ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some of the major inventory methods used by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to determine range conditions. Potential range condition was considered in relation to comparison areas; however, range condition was used in the concept of livestock forage condition and not in the context of climax vegetation. Soil stability and runoff could be considered results of range condition rather than direct factors contributing to condition. The 1986 range condition proposal was developed and tested primarily in relation to its applicability to BLM’s grazing management and rangeland monitoring programs. Many of the significant issues and controversies facing BLM managers on a day-to-day basis relate to concerns about vegetation, both in planning and applied management. The proposed vegetation management initiative is an interdisciplinary effort to increase emphasis on the use and management of vegetation. Vegetation management objectives would be developed for each land area and included in BLM plans at all levels.
