Mitigation of ecological damage caused by rangeland wildfires focuses on conservation of ecosystem function through reducing soil erosion and spread of invasive plants. The overall effectiveness of these treatments is variable, and their necessity has been debated recently. We conduct research projects and synthesize findings to determine if mitigation treatments: 1) protect ecosystems against soil erosion and 2) reduce invasion or abundance of undesirable, non-native plant species. In addition, we work with management agencies to develop science-based monitoring protocols and to access long-term impacts of these treatments on ecosystem processes.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Restoration and Ecology of Arid Lands Team (FRESC)
Standardized Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Monitoring Protocols (ES&R)
- Overview
Mitigation of ecological damage caused by rangeland wildfires focuses on conservation of ecosystem function through reducing soil erosion and spread of invasive plants. The overall effectiveness of these treatments is variable, and their necessity has been debated recently. We conduct research projects and synthesize findings to determine if mitigation treatments: 1) protect ecosystems against soil erosion and 2) reduce invasion or abundance of undesirable, non-native plant species. In addition, we work with management agencies to develop science-based monitoring protocols and to access long-term impacts of these treatments on ecosystem processes.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Restoration and Ecology of Arid Lands Team (FRESC)
The focus of our research is on the restoration and monitoring of the plants and soils of the Intermountain West. Our lab is part of the Snake River Field Station, but is located in Corvallis, Oregon. Research topics include fire rehabilitation effects and effectiveness, indicators of rangeland health, invasive species ecology, and restoration of shrub steppe ecosystems.Standardized Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Monitoring Protocols (ES&R)
Fire rehabilitation programs have existed within federal agencies since the early 1960s. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are the largest users of emergency stabilization and rehabilitation (ES&R) funds, but these agencies only sporadically implement proposed monitoring and rarely use common protocols. As a result, it is impossible to draw scientifically credible conclusions... - Publications