Skip to main content

Matthew J Germino

I am interested in plant-soil-environment relationships, with a focus on forest and rangelands; post-fire rehabilitation and restoration, invasive species, integrating science and adaptive land management.

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D., Botany, University of Wyoming. Laramie, WY (2000)

  • M.S., Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (1996)

  • B.S., Environmental Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (1994)

Science and Products

link
two scientists working in a sagebrush experimental plot

Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory (FRESC)

We produce basic and applied science needed to manage landscapes in ways that make them resistant and resilient to stressors such as wildfire, exotic plant invasions, drought, and temperature extremes. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and functioning and pose costly risks to human health and safety in the western United States. We team with other state and federal agencies to find...
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory (FRESC)

We produce basic and applied science needed to manage landscapes in ways that make them resistant and resilient to stressors such as wildfire, exotic plant invasions, drought, and temperature extremes. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and functioning and pose costly risks to human health and safety in the western United States. We team with other state and federal agencies to find...
Learn More
link
two scientists setting up an experiment in an area dominated by cheatgrass

Weed-Suppressive Bacteria – Testing a Control Measure for Invasive Grasses in the West

Recent popular news has implied that Weed-Suppressive Bacteria (WSB) holds promise for cheatgrass control, yet a lack of peer-reviewed research exists to support this claim. USGS researchers stepped up to the challenge of objectively and rigorously evaluating the effectiveness of WSB for controlling exotic annual grasses, such as Cheatgrass and Medusahead, while also examining its impact on native...
By
Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Weed-Suppressive Bacteria – Testing a Control Measure for Invasive Grasses in the West

Recent popular news has implied that Weed-Suppressive Bacteria (WSB) holds promise for cheatgrass control, yet a lack of peer-reviewed research exists to support this claim. USGS researchers stepped up to the challenge of objectively and rigorously evaluating the effectiveness of WSB for controlling exotic annual grasses, such as Cheatgrass and Medusahead, while also examining its impact on native...
Learn More
link
cheatgrass

Cheatgrass and Medusahead

Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), are one of the most significant stressors to rangeland ecosystems in the western U.S. Their expansion and dominance across this area are the most damaging ecosystem agents on this iconic landscape.
By
Ecosystems, Invasive Species Program, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Cheatgrass and Medusahead

Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), are one of the most significant stressors to rangeland ecosystems in the western U.S. Their expansion and dominance across this area are the most damaging ecosystem agents on this iconic landscape.
Learn More
link
Image: Burning Sagebrush

Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

Sagebrush steppe is one of the most widely distributed ecosystems in North America. Found in eleven western states, this important yet fragile ecosystem is dominated by sagebrush, but also contains a diversity of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants. It provides critical habitat for wildlife like pronghorn and threatened species such as the greater sage-grouse, and is grazed by livestock o
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

Sagebrush steppe is one of the most widely distributed ecosystems in North America. Found in eleven western states, this important yet fragile ecosystem is dominated by sagebrush, but also contains a diversity of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants. It provides critical habitat for wildlife like pronghorn and threatened species such as the greater sage-grouse, and is grazed by livestock o
Learn More
link
Image: Burning Sagebrush

Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

Sagebrush steppe is one of the most widely distributed ecosystems in North America. Found in eleven western states, this important yet fragile ecosystem is dominated by sagebrush, but also contains a diversity of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants. It provides critical habitat for wildlife like pronghorn and threatened species such as the greater sage-grouse, and is grazed by livestock o
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

Sagebrush steppe is one of the most widely distributed ecosystems in North America. Found in eleven western states, this important yet fragile ecosystem is dominated by sagebrush, but also contains a diversity of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants. It provides critical habitat for wildlife like pronghorn and threatened species such as the greater sage-grouse, and is grazed by livestock o
Learn More
link
Vegetation monitoring in the area burned by the Soda Fire, 2015

Wildfire Impacts, and Post-Fire Rehabilitation and Restoration

Land use and unintentional (e.g., wildfire) disturbances are increasingly dominant factors affecting land-use planning and management of semiarid landscapes, particularly in sagebrush steppe rangelands. In the last 10-20 years, wildfires are occurring more frequently and increasingly in very large burn patches.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Wildfire Impacts, and Post-Fire Rehabilitation and Restoration

Land use and unintentional (e.g., wildfire) disturbances are increasingly dominant factors affecting land-use planning and management of semiarid landscapes, particularly in sagebrush steppe rangelands. In the last 10-20 years, wildfires are occurring more frequently and increasingly in very large burn patches.
Learn More
link
three scientists connect PVC pipes in a common garden

Plant Responses to Temperature and Water Limitation

Weather and climate impacts on dominant native perennials must be understood in order to efficiently manage our western landscapes. We use an ecophysiological approach, linking to population, community, and landscape ecology, to understand the impacts and responses of plants on or to their environment.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Plant Responses to Temperature and Water Limitation

Weather and climate impacts on dominant native perennials must be understood in order to efficiently manage our western landscapes. We use an ecophysiological approach, linking to population, community, and landscape ecology, to understand the impacts and responses of plants on or to their environment.
Learn More
link
USGS Ecologist Matt Germino leads field discussion

Integrating Science and Adaptive Land Management

Widespread habitat deterioration due to fire and invasive species in the Great Basin have created a need for coordination across land agencies and between science and management activities in the Great Basin.
By
Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Integrating Science and Adaptive Land Management

Widespread habitat deterioration due to fire and invasive species in the Great Basin have created a need for coordination across land agencies and between science and management activities in the Great Basin.
Learn More
link
Brown mountains roll in the distance beyond green Sagebrush fields under a blue sky.

