Annual/Termination Reports:

[05/24/2002] [12/09/2003] [10/08/2005] [12/14/2005] [09/03/2008]

Report Information

Participants

Rimbey, Neil, University of Idaho;
Van Tassell, Larry, University of Idaho;
Darden, Tim, University of Nevada;
Snyder, Donald, Utah State University;
Taylor, Tex, University of Wyoming;
Tanaka, John, Oregon State University;
Torell, Alln, New Mexico State University;
Harp, Aaron, PACWPL Director;
Hinson, Margaret, PACWPL Executive Board Member;
Martin, John, Idaho BLM

Brief Summary of Minutes

For most recent minutes, see http://www.agx.usu.edu/projects_adm.htm

Accomplishments

Ranch-level models reflecting the impacts of limited access to federal grazing were just about complete (as proposed for the Fund for Rural America project due the summer fo 2002). In addition, two reports were prepared by the PACWPL technical committee. The first dealt with the pinyon-juniper pine as a potential energy source. The second dealt with the potential listing of the sage grouse as an endangered species. More information will be available next year as the FRA project will be complete and additional work will be completed by the PACWPL.<br /> <br>

Publications

None under new project outline.

Impact Statements

1. A regional committee of policy analysts will examine specific policy issues by applying the best research currently available. This committee will provide timely analysis of current public lands policy issues. Ties with the Policy Analysis Center for Western Public Lands will be maintained for technical support, project teams and long-term research efforts on public land policy. A set of standardized social and economic impact assessment tools for evaluating the impacts of public land managem

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Report Information

Participants

Neil Rimbey, Univ. of Idaho, W-192 Chairman,
Andy Siedel, Colorado State University,
Tom Harris, University of Nevada,
Tim Darden, New Mexico, Dept. of Agriculture,
John Tanaka, Oregon State Univ.,
Allen Torell, New Mexico State,
JD Wulfhorst, University of Idaho, and
E. Tom Bartlett, Retired.
Active members unable to attend:
Tex Taylor, University of Wyoming, W-192 Secretary,
Don Snyder, Utah State Univ., Admin. Advisor,
E. Bruce Godfrey, Utah State University, and
Larry VanTassell, University of Idaho

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

This research committee has had some difficulty in sustaining its efforts due to changes in personnel and changes in the manner in which the western deans and directors have viewed one of the objectives associated with the project. Still, there have been some accomplishments. A proposal has been written for submission to the BLM and FS Joint Fire Science Program. A large multi-disciplinary project addressing fire danger in the Great Basin is underway. Another proposal dealing with ranch-level analysis, regional analysis, environmental values, and social impacts of fire and control alternatives on cheatgrass and juniper infested rangelands is also in preparation. The Policy Analysis Center for Western Public Lands (PACWPL) (Objective 4 of W-192) released a report on the sage grouse and how that population might be maintained. In addition, there have been numerous ranch and regional policy models developed (i.e., input-output, computable general equilibrium (CGE), and various linear programming models.<br />

Publications

Bartlett, E. Tom, L. Allen Torell, Neil R. Rimbey, Larry W. VanTassell and Daniel W. McCollum. 2002. Valuing grazing use on public land. J. Range Manage. 55(5):426-438. <br /> <br /> Gentner, Bradley J., and John A. Tanaka. 2002. Classifying public land grazing permittees. J. Range Manage. 55:2-11.<br /> <br /> Harris, Thomas R., C.K. Seung, T. Darden, and W. Riggs. 2003. Rangeland fires in northern Nevada: An application of computable general equilibrium modeling.? Western Forum, Vol. 1, No. 2:3-10 (published February 2003).<br /> <br /> McLeod, D., Coupal, R., Seidl, A., Inman, K. and Taylor, D. 2003. Opportunities and challenges for land use research and outreach in the Intermountain West. Journal of Extension. 41:5.<br /> <br /> Porath, M.L., P.A. Momont, T. DelCurto, N.R. Rimbey, J.A. Tanaka and M. McInnis. 2002. Off-stream water and trace mineral salt as management strategies for improved cattle distribution. Journal An. Sci. 80(2) 346-356.<br /> <br /> Stillings, A.M, J.A. Tanaka, N.R. Rimbey, T. DelCurto, P.A. Momont, M.L Porath. 2003. Economic implications of off-stream water developments to improve riparian grazing. J. Range Manage. 56:418-424. abstract available at: http://uvalde.tamu.edu/jrm/Sep03/stillings.htm<br /> <br /> Torell, L.A., N.R. Rimbey, L.W. Van Tassell, J.A. Tanaka, and E.T. Bartlett. 2003. An evaluation of the federal grazing fee formula. J. Range Manage. 56:577-584<br /> <br /> A. Gonzalez-Caban, J. Loomis, D. Griffin, E. Wu, D. McCollum, J. McKeever and D. Freeman. 2003. Economic value of big game habitat production from natural and prescribed fire. Research Paper PSW-RP-249, Pacific Southwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service. <br /> <br /> Tanaka, J., L.A. Torell, L.V. Swanson, M. Brunson, D. McCollum, and H.T. Heintz. 2003. Indicators for Maintenance and Enhancement of Multiple Economic and Social Benefits to Current and Future Generations. pp. V:1-28. In: J.E. Mitchell (ed.), Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Rangelands: A First Approximation Report, Sustainable Rangeland Roundtable, U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Exp. Sta., Available online at http://sustainablerangelands.cnr.colostate.edu/2003Report/2003Report.htm.<br /> <br /> Tanaka, J.A., L.A. Torell, M. Brunson, and E.T. Bartlett. 2003. Sustainable Rangelands: Indicators of Socio-economic Benefits. African J. of Range & Forage Science 20(2):222-226. VII International Rangeland Congress, Session A3, Available online at http://www.ru.ac.za/institutes/rgi/irc2003/ c5/volunteer.htm. <br /> <br /> Tanaka, J.A., L.A. Torell, M. Brunson, and E.T. Bartlett. 2003. Sustainable Rangelands: Indicators of Socio-economic Benefits. Poster Presentation, VII International Rangeland Congress, Session C5, Durban, South Africa.<br /> <br /> Torell, L.A. N. R. Rimbey, O.A. Ramirez, and D.W. McCollum. 2003. New Faces and the Changing Value of Rangeland. WCC55/WCC40 Joint Annual meeting, Reno, NV. Oct. 6, 2003. <br /> <br /> Torell, L.A. N. R. Rimbey, O.A. Ramirez, and D.W. McCollum. 2003. New Faces and the Changing Value of Rangeland. Univ. of Idaho, Cooperative Ext. Service Meeting, Caldwell, ID. Oct. 30, 2003. <br /> <br /> Torell, L.A. and D.M. Briggs. 2003. RANVAL: A Hedonic Ranch Valuation Model. Farm Credit of NM's Summer Credit Meeting, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. May 9, 2003.<br /> <br /> Rimbey, N.R., L.A. Torell, J. Tanaka, T. Darden, L.W. Van Tassell, and A. Harp. 2003. Sage Grouse Recovery: Estimating the Economic Impacts. New Mexico Section Annual SRM meeting, Albuquerque, NM. Jan. 21-23, 2003. <br /> <br /> Tanaka, J.A., L.A. Torell, M. Brunson, and E.T. Bartlett. 2003. Sustainable Rangelands: Indicators of Socio-economic Benefits. VII International Rangeland Congress, Durban, South Africa, Session A3, Available online at http://www.ru.ac.za/institutes/rgi/irc2003/c5/volunteer.htm. July 26-31, 2003. <br /> <br /> Rimbey, N.R. and L.A. Torell. 2003. Ranch Value Projects: NMSU and UI. District II Beef Advisory Group, Caldwell, ID. Nov 21, 2003.<br /> <br /> Rimbey, N.R., J.D. Wulfhorst and T.D. Darden. 2003. Owyhee County Social and Economic Update. Presented to the Owyhee County Commission. November 3, 2003. Murphy, ID.<br />

