Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC)
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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 for the management and conservation of biological systems in the West and worldwide.
FRESC Research Teams
FRESC scientists, individually or collaboratively with partners, investigate high-priority questions about biological systems.
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The Key to Successful Reintroduction of a Freshwater Fish
Species reintroduction is a powerful conservation tool when successful, but it is an expensive management strategy and for many species including freshwater fish, reintroduction attempts often fail.
Long-term Studies Reveal Climate Adaptation Patterns of Big Sagebrush
To understand plant genetic diversity and adaptations, scientist often conduct “common garden” experiments growing plants with diverse origins under the same soil and climatic conditions. However, most common garden studies may be too short to detect adaptive differences. Understanding climate adaptation of Wyoming Big Sagebrush could improve restoration strategies and success.
Compounding Climate Effects on Amphibians
In montane ecosystems of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, increasing temperatures are resulting in a transition from snow-dominated to rain-dominated precipitation events, reducing snowpack.
Publications
Vegetation and precipitation shifts interact to alter organic and inorganic carbon storage in cold desert soils
Dryland ecosystems are experiencing shifts in rainfall and plant community composition, which are expected to alter cycling and storage of soil carbon (C). Few experiments have been conducted to examine long‐term effects on (1) soil organic C (SOC) pools throughout the soil profile, and (2) soil inorganic C (SIC) pools as they relate to dynamic...
Huber, David P.; Lohse, Kathleen A.; Commendador, Amy; Joy, Stephen; Aho, Ken A.; Finney, Bruce P.; Germino, Matthew J. Trends in landbird density at two national parks in fragmented, mixed-use landscapes of the Pacific Northwest
National parks play a key role in conserving species by providing landscapes where threats from anthropogenic disturbance are reduced. In a recent study of 3 large wilderness parks in the Pacific Northwest, nearly all landbird species were found to be stable or increasing. Nonetheless, contemporary results from the Breeding Bird Survey and mark-...
Holmgren, M.; Wilkerson, R.; Siegel, R.; Ransom, J.; Jenkins, Kurt J.; Boetsch, J.; Ray, Chris; Holmgren, Mandy; Wilkerson, Robert L.; Siegel, Rodney B.; Boetsch, John R.; Jenkins, Kurt J.; Ransom, Jason I. An improved mechanical owl for efficient capture of nesting raptors
Scientific study of raptors often requires the use of a lure to capture individuals for marking or collecting various data and samples. Live lure owls in the genus Bubo are commonly used with mist nets or dho-gazas to trap nesting raptors, but the use of these live lures presents ethical, logistical, and financial challenges. Although...
Jensen, Meghan K.; Hamburg, Shanti D.; Rota, Christopher T.; Brinker, David F.; Coles, Dustin L.; Manske, Mark A.; Slabe, Vincent A.; Stuber, Matthew J.; Welsh, Amy B.; Katzner, Todd E.