USGS Science Syntheses for Public Lands Management
Scientific information is fundamental to understanding how proposed actions on public lands may impact the environment. Development of new science is occurring at rates that can make it challenging for biologists, resource managers, decision makers, private landowners, and other stakeholders to ensure they are using up-to-date, high-quality science information to inform their decisions. Further, agencies often have limited time to compile and synthesize existing science. To meet the needs of our partners, USGS is working with land management agencies to develop science synthesis products that are directly relevant to on-the-ground management.
The USGS Land Management Research Program conducts research to strengthen land management actions and inform restoration of priority ecosystems on millions of acres of public lands. USGS science products are developed to inform management on public lands such as National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Monuments, and other important landscapes that support the biodiversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species, as well as thriving economies.
Science syntheses integrate knowledge and research and can be a useful mechanism for sharing science information with public land managers to inform their decisions. The USGS is developing science syntheses about a variety of priority topics to support public lands management. These products are often coproduced with resource managers to enhance their applicability to management needs.
Structured Science Syntheses
The USGS has developed a new type of science product—structured science syntheses (SSS)—that facilitates use of science information in public lands decisions. Structured science syntheses are peer-reviewed, published reports that synthesize science information about a priority management issue on public lands. The SSSs are coproduced with resource managers and are structured specifically to align with agency processes that guide public lands decision making, such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.
Fact Sheet: Learn more about the key elements of structured science syntheses
Effects of noise from oil and gas development on wildlife
Oil and gas development is a common source of human-caused noise on public lands, and a growing body of research shows that human-caused noise can affect wildlife health and behavior. In these syntheses, we identify data and analysis methods related to noise emitted from oil and gas development on public lands. Each product then synthesizes science about how industrial and traffic noise can affect wildlife whose habitat is commonly intersected by oil and gas development, including ungulates, small mammals, raptors, and songbirds. This was a collaborative effort between the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Publications:
T.K. Rutherford, L.M. Maxwell, N.J. Kleist, E.C. Teige, R.J. Lehrter, M.A. Gilbert, D.J.A. Wood, A.N. Johnston, C. Mengelt, J.C. Tull, T.S. Haby, S.K. Carter. 2023. Effects of noise from oil and gas development on ungulates and small mammals—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5114, 44 p. https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235114
Maxwell, L.M., Rutherford, T.K., Kleist, N.J., Teige, E.C., Lehrter, R.J., Gilbert, M.A., Wood, D.J.A., Johnston, A.N., Tull, J.C., Haby, T.S., and Carter, S.K., 2024, Effects of noise from oil and gas development on raptors and songbirds—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5087, 66 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245087.
Effects of Culverts on Habitat Connectivity in Streams
Culverts are widely used to control water flow where roads and streams intersect. Culverts can alter stream flow and connectivity, potentially impacting habitat availability and movement of fish and other aquatic organisms. Public land managers are tasked with designing culverts in ways that minimize the potential negative environmental impacts from improper design or degradation over time. This synthesis is organized to support public lands decisions around culvert installation, modification, and removal, and focuses on methods that can be used to assess the effects of culverts on fish of the Intermountain West and resources for designing culverts that simulate natural stream conditions. This was a collaborative effort between the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Publication: Lehrter, R.J., Rutherford, T.K., Dunham, J.B., Johnston, A.N., Wood, D.J.A., Haby, T.S., and Carter, S.K., 2024, Effects of culverts on habitat connectivity in streams—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5132, 21 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235132
Human-powered recreation, such as hiking and mountain biking, occurs on public lands nationwide, and visits to public lands for non-motorized recreation have increased over time. While non-motorized use of public lands can be quiet and non-consumptive, these recreation pursuits often take place in wildlife habitat and have the potential to negatively impact ungulates, such as deer, elk, and mountain goats. The net impacts of non-motorized recreation depend on the type and timing of the activity, the landscape context, ungulate characteristics, habitat quality and background human activities, among other factors. This synthesis provides land managers information to understand these potential effects and possible ways they can be minimized when developing new non-motorized recreational opportunities on public lands. This was a collaborative effort between USGS and the BLM.