Impact Statements

1. The first scientific analysis of the sage grouse population and potential ways to stop its decline was produced and made available to decision-makers.
2. Impacts of proposed changed in public land policy have been estimated for a number of states in the west using various models.
3. Hedonic models of ranch sales have been developed showing the values intrinsic to ranching as opposed to those associated with ranch livestock production.

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Report Information

Participants

Those in attendance included: John Tanaka (Oreg. St. Univ.), Tim Darden (New Mex. Dept. of Ag), Tom Harris (Univ. of Nev. @ Reno), Julie Lurman, (Univ of Alaska @ Fairbanks), Don Snyder (Utah St. Univ.), Tex Taylor, (Univ. of Wyoming), Neil Rimbey (Univ. of Idaho), Allen Torrell, (New Mexico St. Univ.), and J.D. Wulfhorst (Univ. of Idaho). Kim Rawlins (Univ. of Nev. @ Reno) and Allison Davis (Univ. of Nev. @ Reno) also attended for a portion of the meeting.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Annual Meeting of the W192 Regional Project

Meeting began at 8:45 am.

Rimbey opened the meeting w/ a review of the agenda and suggested introductions. Those in attendance included: John Tanaka (Oreg. St. Univ.), Tim Darden (New Mex. Dept. of Ag), Tom Harris (Univ. of Nev. @ Reno), Julie Lurman, (Univ of Alaska @ Fairbanks), Don Snyder (Utah St. Univ.), Tex Taylor, (Univ. of Wyoming), Neil Rimbey (Univ. of Idaho), Allen Torrell, (New Mexico St. Univ.), and J.D. Wulfhorst (Univ. of Idaho). Kim Rawlins (Univ. of Nev. @ Reno) and Allison Davis (Univ. of Nev. @ Reno) also attended for a portion of the meeting.

Minutes from December 2003 were read and approved. One correction was noted: Colorado should not have been included under Hedonic price models (3ci, p3). Chair of the Committee was then transferred from Rimbey to Taylor.

Administrative Advisory Report (Snyder)
The western region requires a review of all regional projects at the 3rd yr mark. The review includes a Mid-term Evaluation Report and an external review. The Mid-term Report submitted to NIMSS, was distributed and includes four areas: 1) address personnel to assist in the areas of legal/policy aspects and the termination of PACWPL; 2) performance and possible merger with WCC-55; 3) current activities affected by changes in personnel; 4) future of the project.

The periodic external review by the Western Ag Experiment Station Directors was more vocal with concerns, but identified many of the same issues that the W192 group has grappled with, i.e., 1) whether to merge with WCC55 and 2) address gaps in personnel for some key disciplinary areas. At this point, W192 can decide to: 1) let the project terminate; 2) try to renew the project as is; or 3) try to modify & maintain the project.

Snyder also reported that the WCC Regional projects will experience a name change to Western Education Research Activity, or WERA and reviewed the basic structure for these.

Torrell added that when W192 elected to eliminate the PACWPL objective, which some had seen as the main project, this may have led to a lack of clear direction. Some discussion followed about whether to merge WCC-55 (Rangeland Economics) and W192, the latter of which currently expires in Sept. 2006.

Joint Fire Science Program Update
Kim Rawlins and Allison Davis, of Univ. of Nevada  Reno provided an update on the new Joint Fire Science Program centered @ Univ of Nevada. Rawlins explained the basic outline and plans for the 5 year project, funded by the Joint Fire Science Program (FS, BLM, NPS, &) to address increasing risks of fire cycle change, with potential large-scale ecosystem changes to cheat grass and Pinon-Juniper monocultures.

The project focuses on: 1) ecological thresholds to look beyond feasibility of restoration; 2) fuels management strategies; 3) mechanical removal, burns, and herbicidal removal. This will occur as an experimental design on three different biomes as well as across a range of fuel accumulations.

Similar project that have previously done work like this have been deficient on social science, thus the emphasis on this project to include stronger economic analyses. Harris, Rimbey, and Tanaka are involved with this.

