Building Knowledge of Sustainable Rangeland Management Using Information Technology

2005 Annual Report for EW04-014

Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2004: $91,847.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Western
State: Idaho
Principal Investigator:
Karen Launchbaugh
University of Idaho

Building Knowledge of Sustainable Rangeland Management Using Information Technology

Summary

Creating as Source for Sustainable Rangeland Management Information

The RangelandsWest Partners met March 15- 17 in Tucson to recreate the framework for organizing rangeland information on our website: www.rangelandswest.org. We found it difficult to create a user-freindly topic outline about sustainable rangeland management. Thus, a task force was appointed and met in Salt Lake City, June 31-July 1 to create a new and workable framework. We conducted a workshop called “Sustainable Rangeland Management - On the Cutting Edge!” November 7-9 in Boise, Idaho. This successful workshop introduced University Extension Educators, NRCS Advisors, and others from 11 Western states about new approaches to sustainable rangeland management.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Completion of Project Objectives

** By the end of the web-skills workshop, 100% of the participants will demonstrate a general understanding of how to effectively package content for websites - - - Accomplished at March 15-17 in RangleandsWest meeting at Tucson

** 100% of the participants in the information-outreach workshop will have greater awareness of the concepts and principles of sustainable rangeland management practices by the end of the workshop. - - - Accomplished at workshop entitle “Sustainable Rangeland Management - On the Cutting Edge!” November 7-9 in Boise, Idaho.

** 100% of the participants in the information-outreach workshop will have greater awareness of the concepts and principles of sustainable rangeland management practices by the end of the workshop. - - - Accomplished at workshop in Boise November 7-9

** By the end of the project 100% of the Western Rangeland Partners in the SARE Western Region will have created or enhanced their state website and created a module on their assigned topic of sustainable rangeland management for the RangelandsWest Web site. - - - Development of website sections underway.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Sustainable Range Workshops and Activities

** We conducted a survey of how land managers and advisors seek information from the web. It was clear from this survey that people looking for rangeland information on the web have a variety of needs and are searching for reliable high-quality information.
** We conducted 4 meetings and workshops in 2005 to improve access to rangeland information through a dynamic website.
** We have determined through our workshops that reliable information about rangeland management is needed and not currently available.
** We submitted a grant proposal to create a community of practice for extension. Our goal was to strengthen the quality of information available through our website. Our proposal was not funded.
** Through a series of site review activities we developed an outline of topics that will increase the usability of our current website. Implementation of this revised topic outline is currently underway.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

** We have conducted 4 workshops and meetings attended by about 80 land managers, agricultural advisors, and information specialists.
** We are currently working on revising our website and adding additional information.