Images

Screenshot of the Conservation Efforts Database sagebrush module. The interactive map shows different kinds of sagebrush restoration projects currently in the database and where they are. 

Image of a Lahontan cutthroat trout swimming in a stream. Image taken by Justin Welty. 

Climate-niche species richness for 130 lizard and snake species between recent and late-century future climate scenario if animals are able to disperse freely to areas with suitable climate. Areas in dark brown have fewer species in the future and areas in teal gained climate-niche space for novel species.

The northern rubber boa is an example of a species predicted to have a smaller climate-niche space by the end of the century. Under climate scenario RCP 8.5--which assumes carbon emissions stay near current levels--this species' range could be reduced from most of the northwestern U.S. to only a small portion of British Columbia.

If dispersal is not possible, reptile species-richness will remain concentrated in the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico as the climate changes. Areas shaded in dark brown show a loss of reptile species, which may happen if the climate becomes too warm. Areas in white have no change in species richness.

The Gila monster is an example of a species predicted to have an expanded climate-niche space by the end of the century. Under climate scenario RCP 8.5--which assumes carbon emissions stay near current levels--this species' range could expand as far north as Washington State.

A USGS field crew working on soil sampling, plant community monitoring, and soil water infiltration in the Colorado 'front range.'

USGS scientists dig small ‘micro pits' to collect soil for testing. The team is careful to minimize the impact to the environment. Soil is stored on a tarp while sampling so it can be returned to the pit afterwards.

A USGS scientist prepares a mini-disc infiltrometer to assess soil water infiltration. The degree to which water can infiltrate soil is closely tied to soil carbon content.

A USGS scientist uses the grid-point intercept method to characterize plant communities in Larimer County, Colorado. The grid-point intercept method uses points along a grid to sample plant species or ground cover within a larger plot.

USGS scientists identifying plant community composition in Larimer County, Colorado. Information on plant community composition is critical for understanding differences in soil carbon-responses to exotic annual grass invasion between sites. 

Underside of Bell Jet Helicopter with thermal infrared and true-color image sensors and JN and M.D. The helicopter is used for airborne surveys of river reaches to capture temperature values of water-surfaces.

A tall, partially dead western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) surrounded by smaller, dead juniper trees. Project ROAM (Rapid and Other Methods for Assessment and Monitoring) plots are sampled across a variety of rangeland ecosystems and treatment prescriptions, including juniper removal.

Profile view of a Bell Jet Helicopter with a thermal infrared and true-color sensor co-mounted to the underside of the nose. These sensors are used in airborne thermal infrared surveys for remotely sensing land/water surface temperature.

USGS scientist processing water quality samples near Hart Lake. Water quality can have huge impacts on hydrologic processes, food web characteristics, and prey availability.  

A landscape of sagebrush (Artemisia tridentada) and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana.

A storm rolls in during field work at the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana. Crews were measuring plant cover and other site characteristics. Sagebrush and yellow sweet clover are visible.

A five-person USGS crew collecting Rapid and Other Assessment and Monitoring (ROAM) density data in southwest Idaho. One person is inspecting a plant in the foreground, while the rest of the team are identifying and counting individual plants during a radial density belt. 

A downward-facing photo taken on a Rapid and Other Methods for Assessment and Monitoring (ROAM) plot that is within a fuel break. The photo includes a lot of gravel and bare ground, with intermixed small grasses, forbs, and shrubs. 

Lake Abert, Oregon is one of the 20 terminal lakes identified by USGS partners as priority ecosystems for study by the Saline Lakes Ecosystems IWAA.

Goose Lake, on the Oregon-California border, is one of the 20 terminal lakes identified by USGS partners as priority ecosystems for study by the Saline Lakes Ecosystems IWAA.