Viewpoints: Range condition from an ecological perspective: Modifications to recognize multiple use objectives

Abstract

Two changes in traditional range condition analyses are recom- mended: (1) to replace the terms excellent, good, fair, and poor with ecological equivalents of climax, late seral, mid-seral, and early seral in cases where this is practical; and (2) to develop relationships between products (e.g., livestock, wood products, water) or conditions (e.g., infiltration, site stability, erosion) and successional stage or state. Such information will allow the land manager to evaluate possible tradeoffs between managing for a particular successional stage or state and particular goods or services.