#46

An Updated California Rangeland Decision Assistance Tool: the CRSA

Rebecca Ozeran, University of California Cooperative Extension

Sheila Barry, University of California Cooperative Extension; Mark Brunson, Utah State University; Julie Finzel, University of California Cooperative Extension; John Harper, University of California Cooperative Extension; Royce Larsen, University of California Cooperative Extension; Brooke Latack, University of California Cooperative Extension; Fadzayi Mashiri, University of California Cooperative Extension; Devii Rao, University of California Cooperative Extension; Matthew Shapero, University of California Cooperative Extension; Jeffery Stackhouse, University of California Cooperative Extension; and William Tietje, University of California Cooperative Extension.

California ranchers balance multiple ecosystem services, economic values, and social benefits when they manage rangelands, often while facing intense public scrutiny and development pressure. Regular evaluation and adaptation to maintain this balance on working lands can be challenging. To support ranchers in decision making, our project team has updated and digitized the California Rancher Sustainability Assessment (CRSA) to provide a rapid and simple method of self-evaluation, paired with science-based resources describing best practices. The CRSA currently offers five distinct modules covering forage management, soil health, wildlife management, drought management, and generational succession. These topics include ecological, social, and economic components of modern ranching and provide insights into how each module fits into the bigger picture of ranch sustainability. We will describe the iterative process of creating the online assessment, showcase how the modules work through a live demonstration, and discuss anticipated impacts to the future of ranching in California.