AN EXAMINATION OF THE ON-RANCH ECONOMICS OF RIPARIAN ZONE GRAZING MANAGEMENT

A simulation model of a ranch based in Southern Alberta was developed to evaluate the on-ranch economics of adopting different grazing management strategies to improve riparian health in rangeland. Under low cost scenarios, there are positive economic incentives to adopt strategies to maintain riparian zones that are already in good range condition. However, riparian zones in fair or poor range condition may require additional economic incentives to encourage ranches to adopt more costly management strategies. The economic incentives to adopt costly management strategies are highly sensitive to the riparian zone area, shape and rates of decline/improvement.