February Learn over Lunch Event Recap - Understanding Recreation on Working Rangelands

Find the summary, recording, and links to research discussed during the presentations below.

Presented by Merrill Beyeler (Beyeler Ranches), J.D. Wulfhorst (University of Idaho Department of Environmental Science and Rural Sociology), Cameron Packer (Rinker Rock Creek Ranch, University of Idaho), and Jason Karl (University of Idaho Department of Rangeland Ecology)

How do we responsibly recreate on public lands without spoiling them?

At a time when 79% of Idahoans engage in outdoor recreation activities each year, and both Idaho's population and value of public lands are increasing, how can we be modern stewards of the land?

What can we learn from the current recreation trends and working rangelands from the University of Idaho's Rinker Rock Creek Ranch research facility? Idaho Business for the Outdoors was joined by rancher, Merrill Beyeler, and faculty from the University of Idaho to discuss the impact of recreation on working rangelands and research focused on recreation in Southwest Idaho. If you are interested in learning more about sustainable recreation and how to preserve one of Idaho's most valuable resources, watch February's Learn over Lunch now!

To watch full presentation click here.

If you are also interested in the research shared during the presentation you can find the reports below:
Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission Statewide Survey (November 2014)
Owyhee County Social and Community Assessment (2016)

*One thing to note about these reports is that growth has continued to such an extent over the last 5-7 years, these reports are now arguably not as current as is needed for an accurate understanding of all that is happening at the intersection of these issues.