Rangelands
Rangelands are a natural ecosystem of grasslands, shrublands, forestlands, wetlands, alpine and deserts and are grazed by domestic livestock like cattle, sheep and goats. Industry, guide outfitters, hunters and recreationalists can access Crown rangelands. About 80 percent of rangeland in B.C. is on Crown land. The rest is privately owned.
Services and information topics
Forage
Rangeland is land that supports vegetation consumed by livestock or wildlife, that is managed as a natural ecosystem. B.C.'s private and Crown rangelands span the province and encompass ecosystems including alpine, subalpine, community pastures, forestlands (logged or not), grasslands, parklands, shrub lands, riparian areas (wetlands and rivers).
Management
Rangelands are facing increased pressures from a variety of sources. Proper management of these unique landscapes and the sensitive and sometimes rare ecosystems they're home to will ensure that rangelands continue to support recreationists, ranchers and First Nations' interests.
Ecology
Sustainable livestock operations depend on healthy plant communities. Rangeland ecology studies relationships between plants, animals and their environment to achieve desired management objectives like maintaining or improving current plant communities, sustaining livestock production and providing wildlife habitat.
Safety
Safe practices while on rangeland helps protect people, wildlife, sensitive ecosystems, livestock and domestic animals. Take care, especially in areas where active logging and hauling are taking place and where there are known predators.
Legislation
In the news
AgriService B.C.
Contact information
Contact your Natural Resource District and Range Officer if you have questions about rangeland use in a specific Natural Resource District. Please direct general questions to:
Forests.RangeBranch@gov.bc.ca
Range.GrazingLeases@gov.bc.ca
Invasive.Plants@gov.bc.ca
Range.Practices@gov.bc.ca