Training

See also: Central Coast Rangeland Coalition, Sustainable Human Systems

Description

As grazing moves increasingly beyond previously private open rangelands onto public lands – where recreation is expected to increase – encounters between livestock and recreationists are also likely to increase. California’s Central Coast is a hotspot for graziers and recreationists alike, and an important region in which to address the challenges and synergies of concurrent grazing and recreation. Conflicts between recreationists, environmentalists, and ranchers can be minimized and benefits maximized with appropriate policies and creative management. Novel approaches to public education and collaborative land management are critical to reducing negative livestock-recreation encounters and enhancing the many benefits that these land uses and ecosystem services provide.

The Central Coast Rangeland Coalition held a short workshop on improving interactions between recreation and livestock.  Kristina Wolf presented her literature review and extensive interview data, followed by discussion and interactive learning.  Participants helped by providing Ms. Wolf information that she will use to finalize her research project, which will be available in late 2015 as a written report.