5. The producers of the raw materials for numerous industries... 

 4. A source of income for millions of people all over the world... 



So we must give rangelands the attention they deserve; and, for this, 

 we must be able to create and develop the programs and the man-power neces- 

 sary to be at top level.,. and to fulfill our responsibilities with a de- 

 manding society. Rangelands cannot be considered the underdog of the re- 

 sources. 



THE PRESENT STATUS OF RANGELAND IN THE WORLD 



In analyzing the present status of the world's rangeland, we have to 

 consider what are the CAUSES for the condition they are in...; what are the 

 PROBLEMS involved in its management...; which are the EFFECTS resulting from 

 that...; and what are the NEEDS to make these lands reach their optimum 

 productivity in a permanent basis. 



1. Causes 



We know that, at the present time, rangelands are producing, in an ave- 

 rage, between 50 and 60 percent of its potential. The causes originating 

 this low productivity are, among other, an erratic vision of the actual 

 productive possibilities of this resource. Numerous ill oriented pro- 

 grams - both government and private - have had adverse effects on the 

 rangelands vegetative cover and soil in many countries. 



Overgrazing, uncontrolled fires, farming of grasslands where climatic 

 conditions are iinfavorable for agriculture. . .etc. 



To mention two examples: 



a) A range inventoiy conducted in 9 Northern Mexico States in I963 to 

 1965> covering an area of 98 million ha. {+_ 24O million ac.) indicated 

 that, 82'fo of the properties (including private and ejido - communal - 

 landholdings) were overgrazed; Sffo presented light or advanced erosion; 

 ^ffo had troubles with undesirable shrubs; 2&fo reported problems with 

 toxic plants. 



All these things together, were responsible for the poor condition of the 

 ranges: around 60^ of the ranches were below good condition! 



b) Here in Montana, according to SCS, about 50 million acres are in FAIR 

 or POOR condition. . .and this area represents about J><yfo of the are^ of 

 the state of Montana !.... and the causes are almost the same. 



89 