Webinar: Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate: Key Opportunities for Adaptive Management

View this webinar to learn how scientists are exploring adaptation management strategies for sagebrush ecosystems.
By
Northwest Climate Science Center, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

Webinar: Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate: Key Opportunities for Adaptive Management

View this webinar to learn how scientists are exploring adaptation management strategies for sagebrush ecosystems.
Learn More
link
Sage brush steppe

Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
link

Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
Learn More
link
Sage brush steppe

Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
link

Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
Learn More
link
Sage brush steppe

Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
link

Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
Learn More

If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.

Post-fire Chondrilla juncea and biocontrol at Boise River Wildlife Management Area 2018-2019

Top-down and bottom-up factors affecting invasive populations are rarely considered simultaneously, yet their interactive responses to disturbances and management interventions can be essential to understanding invasion patterns. We evaluated post-fire responses of the exotic perennial forb Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed) and its biocontrol agents to landscape factors and a post-fire combine
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Head smut infections on cheatgrass cover in the first four years after the 2015 Soda Wildfire

Data includes head smut infection level (caused by the fungal pathogen, Ustilago bullata) on cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and cheatgrass cover for plots measured annually during the first four years after the 2015 Soda wildfire. Additional landscape and weather covariates that are hypothesized to influence infection and host density are included.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Post-fire vegetation cover, plant species diversity, and Ustilago bullata infection rates at Boise River Wildlife Management Area 2018-2019

Invasive-plant treatments often target a single or few species, but many landscapes are diversely invaded. Exotic annual grasses (EAGs) increase wildfires and degrade native perennial plant communities in cold-desert rangelands, and herbicides are thus sprayed to inhibit EAG germination and establishment. We asked how EAG-target and nontarget species responded to an herbicide mixture sprayed over
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index for western United States, 2001-2014, derived from gridMET climate estimates

These data are 30m by 30 m grids of the mean Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) between 2001-2014 in the western United States. The SPEI index was developed by Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano and coauthors (https://spei.csic.es/index.html). Source evapotranspiration and precipitation data were generated by gridMET (http://www.climatologylab.org/gridmet.html).
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center

Early Establishment Patterns of 'Local' Wyoming Big Sagebrush Population in Common Gardens Along Elevational Gradient in Owyhee Mountains, Idaho

This dataset contains information on the survival of sagebrush seedlings originating from seed collected from 3 'local' populations over 2+ years. Datasets presented consist of individual seedling survival, growth and reproduction data as well as population level results as they relate to the differences in modeled and calculated climate variables and the differences between the climatic condition
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Survival data of transplanted sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata) seedlings in relation to vegetative, organismal, and topographic conditions after megafire

This dataset contains information on the survival of individual sagebrush seedlings, stands of seedlings and the vegetative and topographic conditions in which they were planted.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.

Filter Total Items: 80

Intraspecific variation mediates density dependence in a genetically diverse plant species

Interactions between neighboring plants are critical for biodiversity maintenance in plant populations and communities. Intraspecific trait variation and genome duplication are common in plant species and can drive eco-evolutionary dynamics through genotype-mediated plant–plant interactions. However, few studies have examined how species-wide intraspecific variation may alter interactions between
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Weather affects post‐fire recovery of sagebrush‐steppe communities and model transferability among sites

Altered climate, including weather extremes, can cause major shifts in vegetative recovery after disturbances. Predictive models that can identify the separate and combined temporal effects of disturbance and weather on plant communities and that are transferable among sites are needed to guide vulnerability assessments and management interventions. We asked how functional group abundance responde
By
Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Post-fire management targeting invasive annual grasses may have inadvertently released the exotic perennial forb Chondrilla juncea and suppressed its biocontrol agent

Top-down and bottom-up factors affecting invasive populations are rarely considered simultaneously, yet their interactive responses to disturbances and management interventions can be essential to understanding invasion patterns. We evaluated post-fire responses of the exotic perennial forb Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed) and its biocontrol agents to landscape factors and a post-fire combine
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

A chemical and bio‐herbicide mixture increased exotic invaders, both targeted and non‐targeted, across a diversely invaded landscape after fire

QuestionsInvasive‐plant treatments often target a single or few species, but many landscapes are diversely invaded. Exotic annual grasses (EAGs) increase wildfires and degrade native perennial plant communities in cold‐desert rangelands, and herbicides are thus sprayed to inhibit EAG germination and establishment. We asked how EAG target and non‐target species responded to an herbicide mixture spr
By
Ecosystems, Invasive Species Program, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Weather and distance to fire refugia limit landscape‐level occurrence of fungal disease in an exotic annual grass

