About the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission

The Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission is a state agency that was created by House Bill No. 910, Chapter No. 14, Title No. 58, Idaho Code, which was passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Cecil Andrus during the 1994 legislative session. Nearly half of Idaho is classified as rangeland. 80% of rangelands are managed by either a federal or state agency.  It is essential for the citizens of Idaho to have a good understanding of the ecology and management of these lands.  IRRC's role is to create programs and materials to increase the understanding of how these vast landscapes function and are managed.

Strategy and Scope

The Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission (IRRC) is dedicated to providing scientifically-based educational materials to Idaho teachers. Science textbooks teach Idaho students more about rainforest ecosystems than on rangeland ecosystems. Understanding the place in which we live will result in better decisions on how to care for the land. Focusing on learning about this complex ecosystem, the IRRC in cooperation with the University of Idaho developed a "Rangeland Assessment Kit" for secondary science classrooms to collect relevant rangeland data. This data-collection is useful as a comparison over time not as a rating system. Learning from these methods will help build an understanding of the natural dynamics of these ecosystems. Idaho teachers, who have attended IRRC workshops, receive these kits for free. They also have developed many activities designed to bring this resource into the classroom. See "Teacher Resources" for a list of workshops and materials available from the IRRC.

Idaho's rangeland resources are beneficial to all who enjoy them--whether hiking, biking, hunting or horseback riding. Many wildlife species rely on the responsible management of this resource for their habitat. Good stewardship of rangelands helps improve both the land and the animals who live there. The more we know about the history and science of Idaho's rangelands, the better decisions will be made in how to manage them for future generations. Contact the IRRC for more information.

The Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission is prohibited by law from advocating specific legislation or political candidates.

Goals

• To increase public understanding that Idaho's rangelands are a renewable source of important consumer products and environmental values.
• To provide, coordinate, and disseminate factual information about economic and ecological aspects of rangeland management practices.
• To promote public support for sustainable livestock grazing on Idaho's rangelands.
• To help promote responsible rangeland stewardship.
• To advocate balanced multiple use of rangeland resources.

Commission Members, Staff, and Advisory Members

Commission Members

Commission Staff

IRRC Advisory Members