Superceded by BLM Technical Reference 1734-04
Trend data are important in determining the effectiveness of on-the-ground management actions and evaluating progress toward meeting management objectives on rangeland administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Trend refers to the direction of change. It indicates whether the rangeland is moving toward or away from its potential or toward or away from specific management objectives. Trend of a rangeland area may be judged by noting changes in characteristics such as composition, density, cover, production, and frequency of the vegetation, and related parameters of other resources. Trend data are considered along with actual use, authorized use, estimated use, utilization, climate, and any other data available or necessary for allotment, wildlife habitat area, herd management area, watershed area, or other designated management area evaluations. Permittees, lessees, other rangeland users, and interested parties should be consulted and encouraged to participate in the collection and use of trend data. (See Sections 2.2 through 2.4, Technical Reference 4400-1.)