Rawlins explained the teams plan to provide more decision-analysis with an emphasis on preemptive strategies of altering the risk(s) associated with fire in order to begin changing the odds of catastrophic fire events through reduced fuel loads. The livestock part is just one part of the project. There is also a Regional Impact analysis. From a land-use management perspective, the BLM wants to understand better what decisions they are faced with. Also, the project will include a non-market valuation study which incorporates costs & benefits to drive the optimization model and assess best uses of limited funds to allot to fire management. The group found out on 12-10-04 that the project had been funded.

Harris suggested the Joint Fire Project will provide links to W192. Rimbey & Tanaka are working on adapting their ranch-level model for this project.

Julie Lurman Background
Lurman attended the W192 meeting as a representative from Alaska, and adds a legal/policy analysis component to the project. Lurman attained her B.S, in Natural Resources Management, an M.S. in International Environmental Policy, and a Law degree in Natural Resources Law. Lurman worked with John Echeverria at Georgetown University on takings, private lands, and ESA issues. Some of her research findings concluded the private landowners are not entitled to compensation as many people think in some cases because wildlife is considered public trust. Private individuals must tolerate wildlife as pre-existing conditions on the land. Lurmans current interests include Revised Statute 2477 relating to road issues across federal lands that can get constituted as highways. Lurman noted federal supremacy is an issue here. Lurmans appointment is Asst. Prof. of Natural Resources Law and Policy in the School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Resources Management at the University of Alaska  Fairbanks. A recent article of her work can be found in the Tulane Environmental Law Journal (2003).

More discussion on Future of W192
The group discussed the idea of adding more sociologists and legal/policy experts as well as more nonmarket oriented economists. Several noted that the W1133 project focuses on nonmarket values of natural resources already and that domain appears covered. The group agreed to pursue further contacts at area institutions (ex. Peg Petrzelka, USU  Rural Sociology) to identify additional interest for participation in the group, regardless of whether W192 merges with @WC55.

Torrell suggested the group consider merging. Discussion followed, with a focus on whether to merge this into a research committee with the intent to build symposia @ the SRM meetings. There was general agreement for the need to have a broad set of concerns being addressed by this group, whether split, or merged and with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of the work to address complex community and environmental needs. Taylor motioned to continue W192 until termination, with the intent to merge with WCC55 at that point. The motion was not seconded.

State Reports
Rimbey, Tanaka, Harris, Taylor, and Torrell presented reports for their respective states. See attached appendices for the full reports from the five states. Lurman also reported on the courses she teaches at UA  Fairbanks and her research program interests.

The meeting broke for lunch at noon and resumed at 1:00pm.

New Business
Discussion continued to update the group on future plans to complete the GAMS documentation and optimization model for ranching operations. The group discussed providing an example for completion of this. Also, this was supposed to be published under PACWPL  but this will now change to be a Western Regional Publication. Further discussion reiterated recruiting Larry Van Tassell (UI) to help finish the work.

Discussion continued on the topic of the W192 group generating a regional, multi-institution proposal within the next year (i.e., USDA-NRI, etc.). There is a need for flexibility re: the focus on this, but a number of topics could be addressed related to land-management, community well-being, and environmental policy. One particular topic of interest to the group appears to be studying compensation for wolf depredation and losses. Harris suggested some additional nonmarket work may develop win the Joint Fire Science project.

Taylor polled the group for other issues of interest and the following were mentioned: recreation/ORVs, endangered species, energy development, resource values of rangelands not related to grazing, noxious weeds/invasive species, property rights, costs/benefits of rural-urban interface development. The group made tentative plans for all those present at the Feb. 2005 SRM meetings to meet in the p.m. of 2/8, Tues @ Tanakas presidential suite in Fort Worth. The group also agreed to try and design an SRM symposium for Vancouver 06.

Election of Officers
This actually occurred at the beginning of the meeting. Chair of the group was transferred from Rimbey to Taylor.

Next Meeting
The next meeting is planned for early Fall 2005 in Fairbanks, Alaska with planned topics on property rights, RS 2477, fire, and other resource issues in Alaska.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30pm.

Accomplishments

The research committee worked very hard to include an Alaska participant, since Alaska has the largest number of public land acres in the U.S. Dr. Julie Lurman joined the group from Alaska and her interests were discussed relative to the project. A decision was made to drop Objective 4 of the original proposal due to the deans' decision regarding the Policy Analysis Center for Western Public Lands. Multistate work has continued in the area of ranch and regional policy with models being developed simultaneously by several of the participants (input-ouput, computable general equilibrium, and various linear programming models).

