Restoration and Ecology of Arid Lands (REAL) Laboratory

 

(We put the R in FRESC)

 

Joint Fire Science Project (SageSTEP)

 

The main objective of this study is to identify conditions that determine the transition between healthy and unhealthy sagebrush plant communities, specifically related to threats posed by cheatgrass invasion and woodland encroachment.  And to define thresholds (points at which plant communities transition to an unhealthy state that may be irreversible.  We hope to accomplish this by evaluating effects of land management options (fire, mechanical thinning, and herbicide) on sagebrush communities threatened by cheatgrass invasion or woodland encroachment. 

For further information on this project please visit: http://sagestep.org/

 

Integrated Restoration Strategies (IRS)

 

The overall goal of this project is to identify concepts and management strategies to control the spreading dominance of cheatgrass and other weeds on Great Basin rangelands and to restore native species and increase biodiversity.

For further information on this project please visit: http://www.ag.unr.edu/ifafs/default.htm

 

 

Emergency Fire Rehabilitation Project

Fire rehabilitation programs have existed within federal agencies since the early 1960’s.  Recent investigation indicate that both the USFS and BLM, the largest users of ESR funds only sporadically implement proposed monitoring, and rarely use common protocols for monitoring (GAO 2003). Therefore, it is impossible to draw scientifically credible conclusions regarding the effectiveness of ESR projects. Currently, data are stored in field office files and are not available for others to use in deciding on appropriate and effective techniques to apply on similar areas.

This project is investigating using a common approach and methodology to assess the effectiveness of ES&R projects region wide.  Additionally, the project is developing a web-based database that can act as a central repository of monitoring information.  Data gathered using a common approach would help address GAO concerns by monitoring multiple projects with comparable methods, consistently documenting results, creating and maintaining a central database for query and reporting, and ultimately determining the effectiveness of post-fire rehabilitation activities region-wide.

For further information on this project please visit: http://fresc.usgs.gov/research/esrmonitoring

Coordinated Intermountain Restoration Project (CIRP)

The Coordinated Intermountain Research Project (CIRP) evolved from the Intermountain Greenstripping and Rehabilitation Research Project (IGRRP), which was established by the Idaho State Office, Bureau of Land Management, in 1982, to select plant materials and technologies to reduce wildfire incidence and improve rehabilitation practices. Research and technical assistance associated with CIRP will emphasize the restoration of native species on rangelands that are infested with exotic annual grasses or other invasive or noxious weeds. To accomplish this objective, the project will promote the understanding of disturbance dynamics along with selecting plant materials, site preparation techniques, weed control methods, seeding equipment, management methods, and monitoring techniques for restoration projects. CIRP will not address the restoration of forested or woodland (juniper) ecosystems. It will include a component on fuels management to reduce the impacts of wildfires on semi-arid rangeland ecosystems where exotic annual grasses provide the fuel. The people who will benefit directly from this research includes land managers and users of public and private lands in the northern Great Basin, the Columbia Plateau, and the Snake River Plain. CIRP will provide an integration framework for a multi-disciplinary approach to research with numerous opportunities for input and collaboration.

For further information on this project please visit:  USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center: Research Descriptions

 

Slickspot peppergrass Lepidium papilliferum Habitat Study

Slick spots are alkali or sodic soil inclusions in an area that has a matrix of more normal soil properties.  They are called slick spots because they have a high level of sodium which can deflocculate the soil resulting in a smooth surface that has little vegetation.  Relatively high concentrations of clay and salt and reduced levels of organic matter and nutrients characterize slick spots.  Slick spots are generally small in size, less than 200 m2, and may be less than 1 m2.  Slick spots in southern Idaho are receiving attention because of slick spot peppergrass Lepidium papilliferum (L. Henderson) A. Nels and J.F Macbr.  This rare plant is found in the northern Great Basin on the Snake River Plain, Owyhee Plateau, and adjacent foothills in south-western Idaho (Mancuso 2000). The concern over slickspot peppergrass arises from its relatively high rate of extirpation. The plant can be impacted by a variety of activities including wildfire and fire rehabilitation activities, encroachment of non native plants, some cattle and sheep grazing practices, gravel mining, irrigated agriculture and urbanization (Moseley 1994 and Meyer 1996).

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects on slick spots of common restoration techniques used in the Great Basin, such as, reseeding of native grasses using a Rangeland Drill and the application of herbicide.  Using high resolution aerial photography we are monitoring effects these restoration techniques have on slick spots, the primary habitat of slick spot peppergrass.