Publication: Jordan, S.E., Ganz, T.R., Rutherford, T.K., Blocker, M.J., Domschke, C.T., Klasner, F.L., Masters, E.H., Morgan, T.A., Ratajczak, D.R., Teige, E.C., and Carter, S.K., 2025, Effects of nonmotorized recreation on ungulates in the western United States—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5014, 60 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255014.
Climate-informed Structured Science Syntheses
Strengthening the use of climate science information in federal decision making is a priority for federal agencies. However, conducting a comprehensive review of available climate science can be challenging for land managers because staff have limited time to conduct reviews and because of the volume, complexity, and evolving nature of climate science. To address this challenge, several syntheses will be developed to help land managers understand and assess the influences of changing climate conditions on resources. This is a collaborative effort between the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, and Colorado State University.
Potential risks of vegetation treatments to introduce and increase invasive annual grasses in rangelands of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota
The ecology of invasive annual grasses (IAGs) has been well studied in relatively hot, dry regions of the Great Basin, an area notable for having high risk of establishment and expansion of IAGs following fire and other disturbances to vegetation communities. However, there is growing concern about unintentional spread of IAGs from vegetation treatments in cooler, wetter regions considered more resilient and resistant to annual grass invasion. This synthesis summarizes science information on IAGs in the middle Rockies and northwestern Great Plains, focusing on potential changes in distribution following vegetation treatments, effects of climate change, and techniques for assessing and limiting the risk of IAG spreading from vegetation treatments. This was a collaborative effort between the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Publication: Johnston, A.N., Wood, D.J.A., Ebenhoch, K.G., Rutherford, T.K., Maxwell, L.M., and Carter, S.K., 2025, Potential risks of vegetation treatments to introduce and increase invasive annual grasses in rangelands of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5058, 36 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255058.
Effects of targeted grazing on cheatgrass in the sagebrush biome
The invasive annual grass cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) disrupts ecosystem functionality and reducing its prevalence has been a management focus for many western federal agencies. While herbicide applications are the most used strategy for managing cheatgrass, targeted grazing is another potential rangeland management tool that can be employed. This product synthesizes research on the effects of targeted grazing on both cheatgrass as well as native or desired vegetation and identifies considerations regarding implementation and monitoring of targeted grazing activities. This is a collaborative effort between the USGS, BLM, and USFWS.
Additional Science Syntheses
Below is a list of additional synthesis products, currently available or in development. Each item includes a brief overview of the content, and links to products or related websites where available.
Climate change impacts on plant communities in the sagebrush region—A science synthesis to inform Bureau of Land Management resource management
The body of scientific information around climate change is vast and changing rapidly. This synthesis is intended to be a starting point for public land managers, particularly BLM, in the sagebrush region for considering climate change when making land management decisions. This synthesis provides a description of climate-related data resources and summarizes the current state of knowledge on potential climate change impacts in sagebrush ecosystems, as well as information about the consequences of these changes for individual plants, plant communities, and disturbances, such as fire and drought. To help land managers connect climate change impacts to the resources they manage, this synthesis also explores the impacts of climate-driven vegetation changes to a variety of permitted uses and activities in sagebrush habitats managed by federal agencies. This was a collaborative effort between the US Geological Survey, the Bureau of Land Management, and Yale University.
Publication: Carpenter, S.M., Holdrege, M.C., Schlaepfer, D.R., Phillips, J., Griffin, P., Lauenroth, W.K., and Bradford, J.B., 2025, Climate change impacts on plant communities in the sagebrush region—A science synthesis to inform Bureau of Land Management resource management: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5045, 60 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255045.
Metrics for post-fire restoration success in sagebrush-steppe and related contexts
Restoration efforts that reduce invasive annual grasses and maintain or increase the presence of perennial vegetation are a critical part of the strategy to prevent or break the annual grass-fire cycle in the sagebrush steppe. However, restoration is challenging and there are many cases of mixed results, highlighting the importance of evaluating success through time and adapting management as necessary. This synthesis focuses on post-fire restoration actions and summarizes steps land managers can take to determine restoration objectives, monitor and evaluate the success of their treatments, and make decisions about reintroducing grazing after fire. This is a collaborative effort between the USGS and the BLM.
