The science of assessing rangelands is changing as concepts and protocols continue to evolve. The concept of rangeland health was advanced as an alternative to range condition. The ecological status concept is currently used by most range professionals as the basis for inventory and assessment. Although the term health has been controversial when used in association with natural systems.

This technical reference, developed by the Riparian Area Management Task Force, lists 135 references which the Task Force feels represent the most significant contributions from the over 1,200 references reviewed.