Fire can reduce sage-grouse habitat, diminish local and regional population sizes, and result in the fragmentation of sage-grouse populations. Research is needed to identify the best ways to restore sagebrush to support sage-grouse demography, persistence, and space use.
To evaluate the efficacy of sagebrush restoration approaches that may create functional sage-grouse habitat in postfire landscapes, USGS and Colorado State University scientists are (1) planting sagebrush in burned areas previously occupied by sage-grouse, (2) measuring sagebrush regrowth, (3) evaluating the use of revegetated areas by sage-grouse, and (4) quantifying the success of sage-grouse using revegetated habitat. This research will identify testable “ideal” sagebrush restoration approaches, experimenting with patch size, configuration, and proximity to edge of burn. This research will evaluate sagebrush restoration approaches, and predict times to sagebrush and sage-grouse recovery. This work is being conducted in collaboration with Julie Heinrichs at Colorado State University.
- Overview
Fire can reduce sage-grouse habitat, diminish local and regional population sizes, and result in the fragmentation of sage-grouse populations. Research is needed to identify the best ways to restore sagebrush to support sage-grouse demography, persistence, and space use.
To evaluate the efficacy of sagebrush restoration approaches that may create functional sage-grouse habitat in postfire landscapes, USGS and Colorado State University scientists are (1) planting sagebrush in burned areas previously occupied by sage-grouse, (2) measuring sagebrush regrowth, (3) evaluating the use of revegetated areas by sage-grouse, and (4) quantifying the success of sage-grouse using revegetated habitat. This research will identify testable “ideal” sagebrush restoration approaches, experimenting with patch size, configuration, and proximity to edge of burn. This research will evaluate sagebrush restoration approaches, and predict times to sagebrush and sage-grouse recovery. This work is being conducted in collaboration with Julie Heinrichs at Colorado State University.
- Partners