Synthesis of sage-grouse genetic information
For over two decades, genetic studies have been used to assist in the conservation and management of both greater and Gunnison sage-grouse, addressing a wide variety of topics including taxonomy, parentage, population connectivity, and demography. Such genetic information can help inform priorities for protection and habitat restoration as well as strategies for translocations. The primary goal of this project is to synthesize available science information related to sage-grouse genetics to help inform future conservation, restoration, and management actions on public and private lands within the sage-grouse range.
Sage-grouse and Climate
Sage-grouse population trends track wet-dry cycles that characterize sagebrush ecosystems and are often considered vulnerable to climate change. An improved understanding of the mechanisms driving sage-grouse responses to weather and climate variation is required to anticipate and mitigate sage-grouse population responses to future climate conditions and to maximize their adaptive capacity under a hotter and drier future. This synthesis reviews and provides needed clarity regarding the relative importance of numerous direct and indirect effects of weather and climate on sage-grouse population trends, vital rates, and behavior, focusing on sagebrush ecosystem functions that are amenable to management actions. The results of this synthesis are also being used to inform additional quantitative analyses of past and future responses of sage-grouse to climate factors. This is a collaborative effort between the USGS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Greater sage-grouse seasonal habitat associations
An important element of wildlife management is the identification of habitats needed to support populations. Understanding seasonal variations in habitat use can help managers identify all conditions needed for populations to persist. To support wildlife managers and streamline permitting decisions on public lands, researchers recently published a comprehensive review of seasonal habitat associations of the greater sage-grouse across western North America. Synthesizing data from 71 studies conducted between 2007 and 2023, the review highlights seasonal patterns of sage-grouse habitat selection, and potential study design factors hampering cross-study comparisons. Studies reported many habitat features with consistent selection and avoidance patterns, but there were also many with mixed or ambiguous results, including important sagebrush vegetation community conditions like cheatgrass cover. The authors emphasize the need for standardized methodologies to improve cross-study comparisons and better inform conservation efforts. The review helps categorize published studies in a useful framework for managers conducting syntheses based on the season and order of selection that each study evaluated. This was a collaborative effort between USGS, BLM, the University of Wyoming, the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, the University of Montana, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the University of Nevada.
Publication: Wann, G.T., Whipple, A.L., Orning, E.K., McLachlan, M.M., Beck, J.L., Coates, P.S., Conway, C.J., Dinkins, J.B., Johnston, A.N., Hagen, C.A., Makela, P.D., Naugle, D.E., Schroeder, M.A., Sedinger, J.S., Walker, B.L., Williams, P.J., Inman, R.D., Aldridge, C.L., 2025, Greater sage-grouse seasonal habitat associations: A review and considerations for interpretation and management applications: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 89, i. 5, e70022, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.70022.
Greater sage-grouse science (2015–17)
Development of an annotated bibliography of research on greater sage-grouse from 2015–2017 resulted in the identification and summarization of 169 peer-reviewed scientific publications and reports. The USGS then convened an interagency team to develop a synthesis of the science in the annotated bibliography that focuses on the primary topics of importance to the ongoing management of sage-grouse and their habitats. The team developed this report in a three-step process. First, the team identified six primary topic areas for discussion based on the members’ collective knowledge regarding sage-grouse, their habitats, and threats to either or both. Second, the team reviewed all the material in the “Annotated Bibliography of Scientific Research on Greater Sage-Grouse Published since January 2015” to identify the science that addressed the topics. Third, team members discussed the science related to each topic, evaluated the consistency of the science with existing knowledge before 2015, and summarized the potential management implications of this science.