Publications

Bartlett, E. Tom, L. Allen Torell, Neil R. Rimbey, Larry W. VanTassell and Daniel W. McCollum. 2002. Valuing grazing use on public land. J. Range Mgt. 55(5):426-438.<br /> <br /> Bartlett, E.T., L.A. Torell, N.R. Rimbey, L.W. Van Tassell, and D. McCollum. 2002. Methodological Issues in Valuing Forest Service Grazing and Range Use. U.S. Forest Service, General Technical Report.<br /> <br /> Darden, Tim D., Neil R. Rimbey and J. D. Wulfhorst. 2003. Regional Economic Impact Model of Owyhee County, Idaho and the Four County Area Including Ada, Canyon, Elmore, and Owyhee Counties. Dept. of Ag. Econ. and Rural Soc. Univ. of Idaho. AEES No. 03-06. available at: http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/aers/publications/AEES_2003/aees2003.htm<br /> <br /> Porath, M.L., P.A. Momont, T. DelCurto, N.R. Rimbey, J.A. Tanaka and M. McInnis. 2002. Off-stream Water and Trace Mineral Salt as Management Strategies for Improved Cattle Distribution. J An. Sci. 80(2) 346-356. <br /> <br /> Rimbey, Neil R., Tim D. Darden, L. Allen Torell, John A. Tanaka, Larry W. Van Tassell, and J.D. Wulfhorst. 2003. Ranch Level Economic Impacts of Public Land Grazing - Policy Alternatives in the Bruneau Resource Area of Owyhee County, Idaho. Dept. of Ag. Econ. and Rural Soc. Univ. of Idaho. AEES No. 03-05. available at: http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/aers/publications/AEES_2003/aees2003.htm<br /> <br /> Stillings, A.M, J.A. Tanaka, N.R. Rimbey, T. DelCurto, P.A. Momont, M.L Porath. 2003. Economic implications of off-stream water developments to improve riparian grazing. J. Range Manage. 56:418-424. abstract available at: http://uvalde.tamu.edu/jrm/Sep03/stillings.htm<br /> <br /> Torell, L.A., N.R. Rimbey, L.W. VanTassell, J.A. Tanaka and E.T. Bartlett. 2003. An evaluation of the federal grazing fee formula. J. Range Management 56(6): 577-584. abstract available at: http://uvalde.tamu.edu/jrm/<br /> <br /> Torell, L.A., N.R. Rimbey and L. Harris, eds. 2004. Current Issues in Rangeland Resource Economics. Proceedings of a symposium sponsored by Western Coordinating Committees 55 and 40. W. Regional Publication. USU Ag. Exp. Sta, Research Rep. 190. June, 2004. Logan, UT. Available on-line at: http://www.agx.usu.edu/<br /> <br /> Tanaka, J.A., N.R. Rimbey and L.A. Torell. 2004. New Faces: What does it mean for sustainable rangeland management. in: Torell, L.A., N.R. Rimbey and L. Harris, eds. 2004. Current Issues in Rangeland Resource Economics. Proceedings of a symposium sponsored by Western Coordinating Committees 55 and 40. W. Regional Publication. USU Ag. Exp. Sta, Research Rep. 190. June, 2004. Logan, UT. <br /> <br /> Torell, L.A., N.R. Rimbey, O.A. Ramirez and D.W. McCollum. 2004. New faces and the changing value of rangeland. in: Torell, L.A., N.R. Rimbey and L. Harris, eds. 2004. Current Issues in Rangeland Resource Economics. Proceedings of a symposium sponsored by Western Coordinating Committees 55 and 40. W. Regional Publication. USU Ag. Exp. Sta, Research Rep. 190. June, 2004. Logan, UT. <br /> <br /> Torell, L.A., N.R. Rimbey, and O.A. Ramirez. 2003. New Mexico Ranch Values: RANVAL. New Mexico State University, Dept. of Agr. Economics, Available online at http://ranval.nmsu.edu.<br /> <br /> Torell, L.A., J.A. Tanaka, N. Rimbey, T. Darden, L. VanTassell, A. Harp. 2002. Ranch-Level Impacts of Changing Grazing Policies on BLM Land to Protect the Greater Sage- Grouse: Evidence from Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon. Univ. of Idaho Policy Analysis Center for Western Public Lands (PACWPL), PACWPL Policy Paper SG-01-02. Available online at http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/aers/r_natres.htm.<br /> <br /> Wulfhorst, J.D., Neil R. Rimbey and Tim D. Darden. 2003. Social and Community Impacts of Public Land Grazing Policy Alternatives in the Bruneau Resource Area of Owyhee County, Idaho. Dept. of Ag. Econ. and Rural Soc. Univ. of Idaho. AEES No. 03-07. available at: http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/aers/publications/AEES_2003/aees2003.htm<br /> <br /> Wulfhorst, J.D., N. Rimbey, and T. Darden. Sharing the Rangelands, Competing for Sense of Place. American Behavioral Scientist (in review). <br /> <br /> Foulke, T., R. Coupal, D. Taylor, 2004, The Potential Economic Impact on the Economy of Southwestern Wyoming from Designation of Critical Habitat for the Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse, Western Regional Science Association, 43rd Annual Meeting, Maui Hawaii, February 2004.<br /> <br /> Taylor, D., R. Coupal, T. Foulke, 2004, The Potential Economic Impact on the Economy of Southwestern Wyoming from Designation of Critical Habitat for the Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse, Final Report to the Governor, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, College of Agriculture, University of Wyoming, March 2004.<br /> <br /> Foulke, T., R. Coupal, D. Taylor, 2004. The Trouble with Prebles, Reflections, College of Agriculture, University of Wyoming.<br /> <br /> Taylor, D., R. Coupal, T. Foulke, 2004, The Economic Importance of Livestock Grazing on BLM Land in Fremont County, Wyoming, Project Report, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, College of Agriculture, University of Wyoming, October 2004.<br /> <br /> Foulke, T., R. Coupal, D. Taylor, 2004, 2003 Payments in Lieu of Taxes to Wyoming Counties (23 county fact sheets), University of Wyoming, Cooperative Extension Service, B-1154AL  B-1154WE, February 2004.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Impacts of proposed changes in public land policy have been estimated for a number of states in the west using several different modeling approaches.
2. Hedonic pricing models of ranch sales in Idaho and New Mexico continue to show that the price of the ranch is tied to values intrinsic to ranching rather than those associated with actual livestock production.

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Report Information

Participants

J.D. Wulfhorst (Univ. of Idaho; W192), Lynn Huntsinger (Univ. of Calif.  Berkeley; WERA55), Neil Rimbey (Univ. of Idaho; W192/WERA55), Allen Torell (New Mexico State Univ.; W192/WERA55), Trent Teegerstrom (Univ. of Ariz; WERA55), Don Snyder (Utah St. Univ., Admin. Advisor, W192/WERA55), Tex Taylor (Univ. of Wyoming; W192), Fen Hunt (CSREES liaison for WERA55), Tom Harris (Univ. of Nevada; W192), Dennis Child (Colo. State Univ., Sust. Rang. Round.), Norm Harris (Univ. of Alaska), Bill Fox (Texas A&M Univ.; Sust. Rang. Round.), John Tanaka (Oregon St. Univ.; W192/WERA55/Sust. Range. Round.), Thomas Foulk (Univ. of Wyoming, W192), Julie Lurman (Univ. of Alaska; W192).

Brief Summary of Minutes

Thursday, October 6, 2005

Meeting began at 9:00 a.m.

