Society For Range Management

We Are Rangelands

Rangeland Cup

Introduction/Rangeland Cup Topic:

2020 Rangeland Cup Topic – SRM
Denver, CO

World population projections indicate that there will be 9.8 billion people on earth by 2050 (UN, 2017). Rangeland ecosystems represent the largest and most diverse land resource, providing multiple ecosystem goods and services to both local communities and the larger public. Traditionally, rangeland science and management have focused on agricultural production (e.g., forage and livestock), which are critical provisioning services that contribute to the nation’s food supply; however, society now places growing importance on the delivery of additional ecosystem services, such as water quality regulation, wildlife habitat and cultural/recreational services, and alternative energy development. Balancing multiple conservation and agricultural production goals on rangeland agroecosystems in an economically realistic manner will be a key challenge in an already variable and changing environment.

  1. Identify the next transformational issue in rangeland management that will be a key component to obtaining/achieving agricultural production goals to meet the 2050 population projections. Consider multiple types of impacts (ecological, economic, social, etc.) and multiple ecosystems.
  2. Discuss a(n) management practice(s) to implement to address the issue identified above.
  3. Provide a specific recommendation to solve the issue you have outlined under prompt one, and describe how it relates to agriculture production to meet the needs of the 2050 global population.

 

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS
DECEMBER 6,  2019

PLEASE REGISTER AT:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-srm-range-cup-competition-tickets-77039080965

 

CLICK HERE FOR A PDF VERSION OF THIS YEAR’S TOPIC

Guidelines

The Rangeland Cup team problem solving competition is an activity to promote critical thinking and cooperative, collaborative work on current topics and/or topics of historical importance to rangeland ecology and management. As we progress in our careers, much of our work is performed as part of a group. This competition is intended to build skills in interpersonal communication and group-problem solving, both of which are highly desired qualities in the workplace. All colleges and universities are invited to submit teams for this year’s competition.

Eligibility:
Each college or university may enter one or more teams into the event. Teams shall be made up of no more than four students and one professional mentor (i.e. ag producer, agency personnel, faculty, etc.). Teams are limited to one graduate student (with three undergraduate students), but can be made up entirely of undergraduate students if desired.

Topic:
Each year’s competition will be centered on an issue or problem of interest to rangeland management. New topics will be assigned each year. The competition may address real case studies submitted by agencies or individuals searching for alternative management possibilities. Teams will design an approach (accounting for ecological, economic, social, and political aspects) to solve or manage the issue.

Issues and topics may include, but are not limited to: rangeland ecology, hydrology, rangeland wildlife, socio-political, endangered species, grazing management, inventory and analysis, human dimensions of range management, and rangeland hydrology. Creative and innovative approaches are highly encouraged, but approaches must be realistic and achievable. The topic will be distributed to each participating team by September 5th, giving all teams equal time (roughly one semester) to work on the project. The topic will be posted on the student conclave website, in the SRM member resource news, and will be emailed to departments with student groups active in the SRM.

Format:
Each team will present their approach/solution in poster format during a poster session at the SRM meeting. The poster session will be open to meeting attendees and judges will be circulating during the session. Posters will be limited to 36 by 48 inches, preferably landscape orientation.

Rules and Regulations:
At least one student must be present at the poster session to address questions; all team members are encouraged to be present if space permits. The mentor is encouraged to be present at the poster session as well, but the team will not be penalized if the mentor is unable to attend the poster session.
Each institution may enter two teams.
There will be 5 judges with different affiliations (i.e. government agencies, private industry, university faculty, agricultural producers) to reduce bias in the judging.
Scores will be based on the Judging and Scoring criteria as agreed upon by competition officials. Criteria will be distributed to the teams prior to the competition.

Judging Sheet

Student posters displaying their problem solving approach will be judged on content, organization, and presentation. Points will be assigned based on the criteria listed below. Judges scores and comments will remain anonymous and will be provided as typed summaries for each team.

JUDGING CRITERIA
Content refers to the employment of a creative, logic-based approach to the problem. The approach should be bolstered by scientific evidence, in a similar manner to a grant proposal. The poster should display a clear rationale behind the approach, but should attempt to expand on existing knowledge pertaining to the topic. 60 maximum points.

Content Sub-Categories:
Abstract: should provide a concise summary of the proposed solutions. 5 maximum points.
Introduction: should introduce the importance of the topic and provide pertinent background information about the theory behind the team’s approach. 10 maximum points.
Narrative: should clearly describe the team’s approach for addressing the topic. This is where the team will “sell” their ideas. Should demonstrate the team’s knowledge of the subject matter and their logical approach to the task. Each part of the topic should be addressed. Suggested research methods, long-term management plans, expected results, potential pitfalls, budgetary concerns, conclusions, etc. are all acceptable information for the narrative. 45 maximum points.

Organization describes the design and flow of the poster. The poster should be easy to read and understand without interpretation by the author. Tables, figures, and photographs should be well designed, clear, and with informative legends. All visual aids should be referenced in the poster. 20 maximum points.

Presentation deals with the students’ ability to discuss their approach and field questions concerning the background and potential outcomes of that approach. Additionally, the students’ professionalism, in manner and personal presentation, will be evaluated during the competition. 40 maximum points.

Presentation Sub-Categories:
Professional manner: Do the students exhibit confidence and enthusiasm? Do the students effectively communicate their ideas verbally? 15 maximum points.

Knowledge:
The students’ ability to address questions and provide comments on their approach should clearly demonstrate their individual involvement in the creative process of problem solving. Do the students’ display insight into how their ideas fit into the larger context of range management? 25 maximum points.

Contact

Society for Range Management
6901 S. Pierce St. Ste 230
Littleton, CO 80128
Phone: (303) 986-3309
Fax: (303) 986-3892
Email: info@rangelands.org