Publication: Hanser, S.E., Deibert, P.A., Tull, J.C., Carr, N.B., Aldridge, C.L., Bargsten, T.C., Christiansen, T.J., Coates, P.S., Crist, M.R., Doherty, K.E., Ellsworth, E.A., Foster, L.J., Herren, V.A., Miller, K.H., Moser, Ann, Naeve, R.M., Prentice, K.L., Remington, T.E., Ricca, M.A., Shinneman, D.J., Truex, R.L., Wiechman, L.A., Wilson, D.C., and Bowen, Z.H., 2018, Greater sage-grouse science (2015–17)—Synthesis and potential management implications: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2018–1017, 46 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181017.
Synthesis of piñon-juniper woodland die-off
Hotter droughts and insect outbreaks are leading to mass die-off events of trees, altering the structure, composition, and function of forest and woodland ecosystems globally. This project is synthesizing aerial surveys of tree mortality to better understand the patterns and drivers of pinyon-juniper die-off across the Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. The data will be used to develop forecast models of future pinyon-juniper mortality, allowing for rapid management responses to die-off events. Forecasts could inform actions involving fuelwood permitting, ecosystem restoration, or wildlife habitat quality. This is a collaboration between the USGS, the University of Florida, and the BLM.
Website: Synthesis and Forecasts of Piñon-Juniper Woodland Die-off | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
Treatment and natural disturbance effects on pinyon-juniper woodlands and associated wildlife habitat
Pinyon-juniper (PJ) woodlands have experienced both expansion and decline from historical distributions, but concern over expansion into sagebrush ecosystems has been a major focus of restoration for land management agencies in the western U.S. Tree removal treatments are seen as valuable for achieving a variety of ecosystem management objectives, including habitat restoration for sagebrush-dependent wildlife species of conservation concern, especially the greater sage-grouse. However, species such as pinyon jay rely on PJ woodlands for habitat. The primary goal of this project is to perform a systematic review of the scientific literature to synthesize information about wildlife response to PJ ecosystem disturbance (drought, wildfire, climate change), and relate this information to tree removal effects and other management objectives. Assessing how different disturbance agents alter PJ woodlands and adjacent sagebrush habitat is critical to designing and optimizing management strategies that are intended to maintain native wildlife species.
Wind erosion and dust from US drylands: a review of causes, consequences, and solutions
Erosion by wind is one of the principal processes associated with land degradation in drylands and is a significant concern to land managers and policymakers. In the drylands of North America, millions of tons of soil are lost to wind erosion annually. Of the 60 million hectares (ha) in the US identified as most vulnerable to wind erosion (arid and dominated by fine sandy soils), 64% are managed by federal agencies (37 million ha). Researchers reviewed the drivers and consequences of wind erosion and dust emissions on drylands in the US, with an emphasis on actionable responses. While dryland soils are often relatively stable when intact, disturbances including fire, domestic livestock grazing, and off-highway vehicles can increase the amount of soil eroded by wind by an order of magnitude, in some cases as much as 40-fold. A growing body of literature documents the large-scale impacts of deposited dust changing the reflected sunlight of mountain snow cover and in some cases reducing regional water supplies by approximately 5%. Predicted future increases in aridity and extreme weather events, including drought, will likely increase wind erosion and consequent dust generation. Innovative approaches to dryland restoration that minimize surface disturbance may accomplish restoration or reclamation goals while limiting wind erosion risk.
Publication: Duniway, M.C., Pfennigwerth, A.A., Fick, S.E., Nauman, T.W., Belnap, J., and Barger, N.N., 2019, Wind erosion and dust from US drylands: a review of causes, consequences, and solutions in a changing world: Ecosphere, v. 10, no. 3, p. e02650. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2650
Developing structured science syntheses for use in NEPA analyses and decision making in the Bureau of Land Management
Synthesis of sage-grouse genetic information to support conservation and land management actions
Developing science syntheses to facilitate climate-informed land management decisions and NEPA analyses on rangelands in the sagebrush biome
Synthesis and Forecasts of Piñon-Juniper Woodland Die-off
Short Science Syntheses and NEPA Analyses for Climate-Informed Land Management Decisions in Sagebrush Rangelands
Scientific information is fundamental to understanding how proposed actions on public lands may impact the environment. Development of new science is occurring at rates that can make it challenging for biologists, resource managers, decision makers, private landowners, and other stakeholders to ensure they are using up-to-date, high-quality science information to inform their decisions. Further, agencies often have limited time to compile and synthesize existing science. To meet the needs of our partners, USGS is working with land management agencies to develop science synthesis products that are directly relevant to on-the-ground management.