The enemy release hypothesis proposes that invasion by exotic plant species is driven by their release from natural enemies (i.e. herbivores and pathogens) in their introduced ranges. However, in many cases, natural enemies, which may be introduced or managed to regulate invasive species, may fail to impact target host populations. Landscape heterogeneity, which can affect both the population dyna
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Detecting shrub recovery in sagebrush steppe: Comparing Landsat-derived maps with field data on historical wildfires

BackgroundThe need for basic information on spatial distribution and abundance of plant species for research and management in semiarid ecosystems is frequently unmet. This need is particularly acute in the large areas impacted by megafires in sagebrush steppe ecosystems, which require frequently updated information about increases in exotic annual invaders or recovery of desirable perennials. Rem
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Comment on: Grazing disturbance promotes exotic annual grasses by degrading soil biocrust communities

No abstract available.
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Warming of alpine tundra enhances belowground production and shifts community towards resource acquisition traits

Climate warming is expected to stimulate plant growth in high‐elevation and high‐latitude ecosystems, significantly increasing aboveground net primary production (ANPP). However, the effects of simultaneous changes in temperature, snowmelt timing, and summer water availability on total net primary production (NPP)—and elucidation of both above‐ and belowground responses—remain an important area in
By
Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

Impact of unburned remnant sagebrush versus outplants on post-fire landscape rehabilitation

Nearly half of the vast sagebrush steppe in the western United states has lost many or nearly all native plant species, largely due to the interaction of invasive species and increased wildfire. Re-establishing sagebrush, a keystone component of these ecosystems, has become a management focus in recent decades using aerial broadcast seeding or limited plantings. One promising avenue for improving
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Weed-suppressive bacteria effects differ in culture compared to in soils and with or without microbial competition and separation of active ingredient

Weed-suppressive bacteria (WSB), specifically the D7 and ACK55 strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, were previously reported to selectively inhibit growth of invasive annual grasses (IAGs) that have caused severe ecosystem degradation across much of the western US. However, recent studies show highly mixed evidence for WSB effectiveness in field settings. We evaluated how the effectiveness of WSB,
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Spatial grain of adaptation is much finer than ecoregional-scale common gardens reveal

Adaptive variation among plant populations must be known for effective conservation and restoration of imperiled species and predicting their responses to a changing climate. Common‐garden experiments, in which plants sourced from geographically distant populations are grown together such that genetic differences may be expressed, have provided much insight on adaptive variation. Common‐garden exp
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

Postfire growth of seeded and planted big sagebrush - Strategic designs for restoring Greater Sage-grouse nesting habitat

Wildfires change plant community structure and impact wildlife habitat and population dynamics. Recent wildfire‐induced losses of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) in North American shrublands are outpacing natural recovery and leading to substantial losses in habitat for sagebrush‐obligate species such as Greater Sage‐grouse. Managers are considering restoration strategies that include plantin
By
Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Pre-USGS Publications

Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2012, Dust supply varies with sagebrush microsites and time since burning in experimental erosion events: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 117, no. G01013, p. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JG001724.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Sankey, T.T., Hoover, A.N., 2012, Fire effects on the spatial patterning of soil properties in sagebrush steppe, USA - a meta-analysis: International Journal of Wildland Fire, v. 21, no. 5, p. 545-556, https://doi.org/10.1071/WF11092.
Wilcox, B.P., Turnbull, L., Young, M.H., Williams, C.J., Ravi, S., Seyfried, M.S., Bowling, D.R., Scott, R.L., Germino, M.J., Caldwell, T.G., Wainwright, J., 2012, Invasion of shrublands by exotic grasses- ecohydrological consequences in cold versus warm deserts: Ecohydrology, v. 5, p. 160-173, https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.247.
Hasselquist, N.J., Germino, M.J., Sankey, J.B., Ingram, L.J., Glenn, N.F., 2011, Aeolian nutrient fluxes following wildfire in sagebrush steppe- implications for soil carbon storage: Biogeosciences, v. 8, p. 3649-3659, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-8-3649-2011.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., Alongi, D.A., 2011, Carbon-use efficiency in green sinks is increased when a blend of apoplastic fructose and glucose is available for uptake: Journal of Experimental Biology, v. 62, no. 6, p. 2013-2022, https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erq407.
Reinhardt, K., Castanha, C., Germino, M.J., Kueppers, L.M., 2011, Ecophysiological variation in two provenances of Pinus flexilis seedlings across an elevation gradient from forest to alpine: Tree Physiology, v. 31, p. 615-625, https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpr055.
Sankey, J.B., Eitel, J.U., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Vierling, L.A., 2011, Quantifying relationships of burning, roughness, and potential dust emission with laser altimetry of soil surfaces at submeter scales: Geomorphology, v. 135, p. 181-190, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.08.016.
Prevey, J.S., Germino, M.J., Huntly, N.J., Inouye, R.S., 2010, Exotic plants increase and native plants decrease with loss of foundation species in sagebrush steppe: Plant Ecology, v. 207, no. 1, p. 39-51.
Bansal, S., Reinhardt, K., Germino, M.J., 2010, Linking carbon balance to establishment patterns - comparison of whitebark pine and Engelmann spruce seedlings along an herb cover exposure gradient at treeline: Plant Ecology, v. 212, no. 2, p. 219-228.
Prevey, J.S., Germino, M.J., Huntly, N.J., 2010, Loss of foundation species increases population growth of exotic forbs in sagebrush steppe: Ecological Applications, v. 20, no. 7, p. 1890-1902.
Debinski, D.M., Wickham, H., Kindscher, K., Caruthers, J.C., Germino, M.J., 2010, Montaine meadow change during drought varies with background hydrologic regime and plant functional group: Ecology, v. 91, no. 6, p. 1672-1681.
Sankey, J.B., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Gironella, A.N., Thackray, G.D., 2010, Relationships of aeolian erosion and deposition with LiDAR-derived landscape surface roughness following wildfire: Geomorphology, v. 119, no. 1-2, p. 135-154.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2010, Unique responses of respiration, growth, and non-structural carbohydrate storage in sink tissue of conifer seedlings to an elevation gradient at timberline: Environmental and Experimental Biology, v. 69, no. 3, p. 313-319, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2010.05.002.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2010, Variation in ecophysiological properties among conifers at an ecotonal boundary- Comparison of establishing seedlings and established adults at timberline: Journal of Vegetation Science, v. 21, p. 133-142.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2009, Aeolian sediment transport following wildfire in sagebrush steppe: Journal of Arid Environments, v. 73, p. 912-919.
Alongi, D.A., Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., 2009, Opportunistic heterotrophy in gametophytes of the homosporous fern Ceratopteris richardii: Botany, v. 87, p. 799-806.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2009, Relationships of post-fire aeolian transport to soil and atmospheric conditions: Aeolian Research, v. 1, no. 1-2, p. 75-85.
Norton, J., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Weber, K., Seefeldt, S., 2009, Relative suitability of indices derived from Landsat ETM+ and SPOT 5 for detecting fire severity in sagebrush steppe: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, v. 11, p. 360-367.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2009, Temporal variation of nonstructural carbohydrates in montane conifers- Similarities and differences among developmental stages, species and environmental conditions: Tree Physiology, v. 29, p. 559-568.
Smith, W.K., Germino, M.J., Johnson, D.K., Reinhardt, K., 2009, The altitude of alpine treeline - A bellwether of climate change effects: Botanical Review, v. 75, p. 163-190.
Sankey, T.T., Germino, M.J., 2008, Assessment of juniper encroachment with the use of satellite imagery and geospatial data: Rangeland Ecology and Management, v. 61, no. 4, p. 412-418.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2008, Carbon balance of conifer seedlings at timberline - Relative changes in uptake, storage, and utilization: Oecologia, v. 158, p. 217-227.
Janzen, B.C., Germino, M.J., Anderson, J.E., 2007, PCBE Revisited- Long-Term Performance of Alternative Evapotranspiration Caps for Protecting Shallowly Buried Wastes Under Variable Precipitation: U.S. Department of Energy - Idaho Operations Office STOLLER-ESER-101, p. 1-37.
Seefeldt, S.S., Germino, M.J., DiCristina, K., 2007, Prescribed fires in Artemisia tridentata ssp. Vaseyanasteppe have minor and transient effects on vegetation cover and composition: Applied Vegetation Science, v. 10, no. 2, p. 249-256.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., Wraith, J.M., Olson, B.E., Swan, M.B., 2006, Advantages in water relations contribute to greater photosynthesis in Centaurea maculosa compared with established grasses: International Journal of Plant Sciences, v. 167, no. 2, p. 269-277.
DiCristina, K., Germino, M.J., 2006, Correlation of neighborhood relationships, carbon assimilation, and water status of sagebrush seedlings establishing after fire: Western North American Naturalist, v. 66, no. 4, p. 441-449.
Germino, M.J., Hasselquist, N.J., McGonigle, T., Smith, W.K., Sheridan, P.P., 2006, Landscape- and age-based factors affecting fungal colonization of conifer seedling roots at the alpine tree line: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 36, p. 901-909.
Maher, E.L., Germino, M.J., 2006, Microsite differentiation among conifer species during seedling establishment at alpine treeline: Ecoscience, v. 13, no. 3, p. 334-341.
Brodersen, C.R., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2006, Photosynthesis during an episodic drought in Abies lasiocarpa andPicea engelmanniiacross an alpine treeline: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 38, no. 1, p. 34-41.
Brodersen, C.R., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2006, Photosynthesis during an episodic drought in Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii across an alpine treeline: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 38, no. 1, p. 34-41.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., 2005, Coordinated variation in ecophysiological properties among life stages and tissue types in an invasive perennial forb of semiarid shrub steppe: Canadian Journal of Botany, v. 83, p. 1488-1495.
Maher, E.L., Germino, M.J., Hasselquist, N.J., 2005, Interactive effects of tree and herb cover on survivorship, physiology, and microclimate of conifer seedlings at the alpine tree-line ecotone: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 35, p. 567-574.
Hasselquist, N.J., Germino, M.J., McGonigle, T., Smith, W.K., 2005, Variability of Cenococcum colonization and its ecophysiological significance for young conifers at alpine-treeline: New Phytologist, v. 165, no. 3, p. 867-873, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01275.x.
Johnson, D.M., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2004, Abiotic factors limiting photosynthesis in Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii seedlings below and above the alpine timberline: Tree Physiology, v. 24, p. 377-386.
Smith, S.D., Naumburg, E., Niinemets, U., Germino, M.J., 2004, Leaf to Landscape In Smith, W.K., Vogelmann, T.C., Critchley, C., eds., Photosynthetic Adaptation: Chloroplast to Landscape: New York City, NY, Springer, p. 262-294.
Smith, W.K., Germino, M.J., Hancock, T.E., Johnson, D.M., 2003, Another perspective on altitudinal limits of alpine timberlines: Tree Physiology, v. 23, p. 1101-1113.
Germino, M.J., Wraith, J.M., 2003, Plant water relations influence carbon gain in a grass occurring along sharp gradients of soil temperature: New Phytologist, v. 157, no. 2, p. 241-250, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00663.x.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., Resor, A.C., 2002, Conifer seedling distribution and survival in an alpine-treeline ecotone: Plant Ecology, v. 162, no. 2, p. 157-168.
Bastian, C.T., McLeod, D.M., Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., 2002, Environmental amenities and agricultural land values- a hedonic model using geographic information systems data: Ecological Economics, v. 40, no. 3, p. 337-349, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8009(01)00278-6.
Bastian, C.T., McLeod, D.M., Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., 2002, Exploring the potential for using GIS to measure environmental and visual amenities when valuing agricultural lands: Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, v. 65, no. 1, p. 43-52.
Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., McLeod, D.M., Bastian, C.T., 2001, Estimating visual properties of Rocky Mountain landscapes using GIS: Landscape and Urban Planning, v. 53, no. 1-4, p. 71-83.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2001, Relative importance of microhabitat, plant form and photosynthetic physiology to carbon gain in two alpine herbs: Functional Ecology, v. 15, p. 243-251.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2000, Differences in microsite, plant form, and low-temperature photo inhibition in alpine plants: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 32, no. 4, p. 388-396.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2000, High resistance to low-temperature photoinhibition in two alpine, snowbank species: Physiologia Plantarum, v. 110, no. 1, p. 89-95, https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1399-3054.2000.110112.x.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 1999, Sky exposure, crown architecture, and low-temperature photo inhibition in conifer seedlings at alpine treeline: Plant, Cell and Environment, v. 22, no. 4, p. 407-415.

