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Sagebrush ecosystems face continued loss and degradation due to threats including wildfire, invasive species, and human development. Strategic planning tools are needed to guide efficient implementation of sagebrush management to protect and restore habitats and stem the decline of species and livelihoods that rely on these lands. 

Using a transparent and participatory stakeholder engagement process, FORT scientists developed PRESET to generate maps for targeted delivery of specific management actions. Now, the research team is working on applications of PReSET for multiple geographies, including:

• Wyoming state-wide conservation and restoration optimization
• A siting strategy for energy development and wildlife conservation
• Evaluating recovery actions in the Gunnison basin, including treating invasive grasses and recovering sagebrush habitat. 

Recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) used PReSET outputs to validate and support a large fee title land acquisition proposal for the Blue Mountain area. CPW is now working to incorporate PReSET into their larger easement program and ten-year planning cycles. 

The immediate utilization of PReSET by CPW staff demonstrate the product’s relevance and actionability, as well as the transparency of the product development process. PReSET can also: inform recovery of wildlife populations through proactive, voluntary, on-the-ground collaborative conservation efforts; balance responsible stewardship of natural resources and economic development; and guide land management and strengthen partnerships to reduce wildfire risk.