The USGS Land Management Research Program conducts research to strengthen land management actions and inform restoration of priority ecosystems on millions of acres of public lands. USGS science products are developed to inform management on public lands such as National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Monuments, and other important landscapes that support the biodiversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species, as well as thriving economies.
Science syntheses integrate knowledge and research and can be a useful mechanism for sharing science information with public land managers to inform their decisions. The USGS is developing science syntheses about a variety of priority topics to support public lands management. These products are often coproduced with resource managers to enhance their applicability to management needs.
Structured Science Syntheses
The USGS has developed a new type of science product—structured science syntheses (SSS)—that facilitates use of science information in public lands decisions. Structured science syntheses are peer-reviewed, published reports that synthesize science information about a priority management issue on public lands. The SSSs are coproduced with resource managers and are structured specifically to align with agency processes that guide public lands decision making, such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.
Fact Sheet: Learn more about the key elements of structured science syntheses
Effects of noise from oil and gas development on wildlife
Oil and gas development is a common source of human-caused noise on public lands, and a growing body of research shows that human-caused noise can affect wildlife health and behavior. In these syntheses, we identify data and analysis methods related to noise emitted from oil and gas development on public lands. Each product then synthesizes science about how industrial and traffic noise can affect wildlife whose habitat is commonly intersected by oil and gas development, including ungulates, small mammals, raptors, and songbirds. This was a collaborative effort between the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Publications:
T.K. Rutherford, L.M. Maxwell, N.J. Kleist, E.C. Teige, R.J. Lehrter, M.A. Gilbert, D.J.A. Wood, A.N. Johnston, C. Mengelt, J.C. Tull, T.S. Haby, S.K. Carter. 2023. Effects of noise from oil and gas development on ungulates and small mammals—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5114, 44 p. https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235114
Maxwell, L.M., Rutherford, T.K., Kleist, N.J., Teige, E.C., Lehrter, R.J., Gilbert, M.A., Wood, D.J.A., Johnston, A.N., Tull, J.C., Haby, T.S., and Carter, S.K., 2024, Effects of noise from oil and gas development on raptors and songbirds—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5087, 66 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245087.
Effects of Culverts on Habitat Connectivity in Streams
Culverts are widely used to control water flow where roads and streams intersect. Culverts can alter stream flow and connectivity, potentially impacting habitat availability and movement of fish and other aquatic organisms. Public land managers are tasked with designing culverts in ways that minimize the potential negative environmental impacts from improper design or degradation over time. This synthesis is organized to support public lands decisions around culvert installation, modification, and removal, and focuses on methods that can be used to assess the effects of culverts on fish of the Intermountain West and resources for designing culverts that simulate natural stream conditions. This was a collaborative effort between the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Publication: Lehrter, R.J., Rutherford, T.K., Dunham, J.B., Johnston, A.N., Wood, D.J.A., Haby, T.S., and Carter, S.K., 2024, Effects of culverts on habitat connectivity in streams—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5132, 21 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235132
Human-powered recreation, such as hiking and mountain biking, occurs on public lands nationwide, and visits to public lands for non-motorized recreation have increased over time. While non-motorized use of public lands can be quiet and non-consumptive, these recreation pursuits often take place in wildlife habitat and have the potential to negatively impact ungulates, such as deer, elk, and mountain goats. The net impacts of non-motorized recreation depend on the type and timing of the activity, the landscape context, ungulate characteristics, habitat quality and background human activities, among other factors. This synthesis provides land managers information to understand these potential effects and possible ways they can be minimized when developing new non-motorized recreational opportunities on public lands. This was a collaborative effort between USGS and the BLM.
