Journal of Rangeland

Evaluating the effectiveness of implemented range management plans is highly required to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the plans and improve their effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate range management plans, conducted in summer rangelands of Sajadrud –Mazandaran province in 2016. This study was conducted based on quantitative and qualitative approaches in 6 range sites with and without a range management plan. The questionnaire was used for evaluating range management plans and their financial assessment based on ranchers point of views. We also evaluate the effects of these plans on forage production and vegetation cover in the sites. Results indicated that vegetation cover and forage production in the sites with range management plans increased  10.9 and  26.1 respectively compared to the sites with no plans. Average profit per livestock for ranchers in range sites with and without the project plans were 29470 and 22130 Rials respectively. Ranchers believed that range management plans increased their income considerably. Low awareness of the ranchers about the objectives of the plan, range sites with multiple users, lack of sufficient training before and after implementation of rangeland plans, and rancher’s insufficient knowledge are among the reasons that the ranchers get disappointed from implementation and protection of the plan. The range management plans can only be successful if we give the managers the ability to use a holistic management approach with consideration of all rangeland potential.