of the Montana Grassland Commission, 

 pointed out repeatedly that feeds and irrigated tame pastures do not relieve 

 range management problems but, instead, intensify them. In I960, Bredemeier, 

 reporting research in the range journal from 175 ranches in Nebraska, showed 

 conclusively that as the ratio of months of feed to months of range forage 

 on a ranch increased, the condition of range vegetation decreased. So, watch 

 it, if you've believed that more irrigated pasture or hay, or other cultiva- 

 ted crops are going to reduce grazing pressure on the range. 



Let me heartily congratulate you on your five-state Range Improvement 

 Program under contract with the Old West Regional Commission. Yovir emphasis 

 is properly on management of grazing, to restore high ecological condition 

 in the various kinds of rangeland used for range. I know you have set spe- 

 cific goals for these five states, to be attained by 1985. I think the goals 

 you have set are attainable, but from long experience I know how difficult 

 it will be. It will take the best efforts of all state and federal agencies 

 working with a oneness of purpose together with local natural leaders among 

 ranchers. 



I cannot think of a better or more worthy goal for the rangelands than 

 this improvement in ecological range condition — measiirable by types of 

 range sites, through changes in the vegetation. 



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