Julie Lurman opened the meeting on behalf of the University of Alaska -- Fairbanks with a brief welcome to Alaska. Tex Taylor asked for introductions.

Tanaka moved to accept W192 minutes, Rimbey seconded. The group unanimously approved the 2004 minutes.

State Reports
Rimbey, Huntsinger, Torell, Teegerstrom, Harris (T.), Child, Lurman, Fox, Tanaka, and Foulk/Taylor presented reports for their respective states. Selected notes from these reports are included below and full reports are attached as appendices.

Idaho State report  Rimbey reported on the variety of projects ongoing or related to Idaho: 1) Continued work on ranch values work in New Mexico and Idaho, and is now moving to work with Trent Teegerstrom in AZ -- Ranch values have little to do w/ the cows. 2) Incorporating the GAMS models into the Fire Surrogate project, and others.

California State report  Huntsinger reported that two of the three range faculty have stepped down from administrative positions at Berkeley and returned to research and teaching--good news for the program. There is now an endowed chair for the range program  the Russell Rustici Endowed Chair in Rangeland Management, which went to Barbara Allen-Diaz. She discussed several of her ongoing projects and the growing research group focused on land conservation.

New Mexico State report  Torell added several points about the ranch values study and differences between some of the results in New Mexico and Idaho. He reported on several other ongoing projects and activities.

Arizona State report  Teegerstrom reported on collaborative projects with others in the group. One of these projects is how different ranches have dealt with drought in Arizona and these will probably be published in Choices. Another project looks at Risk Analysis and management and this will be posted to rightrisk.org.

Nevada State report  Tom Harris reported on several ongoing projects  one focuses on the impact of the cattle sector in White Pine and Eureka. Another study is assessing the water values in one of the districts where Las Vegas is buying the water rights and exporting them. He also reported on a project related to the wild horses in the Great Basin and wild horse/burro interpretive center. He also noted the Joint Fire Science program will be doing more coordinating among the different subcomponents.

Colorado State report  Child reported last week the college was named to the Warner College of Natural Resources as a result of Ed Warners recent $30M gift. CSU also is facing quite a few retirements within the range science department in the next few years. There are two positions coming open, but the range faculty numbers are down somewhat.

Alaska State report  Lurman reported on projects related to NEPA and Alaska National Lands Conservation Act and how this affects wolf control on federal lands. Other areas being pursued pertain to wildlife law, and the Intensive Management statute in Alaska re: predator control.

Texas State report  Fox reported that several hires there in the Range Dept. and interests of those faculty to partner with collaborators from other states for ongoing rangelands projects.

Oregon State report  Tanaka reported on ongoing projects: Beef Cattle management; Cheatgrass control; Grazing effects on Birds/Mammals on the Zumwalt Prairie with TNC; and the Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable. He also reported on and OSU initiative called Sustainable Rural Communities, headed by Bruce Weber.

Wyoming State report  Foulk reported on several projects ongoing in Wyoming, one using the GAMS model W-192 developed in the Park County economy. One aspect of this is looking at private land and wildlife, i.e., the importance of winter habitat on private land and the value/s of this. A report on the Bighorn National Forest Plan Revision is completed. A series of annual fact sheets re: PILT have been completed. With the ORV study, they are trying to find how people are using their off-road vehicles in the state. The latest Trends in Agriculture report is also now available.

Regional Fire Science Project
Update on the Joint Fire Science Program from Harris (T.), Tanaka, and Rimbey. ID, OR, NV, UT. Brunson/Shindler are doing the sociological aspects of the project. Rimbey/Tanaka are conducting the economics components. A team at Nevada is conducting the non-market measures parts of the project.

Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable
Tanaka, Child, and Fox reported generally on this. At the same time W192 discussions were happening re: future focus, the Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable began evaluating some of its framework about university involvement and not duplicating activities among similar efforts. SRR got its beginning in 2001 with Tom Bartlett to develop a series of criteria and indicators for sustainability of rangelands. 63 indicators were developed originally w/ emphases on social and economic aspects. These were boiled down to 27 core indicators. Ted Heinz (Council for Environmental Quality, Washington, D.C.) has helped facilitate an agreement among the NRCS, USFS, and BLM (as well as USGS) have made some agreements to begin monitoring four of the indicators (all ecological). Fox indicated how the development of a model to blend the three different legs of the indicators. This included biophysical condition, human well-being, and socio-economic capital factors, and then a variety of factors are included and then entered rangelands issues into the model. Rimbey noted that putting some of the indicators into a policy arena (i.e., Farm Bill language) is putting the cart before the horse when we havent had time to analyze the indicators via research. Child noted the agencies have increased their financial support of SRR. Fox indicated SRR is still at a stage of evaluating the indicators and many question marks remain within the group. Torell asked what SRR sees as a link with W192. Child indicated the idea would be to have a collaborative group from universities begin to organize a proposal or series of proposals in order to move the indicators forward.

Most of the group is interested in exploring the opportunities of participation in W192, including ways to work together to apply for research funds. One option mentioned is to develop a project related to the SRR--there are hundreds of individuals and as many as 75 organizations involved and funding opportunities should be good if the project contributes to the effort to understand and develop sustainability indicators. This might be something that could be presented at International Rangeland Congress in Inner Mongolia in 2008. The group briefly discussed ways of developing a researchable question.

Some noted recreation is becoming more and more of an issue and questioned whether ought to be researching the total cost of recreation vs. the returns (just the money coming in).

Snyder explained that in the western region a research project like W-192 has specific objectives, developed like a proposal for funding, methods, literature review, etc. like a grant proposal. Regional project is supposed to be more elaborate in terms of project description, have to be at least two states, and ideally more. The expectation for a research committee is that they will cooperatively do research, not do individual research and report on it, but that they will work together. Reporting requirements are more onerous and require a more extensive executive write-up, including documentation of the projects impacts, etc.

W192, had common things that went across state lines but did not have expertise in each state, needed to work with regional, local, state people, it was jointly getting together and doing these things. The ultimate purpose is to share expertise across state boundaries.

