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Range F.A.Q.s |
What is Range?
Range is any land supporting vegetation that can be consumed by both domestic livestock and wildlife and is managed as a natural ecosystem. Rangelands are either owned privately or by the Crown and are managed by private or government range managers to supply forage for both livestock and wildlife. (For more information: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/range/overview.htm).
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How much forage on range is produced annually?
The amount of forage produced annually on range is very difficult to predict and highly dependent on climate, soil, elevation, latitude, and topographic conditions. Currently crown range produces about 900,000 Animal Unit Months per year. An Animal Unit Month is defined as the amount of forage that is required for one month by an average cow aged 6 months or older.
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How is the forage on range produced?
Forage on range is generally produced by letting nature take its course. Plants occurring on range use all the sun, water, minerals, etc. available to them and produce forage that is harvested by a rancher's livestock and local wildlife.
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How is range used?
Range plants are grazed by livestock and wildlife, and regrow, much like your law regrows after cutting. Under proper management, it is often very difficult to determine if range has been used. Generally, the only way to tell if use has occurred is if livestock are present or if they have recently moved.
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How do livestock and wildlife use the forage on rangeland, and how much is used?
A small percentage of forage is harvested by both livestock and wildlife allowing them to grow, raise their young, and maintain their body condition.
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What challenges do range manager's face?
Range is constantly being damaged by careless activities. Plants are typically injured or killed by severe trampling, overuse by both wildlife and livestock, and unauthorized use by all-terrain vehicles, pedal bikes, and 4 x 4's. This resulting damage severely limits the range from performing important ecological functions such as holding the soil and water in place. Human disturbance also provides an ideal site for weed invasion. Numerous weeds including Toadflax, Leafy Spurge, Knapweed, Houndstongue, Orange-flowered Hawkweed, and Canada Thistle are all a serious menace to the health of BC rangelands. Proper management applied with sound economics protects our range resources. Visitors must always leave gates as they are found and respect fences, as both are an important part of range management.
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Who is involved in using range?
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Is there any government support available for start-up producers?
There are several federally and provincially funded programs that provide support for start-up producers. Each program has different aims some focus on exports, while others focus on research. These programs have strategic priorities and formalized eligibility and application guidelines. And many programs provide services rather than funding. Funding programs include:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Electronic Information Service
Provides information on inspection, regulations, industry information, research and technology, and human resources.
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation
A non-profit agricultural association that helps fosters growth in the agri-food industry. A secondary role is to assist industry in responding to current issues facing the sector.
Phone: 250 356-1833
Fax: 250 953-5162
Website: http://www.iafbc.ca/Business Development Bank of Canada
Provides information on financial products, venture capital, and consulting services.
Website: http://www.bdc.ca/Canada/British Columbia Business Service Centre
A business resource centre that provides information on starting a new business, entering new markets, accessing government programs and services, taxation, and regulations.
Phone: 604 775-5525
Fax: 604 775-5520
Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Assists companies to succeed in the global marketplace.
Website: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/If you are looking for general information on export marketing, financing and logistics, go to http://exportsource.ca/
Export Development Corporation
Provides programs that can assist Canadian exporters to compete in foreign markets.
Website: http://www.edc.ca/Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
The FCC offers innovative products and services to farmers and small- and medium-sized agri-businesses. The family farm has been and will continue to be the main focus of their lending operations. They also support farmer-controlled diversification initiatives and value-added agricultural operations on the farm and beyond the farm gate.
Website: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/Industry Canada
Provides programs and funding to assist with exporting and research and development.
Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
WD offers a network of business professionals to help with business planning and development, accessing capital, export or trade development, selling to government markets, and providing information on government programs and services for which a business may be eligible.
Website: http://www.wd.gc.ca/
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How much land do I need to be considered for a Crown range tenure?
The allocation and continuation of range agreements for grazing is usually based on the ability to produce adequate forage from ranch base lands. This is termed commensurability and is determined and applied at the discretion of the Ministry of Forests District Manager. It is the responsibility of the applicants to be commensurate and holders to remain commensurate.
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Where can I find information about Commensurability?
Refer to the Range Manual (Chapter 21, Appendix F) posted on the BC Ministry of Forests web site, at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/range/manual/ch21-app-01.htm#P102_1479.
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How can I get a Crown range tenure?
In order to determine if Crown range is available please contact your local Ministry of Forests Range Officer.
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What are the legal requirements and suggested processes for allocating grazing vacancies?
Refer to the Range Manual (Chapter 22) posted on the BC Ministry of Forests web site at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/range/manual/CH22app-40.htm#P1910_62567.
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How much does Crown range cost?
Refer to the Range Fee Schedule posted on the Ministry of Forests website, to determine the cost of range at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/RANGE/fee-schd.htm.
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Additional Information
For other commonly asked questions regarding crown range grazing please refer to the Range Manual (Chapter 20, Appendix F) posted on the BC Ministry of Forests web site at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/range/manual/Ch20app-10.htm#P1203_36782.
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