Building climate-resilient rangeland communities and ecosystems

Insights from rancher and rangeland manager decision-making


Drought is the rule rather than the exception in California and has been a significant shaping force on the State's rangelands. Climate change and weather extremes threaten rangelands, which are largely rainfall-dependent and arguably the most vulnerable systems to drought. In collaboration with ranchers and rangeland managers across California, we have led examinations of on-ranch management decision-making and social-ecological resilience to drought and climate change. This work has provided valuable data for policymakers, contributed to climate vulnerability assessments, and guided the development of new drought planning tools.


Research Highlights from working with partners across California. We have surveyed and interviewed ranchers and land managers to gain insights into key factors shaping rangeland resilience.