JD: if we wrote something to renew W192 if we focused on takings issues, are there economics issues in there.

Don: yes.

Bill: I heard a very focused desire to approach invasive species, from our indicators model, we ended up with a total of 64 indicators of which 35-40 are on invasive species. Indicators themselves--may be some research, but outcome would be what are the kinds of policy and management implications that get implemented on the ground and rollover to next time that there is a measurement of the indicators.

JD: I raised this topic because of what we talked about at lunch of common interest in takings issues. We might have a counter position, law interpretations, and what people think the law ought to be. This might feed into the indicators. Tom: indicators feed back into what is sustainable range, what would be the range and regional economy.

John: what we have done is used W192 to get together to develop our models. Allowed us to move forward on things. Don: John and others have gotten together together and write up objectives for the project.

Neil: New forms of ownership are emerging, We have an NGO buying lands, trying to understand waterflow and retention, public agency private lands how do we even begin to value that. Public and private lands are interconnected. And climate change&..in terms of valuation should we be looking into carbon sequestration. What can rangelands contribute to carbon sequestration?

Friday, 10/7/05

Meeting began at 9:00 a.m.

Snyder explained the Regional Research Project structure and expectations. They are more extensive in the write-up (lit review, milestones, impacts, educational plan, methods) more is expected out of a research project (compared to a WERA project), i.e., expectation to go after additional funding. Fox asked whether a formal structure within a multi-state research project would be helpful and an advantage for a highly competitive research project.

Taylor then asked whether the group would discuss renewal ideas for the W192 project. Rimbey indicated time would be best spent for the group to discuss topic ideas today.

Child expressed the advantage for a broad umbrella topic that would allow for more specific objectives under that and could allow for a variety of interests. The group brainstormed ideas related to these topical areas. One idea was a model that illustrates ecological and social consequences of land fragmentation. The group also discussed the conceptual glue that holds all this together  i.e., sustainability, system change, or resilience.

Torell asked whether others thought some ecologists would have enough interest in a renewed W192 with this topic. Child indicated yes. Taylor asked whether this type of project would be successful in seeking funding. Child and Fox indicated yes, and that other organizations (i.e., Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, GLCI) would be supportive.

The group discussed decision-making models and non-market values/benefits as project ideas.

Foulk suggested we consider sustainability of rangelands and try to account for changing size of operation b/c in some places consolidation and growth of size, reduction of number of farms/ranches is the trend&.and the question related to this asking whether increasing size affects sustainability in a positive or negative way.

Torell asked whether the ideas being discussed would be adding up to the database structures needed for SRR to implement as indicator assessments. Some of the discussion revolved around possible measures existing in the Census and NAAS. Rimbey noted the discussion began emphasizing a larger level of analysis more than a case-study analysis. Amidst discussion of the potential project objectives, the group also discussed how Alaska fits into the emerging project. Options Lurman sees relate to questions about growth limits in Alaska, and how these relate to planning, fire management, etc. This type of topic would also be adaptable, but Lurman noted how taking on this level of work for ALL of the states would be a concern. Another issue has to do with private/public land swaps and the legal ramifications of this re: development and precedent setting. Another issue is public ownership of wildlife  especially as land ownership patterns change. Possible states discussed for collaboration with Lurmans work included: Wyoming, Idaho, and Texas. Huntsinger emphasized that we could build a concentration on transbounday resources (water, wildlife) as an angle for the multi-state project/s. The group discussed how the role of water would fit into the project  and another regional project focuses on water already  but it was acknowledged that water plays such an important ecological role.

Proposed titles: Sustainable Rangelands and Rural Communities; Emerging Ecological, Economic, and Social Issues Affecting Sustainability of Communities
Assignments:
Intro  Huntsinger/Wulfhorst (also ck w/ John Mitchell), 1-2 pgs
Obj 1  Tanaka (w/ Foulk)
Obj 2  Torell (w/ Rimbey, Taylor)
Obj 3  Lurman
Obj 4  Wulfhorst (also include Theodori, Swanson, and AZ rep)
Obj 5  Fox

Timeline for development of the renewal project would need to have a draft of this out to everyone by November 30, 2005, with return comments to section authors by 12/10/05, then submitted to Tanaka by 12/17/05. The final deadline is January 1, 2006, but the group intends to submit final to Snyder before Christmas.

Next Meeting
Dennis Child will take the lead to organize a combined WERA55/W192 meeting near Steamboat Springs around late Sept or early October 2006.
The meeting adjourned at 2:15pm.

Accomplishments

The New Mexico component of the ranch value study underway in several states has been submitted to JARE (in for 2nd review). Arizona is planning on conducting a ranch values study also similar to those done in New Mexico and Idaho. A number of regionally funded projects (through the Fire Science Program involving USDA and USDI) are underway. The existing GAMS ranch-level model is being enhanced for this additional work. The A to Z Retained Ownership program has now been operating for 13 years in Idaho. This program has benefitted ranchers who have participated by garnering additional profits. Economic impact analyses related to federal livestock grazing have been completed for Park County, Wyoming. The Bighorn National Forest plan was revised with the help of Taylor (Wyoming). Analyses of economic impact of livestock grazing, oil and natural gas development and production, and recreation on the economy of the surrounding region were completed for two Resource Management Areas in Wyoming (Casper and Kemmerer). PILT (Payment in Leu of Taxes) fact sheets were developed for each county in Wyoming. In Oregon, work has begun on beef cattle management to improve riparian areas and ranch economics. Additional work has been completed regarding the evaluation of social and economic impacts of public land policy. An evaluation of the control of Cheatgrass in the sagebrush biome has also been initiated. Work in the area of risk management ("www.rightrisk.org) has been understaken in Arizona. Finally, the relationship between recent state predator control efforts on federal lands and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and National Environmental Policy Act has been examined. Several procedural oversights have been identified.

