FORT Science in Action 2026, Part 4: Science for effective management of invasive fine fuels across the West
Invasive fine fuels like cheatgrass are spreading across western landscapes, destroying ecosystems and increasing wildfire risks. FORT scientists evaluate habitat management practices to inform effective management and restoration of regions prone to invasion.
Invasive annual grasses are super competitors and often the first plants to establish after wildfires. Drying out quickly in the summer, they are also great fuels for new fires, potentially creating a cycle of invasion and wildfire that worsens every year. Successful post-fire restoration of sagebrush and other native plants can prevent invasive annual grasses from becoming prevalent and igniting new fires. However, restoration methods vary in efficacy and cost across large landscapes, posing a challenge to resource managers with limited resources.
Cost-effective, post-fire sagebrush restoration
A new study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of two common post-fire restoration practices, drill and aerial seeding, across the sagebrush biome. Drill seeding was usually more effective but always more costly than aerial seeding, but cost-effectiveness varied across the landscape. In flatter landscapes, drill seeding was a more cost-effective restoration method, but researchers also identified areas where aerial seeding was more cost-effective than drill seeding, particularly in areas with greater slope. The study provides information that can help natural resource managers prioritize decisions, guide land use, and improve restoration effectiveness across public rangelands of the western U.S.
Coproduced tools for invasive annual grass management
FORT scientists worked with resource managers to co-develop a strategic framework for the evaluation of invasive grass management across the sagebrush biome. Notably, the framework allows managers to evaluate biome-wide outcomes of management strategies using data from local actions. The framework can help resource managers explore the efficacy of invasive grass management strategies and develop informed, economic conservation plans.
More FORT Science in Action
This September, FORT is highlighting how our science projects support sound decision-making. Each day, we will highlight a new project and its applications. To see more, follow the tabs below.
Related
Shrubland, Alpine and Grassland Ecology (SAGE) Wildlife Research Group
Economic assessment of addressing annual invasive grasses across the sagebrush biome
Predicting Recovery of Sagebrush Ecosystems Across the Sage-grouse Range from Remotely Sensed Vegetation Data
Assessing invasive annual grass treatment efficacy across the sagebrush biome
Related
Shrubland, Alpine and Grassland Ecology (SAGE) Wildlife Research Group
Economic assessment of addressing annual invasive grasses across the sagebrush biome
Predicting Recovery of Sagebrush Ecosystems Across the Sage-grouse Range from Remotely Sensed Vegetation Data