To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.

Filter Total Items: 27
link

A Chemical and Bio-Herbicide Mixture Increased Exotic Invaders, Both Targeted and Non-Targeted, Across a Diversely Invaded Landscape After Fire

Herbicides sprayed to inhibit exotic annual grass germination and establishment can have unintended effects, including the release of secondary...

Read Article
link

Weather Affects Post-Fire Recovery of Sagebrush-Steppe Communities and Model Transferability Among Sites

Altered climate, including weather extremes, can affect vegetative recovery after disturbances. USGS researchers compared models to determine how...

Read Article
link

Post-fire Management may have Inadvertently Released an Exotic Perennial Forb and Suppressed its Biocontrol Agents

Invasive plants that establish in sagebrush steppe ecosystems during the critical post-fire recolonization period can affect long-term vegetation...

Read Article
link

Weather and Distance to Fire Refugia Limit Landscape-Level Occurrence of Fungal Disease in an Exotic Annual Grass

Exotic species invasion may occur because of the lack of natural enemies, such as pathogens, in introduced ranges. 

Read Article
link

Detecting Shrub Recovery in Sagebrush Steppe: Comparing Landsat-Derived Maps with Field Data on Historical Wildfires

Sagebrush can be scarce after fires in a semiarid ecosystem and their paucity over vast burn areas creates challenges for detection by remote sensing...

Read Article
link

Post-Fire Growth of Seeded and Planted Big Sagebrush – Strategic Designs for Restoring Greater Sage-grouse Nesting Habitat

Recent wildfire-induced losses of big sagebrush are outpacing natural recovery and leading to substantial losses in habitat for species such as...

Read Article
link

Future Alpine Colonization by Limber Pine More Likely than by Engelmann Spruce

Alpine treelines are expected to shift upward in elevation and latitude as a result of climate change, yet this expansion requires favorable...

Read Article
link

Weed-Suppressive Bacteria Effects Differ in Culture Compared to in Soils

Weed-suppressive bacteria (WSB), specifically the D7 and ACK55 strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, were previously reported to selectively inhibit...

Read Article
link

Spatial Grain of Adaptation is Much Finer than Ecoregional-Scale Common Gardens Reveal

Common-garden experiments, in which plants sourced from geographically distant populations are grown together such that genetic differences may be...

