Engaging diverse communities in a rangelands observing system in the American West

Rangelands and the communities they support are increasingly stressed by the effects of global change. To understand challenges and opportunities for adaptation in these landscapes, a Community-Based Observing Network (CBON) is being co-created with rangeland communities in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. While Citizen Science projects can unintentionally favor the participation of highly-educated urban and suburban residents, the CBON works specifically with Native Americans, ranchers, and agency land managers in rural landscapes. The range of local place-based knowledge and environmental concerns brought to the table by the diverse participants is opening new opportunities to engage communities and address challenging social-ecological issues.