Publication: Jordan, S.E., Ganz, T.R., Rutherford, T.K., Blocker, M.J., Domschke, C.T., Klasner, F.L., Masters, E.H., Morgan, T.A., Ratajczak, D.R., Teige, E.C., and Carter, S.K., 2025, Effects of nonmotorized recreation on ungulates in the western United States—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5014, 60 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255014.
Climate-informed Structured Science Syntheses
Strengthening the use of climate science information in federal decision making is a priority for federal agencies. However, conducting a comprehensive review of available climate science can be challenging for land managers because staff have limited time to conduct reviews and because of the volume, complexity, and evolving nature of climate science. To address this challenge, several syntheses will be developed to help land managers understand and assess the influences of changing climate conditions on resources. This is a collaborative effort between the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, and Colorado State University.
Potential risks of vegetation treatments to introduce and increase invasive annual grasses in rangelands of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota
The ecology of invasive annual grasses (IAGs) has been well studied in relatively hot, dry regions of the Great Basin, an area notable for having high risk of establishment and expansion of IAGs following fire and other disturbances to vegetation communities. However, there is growing concern about unintentional spread of IAGs from vegetation treatments in cooler, wetter regions considered more resilient and resistant to annual grass invasion. This synthesis summarizes science information on IAGs in the middle Rockies and northwestern Great Plains, focusing on potential changes in distribution following vegetation treatments, effects of climate change, and techniques for assessing and limiting the risk of IAG spreading from vegetation treatments. This was a collaborative effort between the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Publication: Johnston, A.N., Wood, D.J.A., Ebenhoch, K.G., Rutherford, T.K., Maxwell, L.M., and Carter, S.K., 2025, Potential risks of vegetation treatments to introduce and increase invasive annual grasses in rangelands of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota—A science synthesis to inform National Environmental Policy Act analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5058, 36 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255058.
Effects of targeted grazing on cheatgrass in the sagebrush biome
The invasive annual grass cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) disrupts ecosystem functionality and reducing its prevalence has been a management focus for many western federal agencies. While herbicide applications are the most used strategy for managing cheatgrass, targeted grazing is another potential rangeland management tool that can be employed. This product synthesizes research on the effects of targeted grazing on both cheatgrass as well as native or desired vegetation and identifies considerations regarding implementation and monitoring of targeted grazing activities. This is a collaborative effort between the USGS, BLM, and USFWS.
Additional Science Syntheses
Below is a list of additional synthesis products, currently available or in development. Each item includes a brief overview of the content, and links to products or related websites where available.
Climate change impacts on plant communities in the sagebrush region—A science synthesis to inform Bureau of Land Management resource management
The body of scientific information around climate change is vast and changing rapidly. This synthesis is intended to be a starting point for public land managers, particularly BLM, in the sagebrush region for considering climate change when making land management decisions. This synthesis provides a description of climate-related data resources and summarizes the current state of knowledge on potential climate change impacts in sagebrush ecosystems, as well as information about the consequences of these changes for individual plants, plant communities, and disturbances, such as fire and drought. To help land managers connect climate change impacts to the resources they manage, this synthesis also explores the impacts of climate-driven vegetation changes to a variety of permitted uses and activities in sagebrush habitats managed by federal agencies. This was a collaborative effort between the US Geological Survey, the Bureau of Land Management, and Yale University.
Publication: Carpenter, S.M., Holdrege, M.C., Schlaepfer, D.R., Phillips, J., Griffin, P., Lauenroth, W.K., and Bradford, J.B., 2025, Climate change impacts on plant communities in the sagebrush region—A science synthesis to inform Bureau of Land Management resource management: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5045, 60 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255045.
