The eastern sagebrush ecosystem, sometimes called the “Sagebrush Sea” for its vast expanse and rolling waves of silvery-green plants, is the largest continuous ecosystem in the continental United States. It provides essential habitat for wildlife like mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and greater sage-grouse, while also supporting livestock grazing, recreation, and cultural traditions. Despite its vast size, nearly half of this ecosystem has been lost under the pressures of land conversions and development, overgrazing, and invasive species – and now, these threats are compounded by changing climate conditions, like rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme events. 

To address these challenges, the North Central CASC gathered 24 experts at a workshop at the University of Colorado Boulder. Their goal: to identify the most pressing research needs and practical solutions for adapting sagebrush ecosystems to a changing climate. Discussions focused on evaluating management practices, clarifying how ecosystems respond to environmental changes, strengthening connections with stakeholders and local communities, and understanding community values of sagebrush landscapes, as well as developing tools and datasets to support conservation efforts.

Building on the momentum of the workshop, the North Central CASC is launching a two-year Science Synthesis Working Group. This collaborative effort will address the research gaps identified at the workshop and provide actionable climate-informed guidance to safeguard the Sagebrush Sea for future generations.

Read the workshop report here.