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Assessing the causes and consequences of invasive fuels 

FORT researchers are investigating the factors that influence changes in the distribution and abundance of invasive grasses within the sagebrush ecosystem. They are identifying areas where invasive grass cover is likely to change and where potential management actions may be most and least effective, to help land managers develop spatial strategies to combat extensive invasions. In addition, they are studying whether certain features, actions, or processes are helping the spread of invasive grasses, and evaluating how much each suspected factor contributes to their spread.

Improving the efficacy of invasive plant management 

Invasive grass management is costly and sometimes ineffective. FORT researchers work on a variety of projects aimed at improving the cost-efficiency and efficacy of treating these fine fuels, to help managers reduce their spread. 

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In one project, scientists are studying the effectiveness of the herbicide Indaziflam in controlling the spread of invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass. In another, scientists are using data on management actions across the West and remotely sensed vegetation to measure the efficacy of invasive grass treatments over time. They are combining these results with economic data on the cost of treatments to provide cost-benefit analyses for invasive grass managers, informing management and reducing fire risk.  In addition, FORT scientists use large datasets from multiple agencies to produce risk assessments of when and where invasive plants become harmful. These assessments can help plant managers prioritize limited resources to target the most harmful invasive plants

Invasive plant managers also need information on the biology of plants like growth rates and seed production to determine when management actions will be most effective. To support these needs, FORT researchers: 

• Simulate the efficacy of alternative management actions for species such as buffelgrass and cheatgrass
• Use remote sensing and weather data to inform timing of grazing in areas with invasive grasses
• Monitor the timing of cheatgrass and red brome life cycles to better map and manage these invaders
• Determine which genomic tools are most effective at managing plants, based on how they spread 

Informing post-fire restoration 

Researchers are also exploring best practices for restoration of post-fire landscapes. This includes simulations of vegetation recovery under different management scenarios, to determine which management actions are most likely to restore native vegetation and wildlife habitat.