Metrics for post-fire restoration success in sagebrush-steppe and related contexts
Restoration efforts that reduce invasive annual grasses and maintain or increase the presence of perennial vegetation are a critical part of the strategy to prevent or break the annual grass-fire cycle in the sagebrush steppe. However, restoration is challenging and there are many cases of mixed results, highlighting the importance of evaluating success through time and adapting management as necessary. This synthesis focuses on post-fire restoration actions and summarizes steps land managers can take to determine restoration objectives, monitor and evaluate the success of their treatments, and make decisions about reintroducing grazing after fire. This is a collaborative effort between the USGS and the BLM.
Synthesis of sage-grouse genetic information
For over two decades, genetic studies have been used to assist in the conservation and management of both greater and Gunnison sage-grouse, addressing a wide variety of topics including taxonomy, parentage, population connectivity, and demography. Such genetic information can help inform priorities for protection and habitat restoration as well as strategies for translocations. The primary goal of this project is to synthesize available science information related to sage-grouse genetics to help inform future conservation, restoration, and management actions on public and private lands within the sage-grouse range.
Sage-grouse and Climate
Sage-grouse population trends track wet-dry cycles that characterize sagebrush ecosystems and are often considered vulnerable to climate change. An improved understanding of the mechanisms driving sage-grouse responses to weather and climate variation is required to anticipate and mitigate sage-grouse population responses to future climate conditions and to maximize their adaptive capacity under a hotter and drier future. This synthesis reviews and provides needed clarity regarding the relative importance of numerous direct and indirect effects of weather and climate on sage-grouse population trends, vital rates, and behavior, focusing on sagebrush ecosystem functions that are amenable to management actions. The results of this synthesis are also being used to inform additional quantitative analyses of past and future responses of sage-grouse to climate factors. This is a collaborative effort between the USGS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Greater sage-grouse seasonal habitat associations
An important element of wildlife management is the identification of habitats needed to support populations. Understanding seasonal variations in habitat use can help managers identify all conditions needed for populations to persist. To support wildlife managers and streamline permitting decisions on public lands, researchers recently published a comprehensive review of seasonal habitat associations of the greater sage-grouse across western North America. Synthesizing data from 71 studies conducted between 2007 and 2023, the review highlights seasonal patterns of sage-grouse habitat selection, and potential study design factors hampering cross-study comparisons. Studies reported many habitat features with consistent selection and avoidance patterns, but there were also many with mixed or ambiguous results, including important sagebrush vegetation community conditions like cheatgrass cover. The authors emphasize the need for standardized methodologies to improve cross-study comparisons and better inform conservation efforts. The review helps categorize published studies in a useful framework for managers conducting syntheses based on the season and order of selection that each study evaluated. This was a collaborative effort between USGS, BLM, the University of Wyoming, the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, the University of Montana, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the University of Nevada.
Publication: Wann, G.T., Whipple, A.L., Orning, E.K., McLachlan, M.M., Beck, J.L., Coates, P.S., Conway, C.J., Dinkins, J.B., Johnston, A.N., Hagen, C.A., Makela, P.D., Naugle, D.E., Schroeder, M.A., Sedinger, J.S., Walker, B.L., Williams, P.J., Inman, R.D., Aldridge, C.L., 2025, Greater sage-grouse seasonal habitat associations: A review and considerations for interpretation and management applications: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 89, i. 5, e70022, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.70022.
Greater sage-grouse science (2015–17)
Development of an annotated bibliography of research on greater sage-grouse from 2015–2017 resulted in the identification and summarization of 169 peer-reviewed scientific publications and reports. The USGS then convened an interagency team to develop a synthesis of the science in the annotated bibliography that focuses on the primary topics of importance to the ongoing management of sage-grouse and their habitats. The team developed this report in a three-step process. First, the team identified six primary topic areas for discussion based on the members’ collective knowledge regarding sage-grouse, their habitats, and threats to either or both. Second, the team reviewed all the material in the “Annotated Bibliography of Scientific Research on Greater Sage-Grouse Published since January 2015” to identify the science that addressed the topics. Third, team members discussed the science related to each topic, evaluated the consistency of the science with existing knowledge before 2015, and summarized the potential management implications of this science.
