Rangeland-plants

The first European settlers found California rich in natural resources including grazing land that established the agricultural industry. The grazing of domestic animals began with the arrival of the first Spanish colonists in 1769 and the industry grew with the spread of missions in the state. Livestock ranching has continued to be the most wide-spread agricultural activity. However, as farming has made inroads into the valleys and foothills, more than 100 million acres in the pastoral use have shifted from these areas to the remaining grasslands and woodland communities.