RANGE MANAGEMENT ON THE NATIONAL FORESTS. 75 



or perfecting range management and utilization along the lines dis- 

 cussed in the preceding pages. The two differ in the intensiveness 

 of the work and consequently in the degree of permanence of the 

 maps and grazing-management plans resulting. Intensive range , 

 reconnaissance has been developed to a point where an adequate dis- 

 cussion of all phases of the work would itself fill a bulletin. The 

 discussion here aims merely to make clear the essential differences 

 between range reconnaissance and range inspection, the limitations 

 and application of each. 



RANGE RECONNAISSANCE. 



An intensive range reconnaissance survey results in the prepara- 

 tion of a map classifying the area examined into grazing types,' 

 showing for each type the location, acreage, topography, amount, 

 and character of vegetation, condition of the range, available water- 

 ing places, and cultural features. The work is done with sufficient 

 accuracy so that the resulting data will serve as the basis for present 

 and future plans of grazing management, regardless of the intensity 

 of grazing. The foundation for such a survey is a topographic map 

 of at least reasonable accuracy. If a satisfactory topographic map 

 has not already been prepared by some other survey, one must be 

 made either in advance of or as a part of the grazing survey. 



Range inspection is less intensive. If accurate topographic maps 

 are available, a general grazing-type classification can be made dur- 

 ing the inspection; but the detail of classification secured by the 

 reconnaissance survey can not be secured by an examination which 

 logically would be called a range inspection. 



The range reconnaissance proceeds systematical!} 7 ; first in the col-| 

 lection of the field data, then in its compilation, and finally in the 

 preparation of grazing-management plans, usually in the office, to be 

 adjusted later in the field. Range inspection aims at sizing up a 

 range unit in the field, finding the flaws in the existing management, 

 and deciding upon the remedies, at the same time collecting suffi- 

 cient data to point out the existing faults of management and show 

 how to make the adjustments recommended. 



It is possible to use men who have had but little preliminary expe- 

 rience in a range-reconnassance party under the direction of a well- 

 trained chief of party ; while on inspection only men who have had 

 several years of experience in judging range can work effectively. 



There is little doubt that surveys intensive enough to determine 

 acreage by types to within an average error of about 5 per cent will 

 eA T entually be necessary as a basis of intensive range management on 

 fully stocked forests. This accuracy will necessitate a range-recon- 

 naissance survey. 



