Fire Rehabilitation Effects and Effectiveness Completed
Mitigation of ecological damage caused by rangeland wildfires focuses on conservation of ecosystem function through reducing soil erosion and spread of invasive plants. The overall effectiveness of these treatments is variable, and their necessity has been debated recently. We conduct research projects and synthesize findings to determine if mitigation treatments: 1) protect ecosystems against soil erosion and 2) reduce invasion or abundance of undesirable, non-native plant species. In addition, we work with management agencies to develop science-based monitoring protocols and to access long-term impacts of these treatments on ecosystem processes.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Restoration and Ecology of Arid Lands Team (FRESC)
Below are publications associated with this project.
Born of fire - restoring sagebrush steppe
- Overview
Mitigation of ecological damage caused by rangeland wildfires focuses on conservation of ecosystem function through reducing soil erosion and spread of invasive plants. The overall effectiveness of these treatments is variable, and their necessity has been debated recently. We conduct research projects and synthesize findings to determine if mitigation treatments: 1) protect ecosystems against soil erosion and 2) reduce invasion or abundance of undesirable, non-native plant species. In addition, we work with management agencies to develop science-based monitoring protocols and to access long-term impacts of these treatments on ecosystem processes.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Restoration and Ecology of Arid Lands Team (FRESC)
The focus of our research is on the restoration and monitoring of the plants and soils of the Intermountain West. Our lab is part of the Snake River Field Station, but is located in Corvallis, Oregon. Research topics include fire rehabilitation effects and effectiveness, indicators of rangeland health, invasive species ecology, and restoration of shrub steppe ecosystems. - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 13Born of fire - restoring sagebrush steppe
Fire is a natural feature of sagebrush grasslands in the Great Basin. The invasion of exotic annual grasses, such as Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), has changed the environment in these ecosystems. Invasive annual grasses provide a dense and continuous source of fuel that extends the season for fires and increases the frequency of fires in the region. Frequent fires eventually eliminate the native sAuthorsDavid A. Pyke