Reflection: Forage Resource Study Group
from the Fall/Winter 2025 issue of Ground Truth
Each year, Diablo Trust takes part in the Forage Research Study Group (FRSG) - the longest-running range monitoring program in Arizona. Led by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, FRSG has brought together ranchers, agencies, and partners since 1990 to track rangeland conditions. By monitoring rain gauges, utilization cages, photo plots, wildlife counts, and more, the group has built a rare long-term dataset that guides better management for both ranching and wildlife.
This summer, our NAU intern, Mara Effinger, joined the FRSG at the Bar T Bar Ranch and reflected:
We rode through gates checking rain gages and long-term monitoring cages, looking for present browsing, warm and cool season species, while checking for their vigor (growth rate post-grazing) and availability. The land is diverse and full of wildlife - we were lucky to see coyotes and pronghorn while making our way through the ranch. During the expedition, I learned about countless native grass and shrub species present within the ranch, as well as which plants the cattle preferred. I observed the monitoring and asked countless questions, always met with experienced and quick answers - those who spend time on the land truly know everything about it.
Her pictures and reflection capture the heart of what FRSG is about: hands-on learning, shared expertise, and careful observation of the land. Year after year, this work strengthens the knowledge base that supports both working ranches and healthy wildlife populations.
Want to join a FRSG monitoring day? Contact Jessica at info@diablotrust.org for more information and keep an eye on our calendar for the next dates.
