This regulation sets forth Departmental Policy relating to range resources and coordination of range activities among agencies of the USDA and other executive agencies, organizations, and individuals. It is in furtherance of USDA responsibilities mandated by the legislation identified in Section 7a.
Range is a major agricultural resource.
Range also provides essential food and habitat for wildlife and unique economic and recreational opportunities for people and for communities. Range watersheds must be carefully managed to protect soil and water resources on which all other values and uses ultimately depend. USDA is vitally interested in the maintenance, enhancement and wise use of the Nations's range resources. The Department has played and will continue to play an active role in developing, demonstrating and applying the essential science, technology and stewardship necessary to effectively manage range resources in this nation and throughout the world. The Nation's range resource include nearly 800 million acres of range in the 50 States.