Woody riparian vegetation is an essential component of riparian ecosystems, responsible in part for the maintenance of functional ecological processes. The plant community composition and distribution provide an indication of the underlying mosaic of environmental attributes and processes. Restoration and management of riparian communities have been hindered by the lack...
Krascheninnikovia lanata (winterfat) is a valuable forage species with an
average of 10% crude protein during winter when there are few nutritious options for
livestock and wildlife. However, excessive grazing throughout the west has negatively
impacted survival of winterfat stands. We hypothesized that four years rest from
dormant season livestock...
Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) encroachment has been associated with increased soil loss and reduced infiltration resulting in the loss of native herbaceous plant communities and the bird and animal species that rely on them. Hydrologically, however, change in water yield has been linked with the amount of annual precipitation a...
Wetland degradation has negative influences on wetland functions and services. The understanding of wetland functions requires the intersection of two science disciplines, ecohydrology and plant physiology for a correct approach on wetland restoration and management. Although studies assessing ecohydrological relationships to protect wetlands are relatively common, studies evaluating both ecohydrological...
On piñon-juniper encroached sites that lack the understory fuels to carry a prescribed fire, treatment options are limited to mechanical methods. Cutting with chainsaws and leaving the trees on site has been the primary treatment method for such sites, however this method creates a potential fire hazard, particularly in the...
Landscape models for elk distribution developed at Starkey Experimental Forest and Range from 1993-1995 were tested on another landscape during 2003-2005 at Sled Springs Wildlife Demonstration Area. Using location data obtained from 23 wild elk captured and fitted with GPS telemetry collars, 8 spatial resource selection function models representing 8...
Deciduous shrubs are an integral component of mixed conifer forests of the interior Pacific Northwest by providing structural complexity, forage, and niche habitat. Currently, these species are under pressure from high levels of ungulate herbivory and forest management activities such as fuels reduction treatments. Ungulate herbivory is influential in the...
Ventenata dubia L. (ventenata) is an introduced, winter annual grass that has recently been raising concerns across the Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass Prairie and the Palouse Prairie. It is well established now in pasturelands, croplands, and a variety of ecosystems including grasslands, sagebrush steppe, ponderosa pine forests and woodlands. Ventenata is...
In the area that is now Saguaro National Park East, grazing began in the 1880's. Because of the impact to the iconic saguaro cactus as well as all palatable plant species in the area, ecological damage in the park were determined to be so great that anti-grazing conservationists challenged the...
Expansion of Juniperus occidentalis into the sagebrush steppe has resulted in significant changes in understory composition. A consequence of increased J. occidentalis dominance may be a depletion of the seed bank. The potential for depletion is problematic because a reduction in the amount of species available from the seed bank...