Read Article
link

Bacterial Soil Amendment MB906 Shows Inconsistent Control of Invasive Annual Grasses

In 2016, land managers began using a soil amendment called MB906, a weed-suppressive bacteria, to control invasive annual grasses, yet the success of...

Read Article
link

Partitioning Surface Energy Balance Components in a Semi-Arid Environment

Understanding ecosystem energy and hydrological response is important for predicting and managing future water resources under climate and land-cover...

Read Article
link

Surface Energy Fluxes, Soil Moisture, and Evapotranspiration Across Three Ecosystems in a Semiarid Climate

Understanding the land-atmosphere interaction at the ecosystem scale is important for water resource management and regional or global climate studies...

Read Article

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    two scientists working in a sagebrush experimental plot

    Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory (FRESC)

    We produce basic and applied science needed to manage landscapes in ways that make them resistant and resilient to stressors such as wildfire, exotic plant invasions, drought, and temperature extremes. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and functioning and pose costly risks to human health and safety in the western United States. We team with other state and federal agencies to find...
    By
    Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
    link

    Plant-Soil-Environment Laboratory (FRESC)

    We produce basic and applied science needed to manage landscapes in ways that make them resistant and resilient to stressors such as wildfire, exotic plant invasions, drought, and temperature extremes. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and functioning and pose costly risks to human health and safety in the western United States. We team with other state and federal agencies to find...
    Learn More
    link
    two scientists setting up an experiment in an area dominated by cheatgrass

    Weed-Suppressive Bacteria – Testing a Control Measure for Invasive Grasses in the West

    Recent popular news has implied that Weed-Suppressive Bacteria (WSB) holds promise for cheatgrass control, yet a lack of peer-reviewed research exists to support this claim. USGS researchers stepped up to the challenge of objectively and rigorously evaluating the effectiveness of WSB for controlling exotic annual grasses, such as Cheatgrass and Medusahead, while also examining its impact on native...
    By
    Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
    link

    Weed-Suppressive Bacteria – Testing a Control Measure for Invasive Grasses in the West

    Recent popular news has implied that Weed-Suppressive Bacteria (WSB) holds promise for cheatgrass control, yet a lack of peer-reviewed research exists to support this claim. USGS researchers stepped up to the challenge of objectively and rigorously evaluating the effectiveness of WSB for controlling exotic annual grasses, such as Cheatgrass and Medusahead, while also examining its impact on native...
    Learn More
    link
    cheatgrass

    Cheatgrass and Medusahead

    Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), are one of the most significant stressors to rangeland ecosystems in the western U.S. Their expansion and dominance across this area are the most damaging ecosystem agents on this iconic landscape.
    By
    Ecosystems, Invasive Species Program, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
    link

    Cheatgrass and Medusahead

    Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), are one of the most significant stressors to rangeland ecosystems in the western U.S. Their expansion and dominance across this area are the most damaging ecosystem agents on this iconic landscape.
    Learn More
    link
    Image: Burning Sagebrush

    Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

    Sagebrush steppe is one of the most widely distributed ecosystems in North America. Found in eleven western states, this important yet fragile ecosystem is dominated by sagebrush, but also contains a diversity of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants. It provides critical habitat for wildlife like pronghorn and threatened species such as the greater sage-grouse, and is grazed by livestock o
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
    link

    Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

    Sagebrush steppe is one of the most widely distributed ecosystems in North America. Found in eleven western states, this important yet fragile ecosystem is dominated by sagebrush, but also contains a diversity of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants. It provides critical habitat for wildlife like pronghorn and threatened species such as the greater sage-grouse, and is grazed by livestock o
    Learn More
    link
    Image: Burning Sagebrush

    Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

    Sagebrush steppe is one of the most widely distributed ecosystems in North America. Found in eleven western states, this important yet fragile ecosystem is dominated by sagebrush, but also contains a diversity of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants. It provides critical habitat for wildlife like pronghorn and threatened species such as the greater sage-grouse, and is grazed by livestock o
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
    link

    Improving the Success of Post-Fire Adaptive Management Strategies in Sagebrush Steppe

    Sagebrush steppe is one of the most widely distributed ecosystems in North America. Found in eleven western states, this important yet fragile ecosystem is dominated by sagebrush, but also contains a diversity of native shrubs, grasses, and flowering plants. It provides critical habitat for wildlife like pronghorn and threatened species such as the greater sage-grouse, and is grazed by livestock o
    Learn More
    link
    Vegetation monitoring in the area burned by the Soda Fire, 2015

    Wildfire Impacts, and Post-Fire Rehabilitation and Restoration

    Land use and unintentional (e.g., wildfire) disturbances are increasingly dominant factors affecting land-use planning and management of semiarid landscapes, particularly in sagebrush steppe rangelands. In the last 10-20 years, wildfires are occurring more frequently and increasingly in very large burn patches.
    By
    Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
    link

    Wildfire Impacts, and Post-Fire Rehabilitation and Restoration

    Land use and unintentional (e.g., wildfire) disturbances are increasingly dominant factors affecting land-use planning and management of semiarid landscapes, particularly in sagebrush steppe rangelands. In the last 10-20 years, wildfires are occurring more frequently and increasingly in very large burn patches.
    Learn More
    link
    three scientists connect PVC pipes in a common garden

