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Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Scientists from the Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center capitalize on their diverse expertise to answer scientific questions shaped by the environments of the western United States. We collaborate with each other and with partners to provide rigorous, objective, and timely information and guidance to support management, conservation, and restoration of the Nation's natural resources.

News

A Tale of Two Islands and the Future of an Ocean Sentinel Seabird

A Tale of Two Islands and the Future of an Ocean Sentinel Seabird

EcoNews - Vol. 7 | Issue 2

EcoNews - Vol. 7 | Issue 2

Tree rings provide an important multi-century context for the current wildfire crisis

Tree rings provide an important multi-century context for the current wildfire crisis

Publications

Global carbon investment in terrestrial biological nitrogen fixation Global carbon investment in terrestrial biological nitrogen fixation

Biological nitrogen (N) fixation (BNF) provides the N needed to produce proteins and other biological building blocks, helping feed humanity and mitigate climate change. Due to its high energetic cost compared to other forms of N acquisition, biotic investment in BNF indicates N limitation. Globally gridded BNF flux data provide an opportunity to determine the energetic investment in BNF...
Authors
Duncan N.L. Menge, Carla R. Reis Ely, Steven S. Perakis, Sian Kou-Giesbrecht, Cory C. Cleveland, Sasha C. Reed, Benton N. Taylor, Sarah A. Batterman, Timothy E. Crews, Katherine A. Dynarski, Jennifer L. Funk, Maga G. Gei, Kevin L. Griffin, Michael J. Gundale, David F. Herridge, Sarah E. Jovan, Mark B. Peoples, Johannes Piipponen, Emilio Rodriguez-Caballero, Verity G. Salmon, Fiona M. Soper, Anika P. Staccone, Bettina Weber, Amelia A. Wolf, Nina Wurzburger

Lead exposure of snakes near recreational and military shooting areas in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem Lead exposure of snakes near recreational and military shooting areas in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem

Lead exposure has been documented in a multitude of bird and mammal species but less frequently in reptiles. Of the studies that have evaluated lead concentrations in reptiles, few have focused on snakes. We analyzed lead concentrations in liver and two types of bone from 24 gophersnakes (Pituophis catenifer; Pc) and 12 Great Basin rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus lutosus; Col) found dead...
Authors
Vincent A. Slabe, David S. Pilliod, Michelle I. Jeffries, Kristina Joan Parker, Megan Yrazabal, Christine D. Hayes, Patricia A. Ortiz, Todd E. Katzner

Satellite observations reveal widespread alteration of river thermal regimes by U.S. dams Satellite observations reveal widespread alteration of river thermal regimes by U.S. dams

Dams are well known to alter river thermal regimes, but assessments of downstream temperature changes have been constrained to single dams, single basins, or specific seasonal windows, thus limiting knowledge of their widespread impacts. We used satellite-based thermal infrared observations to quantify river surface temperature differences up- and downstream of 287 large dams in the...
Authors
Emily A. Ellis, George H. Allen, Christian E. Torgersen, Katie A. McQuillan

Science

Using environmental DNA monitoring to find an extremely endangered butterfly

The USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and partners are working together to find the elusive checkerspot butterfly.
Using environmental DNA monitoring to find an extremely endangered butterfly

Using environmental DNA monitoring to find an extremely endangered butterfly

The USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and partners are working together to find the elusive checkerspot butterfly.
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Enhancing Rangeland Recovery by Forecasting Seed Establishment

This project is synthesizing information about plant establishment and building a tool to deliver forecasts of restoration success, helping to maximize the chances that restoration efforts will be successful.
Enhancing Rangeland Recovery by Forecasting Seed Establishment

Enhancing Rangeland Recovery by Forecasting Seed Establishment

This project is synthesizing information about plant establishment and building a tool to deliver forecasts of restoration success, helping to maximize the chances that restoration efforts will be successful.
Learn More

LTDL and LTET Team (FRESC)

The Land Treatment Digital Library (LTDL) and The Land Treatment Exploration Tool (LTET) are practical resources for land managers planning restoration and rehabilitation projects on public lands. 
LTDL and LTET Team (FRESC)

LTDL and LTET Team (FRESC)

The Land Treatment Digital Library (LTDL) and The Land Treatment Exploration Tool (LTET) are practical resources for land managers planning restoration and rehabilitation projects on public lands. 
Learn More
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