The Society for Range Management maintains a visible presence on Capitol Hill wherever conversations regarding the stewardship of rangelands are taking place. Through the Society, rangelands have a voice on Capitol Hill. Our policy committee members ensure Congressional members and staff have access to the latest science and data regarding land use and management, which better informs decisions made in Washington, D.C
As we look ahead to 2021, the Society’s Policy and Public Affairs Committee (PPaC) is ramping up to review our current policy statements, position statements, and resolutions, and recommend any needed updates, changes, or revisions. With a new Administration in the White House and new leadership in the House and Senate, SRM continues to be well-positioned to carry on our work as it relates to the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill, the management of wild horse and burro populations, increased support for agency participation in professional societies, the effort to designate an International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, and so much more. Interested in making an impact in range Related Policy? Join the Policy & Public Affairs Committee! Reach out to Lia at policy@rangelands.org.
Thus far in 2021, SRM has sent the following Official Communications:
- SRM and over 150 organizations sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Congressional leadership requesting strong support for agricultural climate research, agricultural innovation, and agricultural research infrastructure. The letters can be viewed here: Click here to Read letter 1, Click Here to Read letter 2
- SRM and nearly 125 organizations send letter in support of the America Grows Act to provide continued sustained funding for agricultural research and improvement.
Click here to Read the letter
- SRM joins 122 others in letter to Congressional leaders in support of $50 million for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI).
Click here to Read the letter
- SRM joins the North American Invasive Species Management Association and 35 other organizations to request adequate funding for invasive species management.
Click here to Read the letter
- SRM and 47 others ask Congressional leaders to fully fund the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA) to support groundbreaking food, agriculture, and climate research.
Click Here to Read the FY2022 AgARDA Request
- SRM joins 138 organizations requesting increased investment in research, education, extension, and economics programs.
Click Here to Read the Letter
The U.S. Forest Service recently wrapped up a request for public input on proposed updates to the rangeland management directives.
The rangeland management directives serve as the primary basis for the internal management and control of the rangeland management program. They are the primary source of administrative direction to Forest Service employees relative to the rangeland management program. But the current directives have been in place for approximately 30 years and in need of an update. SRM provided several recommendations for improvement within the proposed updates, including clarifying definitions, the addition of resources and tools to improve the coordinated management of rangelands, the recognition that tools used to classify, inventory, monitor, and assess rangelands should be consistent amongst federal, state, and private lands management, and more.
SRM members receive exclusive communications, “Capital Updates”, that provide up-to date information about range-related policy on Capitol Hill. Become a member to subscribe!