    Plant Responses to Temperature and Water Limitation

    Weather and climate impacts on dominant native perennials must be understood in order to efficiently manage our western landscapes. We use an ecophysiological approach, linking to population, community, and landscape ecology, to understand the impacts and responses of plants on or to their environment.
    By
    Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
    link

    Plant Responses to Temperature and Water Limitation

    Weather and climate impacts on dominant native perennials must be understood in order to efficiently manage our western landscapes. We use an ecophysiological approach, linking to population, community, and landscape ecology, to understand the impacts and responses of plants on or to their environment.
    Learn More
    link
    USGS Ecologist Matt Germino leads field discussion

    Integrating Science and Adaptive Land Management

    Widespread habitat deterioration due to fire and invasive species in the Great Basin have created a need for coordination across land agencies and between science and management activities in the Great Basin.
    By
    Ecosystems, Wildlife Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
    link

    Integrating Science and Adaptive Land Management

    Widespread habitat deterioration due to fire and invasive species in the Great Basin have created a need for coordination across land agencies and between science and management activities in the Great Basin.
    Learn More
    link
    Brown mountains roll in the distance beyond green Sagebrush fields under a blue sky.

    Webinar: Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate: Key Opportunities for Adaptive Management

    View this webinar to learn how scientists are exploring adaptation management strategies for sagebrush ecosystems.
    By
    Northwest Climate Science Center, Climate Adaptation Science Center
    link

    Webinar: Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate: Key Opportunities for Adaptive Management

    View this webinar to learn how scientists are exploring adaptation management strategies for sagebrush ecosystems.
    Learn More
    link
    Sage brush steppe

    Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

    Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
    link

    Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

    Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
    Learn More
    link
    Sage brush steppe

    Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

    Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
    link

    Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

    Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
    Learn More
    link
    Sage brush steppe

    Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

    Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center, Northwest Climate Science Center
    link

    Sagebrush Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

    Climate responses of sagebrush are needed to inform land managers of the stability and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems, which are an important but threatened habitat type. We evaluated climate responses of sagebrush using two approaches: (1) experimental manipulations of temperature and precipitation for natural plants in the field, and (2) assessment of how climate adaptation and weather have
    Learn More
  • Data

    If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.

    Post-fire Chondrilla juncea and biocontrol at Boise River Wildlife Management Area 2018-2019

    Top-down and bottom-up factors affecting invasive populations are rarely considered simultaneously, yet their interactive responses to disturbances and management interventions can be essential to understanding invasion patterns. We evaluated post-fire responses of the exotic perennial forb Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed) and its biocontrol agents to landscape factors and a post-fire combine
    By
    Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Head smut infections on cheatgrass cover in the first four years after the 2015 Soda Wildfire

    Data includes head smut infection level (caused by the fungal pathogen, Ustilago bullata) on cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and cheatgrass cover for plots measured annually during the first four years after the 2015 Soda wildfire. Additional landscape and weather covariates that are hypothesized to influence infection and host density are included.
    By
    Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Post-fire vegetation cover, plant species diversity, and Ustilago bullata infection rates at Boise River Wildlife Management Area 2018-2019

    Invasive-plant treatments often target a single or few species, but many landscapes are diversely invaded. Exotic annual grasses (EAGs) increase wildfires and degrade native perennial plant communities in cold-desert rangelands, and herbicides are thus sprayed to inhibit EAG germination and establishment. We asked how EAG-target and nontarget species responded to an herbicide mixture sprayed over
    By
    Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index for western United States, 2001-2014, derived from gridMET climate estimates

    These data are 30m by 30 m grids of the mean Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) between 2001-2014 in the western United States. The SPEI index was developed by Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano and coauthors (https://spei.csic.es/index.html). Source evapotranspiration and precipitation data were generated by gridMET (http://www.climatologylab.org/gridmet.html).
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center

    Early Establishment Patterns of 'Local' Wyoming Big Sagebrush Population in Common Gardens Along Elevational Gradient in Owyhee Mountains, Idaho

    This dataset contains information on the survival of sagebrush seedlings originating from seed collected from 3 'local' populations over 2+ years. Datasets presented consist of individual seedling survival, growth and reproduction data as well as population level results as they relate to the differences in modeled and calculated climate variables and the differences between the climatic condition
    By
    Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Survival data of transplanted sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata) seedlings in relation to vegetative, organismal, and topographic conditions after megafire

    This dataset contains information on the survival of individual sagebrush seedlings, stands of seedlings and the vegetative and topographic conditions in which they were planted.
    By
    Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
  • Publications

    If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.