Publication: Hanser, S.E., Deibert, P.A., Tull, J.C., Carr, N.B., Aldridge, C.L., Bargsten, T.C., Christiansen, T.J., Coates, P.S., Crist, M.R., Doherty, K.E., Ellsworth, E.A., Foster, L.J., Herren, V.A., Miller, K.H., Moser, Ann, Naeve, R.M., Prentice, K.L., Remington, T.E., Ricca, M.A., Shinneman, D.J., Truex, R.L., Wiechman, L.A., Wilson, D.C., and Bowen, Z.H., 2018, Greater sage-grouse science (2015–17)—Synthesis and potential management implications: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2018–1017, 46 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181017.
Synthesis of piñon-juniper woodland die-off
Hotter droughts and insect outbreaks are leading to mass die-off events of trees, altering the structure, composition, and function of forest and woodland ecosystems globally. This project is synthesizing aerial surveys of tree mortality to better understand the patterns and drivers of pinyon-juniper die-off across the Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. The data will be used to develop forecast models of future pinyon-juniper mortality, allowing for rapid management responses to die-off events. Forecasts could inform actions involving fuelwood permitting, ecosystem restoration, or wildlife habitat quality. This is a collaboration between the USGS, the University of Florida, and the BLM.
Website: Synthesis and Forecasts of Piñon-Juniper Woodland Die-off | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
Treatment and natural disturbance effects on pinyon-juniper woodlands and associated wildlife habitat
Pinyon-juniper (PJ) woodlands have experienced both expansion and decline from historical distributions, but concern over expansion into sagebrush ecosystems has been a major focus of restoration for land management agencies in the western U.S. Tree removal treatments are seen as valuable for achieving a variety of ecosystem management objectives, including habitat restoration for sagebrush-dependent wildlife species of conservation concern, especially the greater sage-grouse. However, species such as pinyon jay rely on PJ woodlands for habitat. The primary goal of this project is to perform a systematic review of the scientific literature to synthesize information about wildlife response to PJ ecosystem disturbance (drought, wildfire, climate change), and relate this information to tree removal effects and other management objectives. Assessing how different disturbance agents alter PJ woodlands and adjacent sagebrush habitat is critical to designing and optimizing management strategies that are intended to maintain native wildlife species.
Wind erosion and dust from US drylands: a review of causes, consequences, and solutions
Erosion by wind is one of the principal processes associated with land degradation in drylands and is a significant concern to land managers and policymakers. In the drylands of North America, millions of tons of soil are lost to wind erosion annually. Of the 60 million hectares (ha) in the US identified as most vulnerable to wind erosion (arid and dominated by fine sandy soils), 64% are managed by federal agencies (37 million ha). Researchers reviewed the drivers and consequences of wind erosion and dust emissions on drylands in the US, with an emphasis on actionable responses. While dryland soils are often relatively stable when intact, disturbances including fire, domestic livestock grazing, and off-highway vehicles can increase the amount of soil eroded by wind by an order of magnitude, in some cases as much as 40-fold. A growing body of literature documents the large-scale impacts of deposited dust changing the reflected sunlight of mountain snow cover and in some cases reducing regional water supplies by approximately 5%. Predicted future increases in aridity and extreme weather events, including drought, will likely increase wind erosion and consequent dust generation. Innovative approaches to dryland restoration that minimize surface disturbance may accomplish restoration or reclamation goals while limiting wind erosion risk.
Publication: Duniway, M.C., Pfennigwerth, A.A., Fick, S.E., Nauman, T.W., Belnap, J., and Barger, N.N., 2019, Wind erosion and dust from US drylands: a review of causes, consequences, and solutions in a changing world: Ecosphere, v. 10, no. 3, p. e02650. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2650
Developing structured science syntheses for use in NEPA analyses and decision making in the Bureau of Land Management
Synthesis of sage-grouse genetic information to support conservation and land management actions
Developing science syntheses to facilitate climate-informed land management decisions and NEPA analyses on rangelands in the sagebrush biome
Synthesis and Forecasts of Piñon-Juniper Woodland Die-off