Science and Solutions for the Range
After nearly a century of rangeland education, outreach and research at the University of Idaho, we are taking a bold step forward to create a powerful rangeland-focused collaboration among researchers, educators and practitioners from across the University and across Idaho. Researchers and educators from seven departments, three colleges, and University of Idaho Extension have come together to implement an interdisciplinary research, education and outreach program consistent with our land-grant mission. Input from key stakeholders and partners provided additional vision to address contemporary rangeland challenges. The UI Rangeland Center will build on existing partnerships and create opportunities for new collaborations to advance the study and management of rangelands in Idaho and the region. The
Rangeland Center will empower researchers and educators at the University of
Idaho who strive to create insight and foster understanding for the stewardship
of rangelands. Our innovative design promotes active partnerships with
individuals, organizations and communities who work and live on these vast
landscapes. We will work in union with our external partners to focus research
and education to produce solutions that are responsive and relevant to
contemporary rangeland issues. What Created This Opportunity? Changes in the College of Natural Resources led to the loss of the Department of Rangeland Ecology and Management in the spring of 2010. After 50 years of a Rangeland “Program” or “Department” at the University of Idaho, there was suddenly no department, center, institute, or unit that had the name “Rangeland.” Without a rangeland department, we are now free to create a new, contemporary, and innovative unit dedicated to rangelands ----- BIRTH OF THE RANGELAND CENTER.
In reality, the people who study rangelands at the University of Idaho have never been housed exclusively in the Rangeland Department. There are great researchers and teachers of rangelands in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and in other departments in the College of Natural Resources. This new “department-less” world has created a space for faculty and staff from all across campus to join together and create a new “Center for Rangelands.” This Center will not be a place or a building. It will be a group of people who want to advance the understanding of rangelands.Why Create A Rangeland Center at the University of Idaho?- To gain recognition for the rangeland research, outreach, and education that currently occurs in several UI departments and programs.
- To create an organization that brings together the rangeland knowledge and skill of people from across departments and colleges at the University and allows us to leverage and increase resources to accomplish our mission.
- To enhance our ability to serve those who manage and enjoy rangelands by creating strong and collaborative relationships with agencies, organizations, and individuals who work on rangelands in our state and region.
- To fulfill our land-grant mission we must engage in significant research, outreach, and teaching dedicated to rangelands. After all, half of Idaho, half of the West, and half of the earth’s land surface is RANGELAND.
- Well-managed rangelands are a cornerstone to the economic and ecological future of Idaho and the West. We need a newly designed and innovative unit that promotes collaboration among students, teachers, researchers, and practitioners to address the complex problems now and in the future.
How Can You Get Involved?Visitors are welcome to leave comments under the feedback page and view the latest updates. Want to show your support for a identity for rangeland research and outreach at the University of Idaho? Sign up to be a "Friend of the UI Rangeland Center" by going to the show your support page.
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