Publications

Rimbey, N.R., C.W. Gray, R.L. Smathers and G.E. Shewmaker. 2005. Leasing arrangements and other considerations. Chapter 18. in: Shewmaker, G.E., ed. Idaho Forage Handbook Third Edition. Idaho Ag. Exp. Sta. Bulletin 547. Moscow, ID.<br /> <br /> Smathers, R.L., P.E. Patterson, N.R. Rimbey and C.W. Gray. 2005. Production costs and budgeting. Chapter 19. in: Shewmaker, G.E., ed. Idaho Forage Handbook Third Edition. Idaho Ag. Exp. Sta. Bulletin 547. Moscow, ID.<br /> <br /> Wulfhorst, J.D., N. Rimbey, and T. Darden. 2005. Sharing the Rangelands  Competing for Sense of Place. American Behavioral Scientist 48(16)xxxx-xxxx.<br /> <br /> Taylor, D., R. Coupal, T. Foulke, 2005, The Economic Impact of Federal Grazing on the Economy of Park County Wyoming, Project Report, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, College of Agriculture, University of Wyoming, August 2005.<br /> <br /> Foulke, T., R. Coupal, D. Taylor, 2005, 2004 Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to Wyoming Counties (23 fact sheets), University of Wyoming, Cooperative Extension Service, B-1163AL  B-1163WE, March 2005.<br /> <br /> Taylor, D., T. Foulke, R. Coupal, 2005, Whats it Worth to You: Prebles II, Reflections, College of Agriculture, University of Wyoming.<br /> <br /> Fouke, T., R. Coupal, D. Taylor, 2005, Trends in Wyoming Agriculture, University of Wyoming, Cooperative Extension Service, B-1164, August 2005.<br /> <br /> Aldrich, G.A., J.A. Tanaka, R.M. Adams, and J.C. Buckhouse. Economics of Western Juniper Control in Central Oregon. Rangeland Ecology and Management 58(2005):542-552.<br /> <br /> Tanaka, J.A., L.A. Torell, and N.R. Rimbey. Rangeland Economics, Ecology, and Sustainability: Implications for Policy and Economic Research. Western Economics Forum 4(2005):1-6.<br /> <br /> McCollum, D., L. Swanson, and J. Tanaka. Integrate social and economic indicators with ecological indicators for rangeland inventory, assessment, and monitoring: Why would you ever do that? Paper presented at the 58th Annual Meeting, Society for Range Management, Fort Worth, Texas. 2005.<br /> <br /> Tanaka, J. Ranch-level economic impacts of off-stream water developments, animal attributes, and fencing. Paper presented at the 58th Annual Meeting, Society for Range Management, Fort Worth, Texas. 2005.<br /> <br /> Tanaka, J., A. Torell, and N. Rimbey. Rangeland policy and economics research: integrating science and people. Paper presented at the 58th Annual Meeting, Society for Range Management, Fort Worth, Texas. 2005.<br /> <br /> Tronstad, Russell, Trent Teegerstrom, and Daniel Osgood. The Role of Electronic<br /> Technologies for Reaching Underserved Audiences. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol. 86(3), August 2004:767-771.<br /> <br /> Tronstad, R., and Teegerstrom, T. Economic Trade-Offs Between Sale Weight, Herd Size, Supplementation and Seasonal Factors, The Journal of Range Management, Vol 56, pg 425-431, Sept. 2003<br /> <br /> Harris, Thomas R. and Joan Wright. Estimated Economic Impacts of Cattle Ranching and Farming Sector on the White Pine County Economy, October 2004, UCED 2004/05-15.<br /> <br /> Fadali, Elizabeth, William W. Riggs, and Thomas R. Harris. Updated Economic Linkages in the Economy of Eureka County, UCED 2005/06-05, June 2005.<br /> <br /> Torell, L.A., O.A. Ramirez, Neil R. Rimbey, and Daniel W. McCollum. 2005. Income Earning Potential versus Consumptive Amenities in Determining Ranchland Values. J. Agr. Resource Econ. Accepted for Publication.<br /> <br /> Torell, L.A. 2005. Factors Affecting the Market Value of New Mexico Ranches. pp. G1-G14. In: C.D. Goodloe (Director), Proceedings, Continuing Legal Education, Conservations Easements Conference, Albuquerque, NM. CLE International, Denver, CO.<br /> <br /> Torell, L.A. and N.R. Rimbey. 2005. Factors Affecting the Market Value of New Mexico Ranches. pp. 55-69. In: M. Peterson (ed.), Proceedings, Corona Range and Livestock Research Center Field Day. New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Ranch-level models were developed and used for a variety of purposes including (a) animal distribution practices, (b) profit maximizing treatments of western juniper using stochastic cattle prices and rainfall patterns, and (c) used in the revision of three National Forest plans in northeastern Oregon in order to best meet ecological, economic, and social needs of the region and country.
2. Results of the White Pine and Eureka (Nevada) county studies have been used by the BLM and county governments in their Resource Planning process, particularly in relation to water allocation issues.
3. An examination of the predator control processes consistent with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act will allow federal land managers in Alaska to avoid legal challenges.
4. The multi-period GAMS LP model developed as part of this project continues to be used for policy analysis by several western states, particularly with respect to livestock distribution on rangland.
5. The conclusion of the ranch value research in New Mexico has been that both deeded and public land acreage addes to ranchland value irrespective the livestock grazing capcity and income earning potential of the land. Empirical evidence does not support the traditional cost capitalization model.

