These rangelands aren't suitable for growing grain crops because the land may be too rocky or too steep. Or the climate may be too cool or too dry. Grazing is healthier for this kind of land.
Rangelands are also important for wildlife, recreation and water.
Ranchers must harvest the grass carefully to keep it healthy, and treat the land like a renewable resource. Overgrazing hurts the plants, the soil, wildlife and water, and livestock don't do as well. Funding was provided in part by the Canada-Alberta Soil Conservation Initiative.