STRATEGIC PLAN

Society for Range Management

Albuquerque, New Mexico

February 13, 1993

VISION: The vision of the Society for Range Management is productive, sustainable rangeland ecosystems.

MISSION: Its mission is to promote and enhance the stewardship of rangeland and related ecosystems and associated renewable resources to meet human needs based upon scientific research and sound principles.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: The guiding principles to fulfill the Society for Range Management ('s) mission and vision are to globally advocate: Rangeland ecosystem sustainability and stewardship; Economically, socially and environmentally acceptable uses of rangeland resources for people; Basing resource management and policy on sound scientific principles and/or expertise; Providing forums of participation and exchange of diverse viewpoints; Operating through involvement and participation of members.

STRATEGIC ISSUES: 1. Weak base of support for rangeland management, education and research (programs); 2. A need to be proactive in timely professional leadership and respond to resource issues pertaining to rangeland management and use; 3. Insufficient funding in SRM to provide for program expansion; 4. Decline in membership; 5. Be actively visible in promoting the guiding principles.

(from the May 1993 [Volume 42, No. 2] Nebraska Section Newsletter)

NEBRASKA SECTION GOALS

The Nebraska Section, Society for Range Management has the following established goals:

· to properly take care of the basic rangeland resources of soil, plants and water;

· to develop an understanding of range ecosystems and principles applicable to the management of range resources;

· to assist all who work with range resources to keep abreast of new findings and techniques in the science and art of range management;

· to improve the effectiveness of range management, to obtain from range resources the products and values necessary for man's welfare;

· to create a public appreciation of the economic and social benefits to be obtained from the range environment, and;

· to promote professional development of its members.

(from Nebraska Section Annual Meeting brochure)

NEBRASKA SECTION OBJECTIVES

Public Relations

a. Update on a quarterly basis at minimum, the Nebraska Section WEB site.

b. Provide, on an annual basis, two news releases to major news media. In addition, provide news releases on every educational event that the Section is involved with to the media. Examples include Range Camp, Family Range Camp, Range Shortcourse, Range judging, Annual Meetings, Field Days, partnerships. etc.

c. To promote Nebraska Section membership in local activities, provide assistance and input where opportunities arise on projects involving such groups as the Nebraska Cattlemen's, Nebraska Leafy Spurge Task Force, Nebraska Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, local schools, local extension agents, local weed superintendents, local state and federal agencies, local extension agents, etc. Report on a quarterly basis the status of these projects and provide an article in the newsletter.

d. Design a liaison structure to facilitate communication and share information with such groups as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Livestock Marketing Association, Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, the Center for Grassland Studies, Land Trust Alliance (Conservation Easement development), and Federal and State agencies.

Education

a. In the next five years develop a strategy to coordinate and implement a K-12 curriculum package in cooperation with the University Extension and the Nebraska Environmental Trust Grant. Utilize educational curriculum ideas that currently exist like the "Sod Box" and "Tree Trunks" from the Nebraska National Forest. Coordinate with the Range Education Council and the Center for Grassland Studies.

b. Maintain the success of the Youth Range Camp and Range Shortcourse in providing scholarships and better promotion.

c. Develop a mission statement for the Family Range Camp and promote through eco-tourism and non-traditional rangeland users that have an impact on rangeland resources (recreationists, bird watchers, hunters, educators, developers).

d. Coordinate with the parent Society and the Range Education Council activities.

Membership

a. Gain support from State and Regional leadership.

b. On an annual basis, committee chairs work with the membership committee on selecting individuals for committee positions (National and Section).

c. On an annual basis, the Awards Committee recognize individuals who have served on committees or council positions.