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Author(s):
Jeanne C. Chambers, David A. Pyke, Jeremy D. Maestas, Michael L. Pellant, Chad S. Boyd, Steven B. Campbell, Shawn Espinosa, Douglas W. Havlina, Kenneth E. Mayer, Amarina Wuenschel
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Ecology
Ecosystem Changes
Composition
Fire Effects
Ecological - Second Order
Invasive Species
Vegetation
Wildlife
Fire & Wildlife
Birds
Game birds
Sage-grouse
Management Approaches
Recovery after fire
Resilience
Ecosystem(s):
Sagebrush steppe

NRFSN number: 12989
FRAMES RCS number: 17879
Record updated:

This Report provides a strategic approach for conservation of sagebrush ecosystems and Greater Sage- Grouse (sage-grouse) that focuses specifically on habitat threats caused by invasive annual grasses and altered fire regimes. It uses information on factors that influence (1) sagebrush ecosystem resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasive annual grasses and (2) distribution, relative abundance, and persistence of sage-grouse populations to develop management strategies at both landscape and site scales. A sage-grouse habitat matrix links relative resilience and resistance of sagebrush ecosystems with sage-grouse habitat requirements for landscape cover of sagebrush to help decision makers assess risks and determine appropriate management strategies at landscape scales. Focal areas for management are assessed by overlaying matrix components with sage-grouse Priority Areas for Conservation (PACs), breeding bird densities, and specific habitat threats. Decision tools are discussed for determining the suitability of focal areas for treatment and the most appropriate management treatments.

Citation

Chambers, Jeanne C.; Pyke, David A.; Maestas, Jeremy D.; Pellant, Mike; Boyd, Chad S.; Campbell, Steven B.; Espinosa, Shawn; Havlina, Douglas W.; Mayer, Kenneth E.; Wuenschel, Amarina. 2014. Using resistance and resilience concepts to reduce impacts of invasive annual grasses and altered fire regimes on the sagebrush ecosystem and greater sage-grouse: a strategic multi-scale approach. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-326. Fort Collins, CO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 73 p.