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Building Water Resilience in the Northwest Through Rangeland Management

Changes in the timing and availability of water resources across the Northwest are affecting rangelands. Warming winter temperatures are reducing mountain snowpack and resulting in earlier snowmelt and less available water in the summer months. Reduced water availability, exacerbated by warmer summers and the frequency of extremely hot days, can increase seasonal drought and fire risk, and decrease rangeland resilience. Shifts in when and where water is available impact the effectiveness of traditional approaches to rangeland management and cattle operations, negatively affecting the economic viability of ranching and farming operations in many areas. Anticipating and adapting to change can help reduce negative impacts of climate change. 

This resource page is intended to help land managers, technology transfer specialists, farmers, and ranchers access information and related financial and technical assistance for implementation. Below are several resources that provide information on water challenges and how to address them. You will also find links to USDA programs that provide technical and financial assistance to adopt management changes and conservation practices.

Access the resource page here. 

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