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Report Information

Participants

Don Snyder-Utah State University (Administrative Advisor)
Tex Taylor- University of Wyoming (Chairman)
Thomas Foulke-University of Wyoming
Rachael Mealor-University of Wyoming
Dan McCollum-U.S. Forest Service
Rhonda Skaggs- New Mexico State University
Hannah Gosnell-Oregon State University
Jon Alevy-University of Nevada

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

<br /> Short-Term Outcomes: This project essentially is a policy-oriented regional project and the short-term outcomes are primarily decisions made by various government or policy groups related to public lands and their relationship to local communities and states. In many cases, the information and data provided as a result of this project are used as the primary source of data in the decision-making process.<br /> <br /> Outputs: There are a variety of outputs including gathered data, written fact sheets, research papers, and peer-reviewed journal publications. A complete list is provided as part of the annual meeting minutes.<br /> <br /> Activities: A description of the various activities engaged in by project participants is included in the annual meeting minutes.<br /> <br /> Milestones: An optimization model which includes farm-level linear programming profit maximizing component and a input-output model has been constructed for Nevada. New Mexico and Idaho have completed an analysis of ranch-level impacts of changes in public land use. Legal analyses of some of the numerous public and enviornmental laws have been completed by the Alaska participant.<br /> <br />

Publications

Rangeland and Management Interactions: Relationships between Socio-Economic and Ecological Processes in Rangeland Landscapes. Rhonda Skaggs and Brandon Bestelmeyer, New Mexico State University.<br /> <br /> Small Feet, Big Tracks: The Potential Economic Effects of Critical Habitat Designation on the Economy of Southeastern Wyoming. Thomas Foulke, David T. Taylor, Roger H. Coupal. University of Wyoming.<br /> <br /> Applications of Regional Impacts of Alternative Public Land Grazing Policies: Initial Results from an Integrated Linear Programming Social Accounting Matrix Model. Jonathan Alevy, Elizabeth Fadali, Thomas R. Harris. University of Nevada, Reno.<br /> <br /> New Rangeland Residents in Wyoming: A Survey of Exurban Landowners. Rachel D. Mealor, University of Wyoming, Paul D. Meiman, Colorado State University, David T. Taylor, Jennifer S. Jones, Ann L. Hild, University of Wyoming. <br /> <br /> Martin, John, J.D. Wulfhorst and Neil Rimbey. 2007. Owyhee County Social and Economic Impact Assessment. In: Proceedings: 3rd National Conference on Grazing. December 10-13, 2006. St. Louis, MO.<br /> <br /> Rimbey, N.R., L.A. Torell and J.A. Tanaka. 2007. Why Grazing Permits Have Economic Value. J. Ag. and Res. Econ. 32(1):20-40.<br /> <br /> Tanaka, John A., Neil R. Rimbey, L. Allen Torell, David Taylor, Derek Bailey, Timothy DelCurto, Kenric Walburger, and Bob Welling. 2007. Grazing Distribution: The Quest for the Silver Bullet. Rangelands. 29(4)38-46.<br /> <br /> Wulfhorst, J.D. and Neil Rimbey. 2007. Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission: 2007 Membership Focus Groups Final Report and Data Summary. University of Idaho. Department of Ag. Econ. and Rural Soc. AEES # 07-03. Moscow, ID.<br /> <br /> Havstad, K.M., D.P.C. Peters, R. Skaggs, J. Brown, B. Bestelmeyer, E. Fredrickson, J. Herrick, and J. Wright. Ecological Services To and From Rangelands of the United States. Ecological Economics 64(2007):261-268. DOI:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2007.08.005. <br /> <br /> Skaggs, R.K. and T. Crawford. National Animal Identification and the Elephant In the Room. Rangelands April 2007, Volume 29, Issue 2, Pages 60-64. DOI: 10.2111/1551-501X(2007)29[60:NAIATE]2.0.CO;2.<br /> <br /> Fadali, E., Harris, T. R. (2007). "Analysis of Impacts of Public Land Grazing on the Elko County and Mountain City Management Area: Executive Summary", UCED 2006/07-09, January 2007.<br /> <br /> Alevy, J. E., Fadali, E., Harris, T. R. (2007). "Analysis of Impacts of Public Land Grazing on the Elko County Economy: Part VII: Economic Impacts of Federal Grazing in Elko County, Jarbridge, and Mountain City Range Area Districts", UCED 2006/07-11, February 2007.<br /> <br /> Alevy, J., Fadali, E., Harris, T. R. , "Analysis of Regional Impacts of Rangeland Fires in Elko County", Selected Paper, North American Regional Science Association, Savannah, Georgia. November 2007.<br /> <br /> Foulke, Thomas, Roger H. Coupal, and David T. Taylor. The Economic Contribution of Off-road Vehicle Recreation to the Wyoming Economy. The Western Regional Science Association Forty-Sixth Annual Meetings, Newport Beach, California, February 22, 2007.<br /> <br /> Foulke, Thomas, David T. Taylor and Roger H. Coupal. Small Feet, Big Tracks: The Potential Economic Effects of Critical Habitat Designation on the Economy of Southeastern Wyoming. Trans-Atlantic Land Use Conference, Washington D.C. 23 September, 2007. Also accepted for publication in New Perspectives on Agri-Environmental Policies; a Multidisciplinary and Trans-Atlantic Approach.<br /> <br /> Tanaka, J.A., N.R. Rimbey, L.A. Torell, D.T. Taylor, D. Bailey, T. DelCurto, K. Walburger, and B. Welling. Grazing Distribution: The Quest for the Silver Bullet, Rangelands, August 2007.<br /> <br /> Foulke, Thomas, Roger H. Coupal and David T. Taylor. 2007 Payment in Lieu of Taxes to Wyoming Counties. University of Wyoming College of Agriculture. In review, November, 2006.<br /> <br /> Foulke, Thomas and David T. Taylor. Getting a Handle on ORVs. Reflections. University of Wyoming College of Agriculture. June, 2007.<br />

Impact Statements

1. The analysis of intensive management has provided federal land managers with a clearer understanding of their duties and responsibilities and provided state managers with a better understanding of the laws that constrain their federal counterparts.
2. Results of study for Elko County Commissioners have also been accepted as input by U.S. Forest Service in their development of an EIS. In addition an additional study to estimate the county-wide economic impacts of rangeland fires in Elko County is being conducted. In addition a study has been commissioner to investigate potential economic impacts of changes to Elko and Eureka counties from proposed changes in the 1872 Mining Law.
3. Work on the economic impact of various development alternatives in Wyoming have facilitated a rational development process for the inherent conflicts between public lands and the emerging gas and oil development.

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