    Filter Total Items: 80

    Intraspecific variation mediates density dependence in a genetically diverse plant species

    Interactions between neighboring plants are critical for biodiversity maintenance in plant populations and communities. Intraspecific trait variation and genome duplication are common in plant species and can drive eco-evolutionary dynamics through genotype-mediated plant–plant interactions. However, few studies have examined how species-wide intraspecific variation may alter interactions between
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Weather affects post‐fire recovery of sagebrush‐steppe communities and model transferability among sites

    Altered climate, including weather extremes, can cause major shifts in vegetative recovery after disturbances. Predictive models that can identify the separate and combined temporal effects of disturbance and weather on plant communities and that are transferable among sites are needed to guide vulnerability assessments and management interventions. We asked how functional group abundance responde
    By
    Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Post-fire management targeting invasive annual grasses may have inadvertently released the exotic perennial forb Chondrilla juncea and suppressed its biocontrol agent

    Top-down and bottom-up factors affecting invasive populations are rarely considered simultaneously, yet their interactive responses to disturbances and management interventions can be essential to understanding invasion patterns. We evaluated post-fire responses of the exotic perennial forb Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed) and its biocontrol agents to landscape factors and a post-fire combine
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    A chemical and bio‐herbicide mixture increased exotic invaders, both targeted and non‐targeted, across a diversely invaded landscape after fire

    QuestionsInvasive‐plant treatments often target a single or few species, but many landscapes are diversely invaded. Exotic annual grasses (EAGs) increase wildfires and degrade native perennial plant communities in cold‐desert rangelands, and herbicides are thus sprayed to inhibit EAG germination and establishment. We asked how EAG target and non‐target species responded to an herbicide mixture spr
    By
    Ecosystems, Invasive Species Program, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Weather and distance to fire refugia limit landscape‐level occurrence of fungal disease in an exotic annual grass

    The enemy release hypothesis proposes that invasion by exotic plant species is driven by their release from natural enemies (i.e. herbivores and pathogens) in their introduced ranges. However, in many cases, natural enemies, which may be introduced or managed to regulate invasive species, may fail to impact target host populations. Landscape heterogeneity, which can affect both the population dyna
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Detecting shrub recovery in sagebrush steppe: Comparing Landsat-derived maps with field data on historical wildfires

    BackgroundThe need for basic information on spatial distribution and abundance of plant species for research and management in semiarid ecosystems is frequently unmet. This need is particularly acute in the large areas impacted by megafires in sagebrush steppe ecosystems, which require frequently updated information about increases in exotic annual invaders or recovery of desirable perennials. Rem
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Comment on: Grazing disturbance promotes exotic annual grasses by degrading soil biocrust communities

    No abstract available.
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Warming of alpine tundra enhances belowground production and shifts community towards resource acquisition traits

    Climate warming is expected to stimulate plant growth in high‐elevation and high‐latitude ecosystems, significantly increasing aboveground net primary production (ANPP). However, the effects of simultaneous changes in temperature, snowmelt timing, and summer water availability on total net primary production (NPP)—and elucidation of both above‐ and belowground responses—remain an important area in
    By
    Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center

    Impact of unburned remnant sagebrush versus outplants on post-fire landscape rehabilitation

    Nearly half of the vast sagebrush steppe in the western United states has lost many or nearly all native plant species, largely due to the interaction of invasive species and increased wildfire. Re-establishing sagebrush, a keystone component of these ecosystems, has become a management focus in recent decades using aerial broadcast seeding or limited plantings. One promising avenue for improving
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Weed-suppressive bacteria effects differ in culture compared to in soils and with or without microbial competition and separation of active ingredient

    Weed-suppressive bacteria (WSB), specifically the D7 and ACK55 strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, were previously reported to selectively inhibit growth of invasive annual grasses (IAGs) that have caused severe ecosystem degradation across much of the western US. However, recent studies show highly mixed evidence for WSB effectiveness in field settings. We evaluated how the effectiveness of WSB,
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Spatial grain of adaptation is much finer than ecoregional-scale common gardens reveal

    Adaptive variation among plant populations must be known for effective conservation and restoration of imperiled species and predicting their responses to a changing climate. Common‐garden experiments, in which plants sourced from geographically distant populations are grown together such that genetic differences may be expressed, have provided much insight on adaptive variation. Common‐garden exp
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

    Postfire growth of seeded and planted big sagebrush - Strategic designs for restoring Greater Sage-grouse nesting habitat

    Wildfires change plant community structure and impact wildlife habitat and population dynamics. Recent wildfire‐induced losses of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) in North American shrublands are outpacing natural recovery and leading to substantial losses in habitat for sagebrush‐obligate species such as Greater Sage‐grouse. Managers are considering restoration strategies that include plantin
    By
    Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

    Pre-USGS Publications

    Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2012, Dust supply varies with sagebrush microsites and time since burning in experimental erosion events: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 117, no. G01013, p. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JG001724.
    Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Sankey, T.T., Hoover, A.N., 2012, Fire effects on the spatial patterning of soil properties in sagebrush steppe, USA - a meta-analysis: International Journal of Wildland Fire, v. 21, no. 5, p. 545-556, https://doi.org/10.1071/WF11092.
    Wilcox, B.P., Turnbull, L., Young, M.H., Williams, C.J., Ravi, S., Seyfried, M.S., Bowling, D.R., Scott, R.L., Germino, M.J., Caldwell, T.G., Wainwright, J., 2012, Invasion of shrublands by exotic grasses- ecohydrological consequences in cold versus warm deserts: Ecohydrology, v. 5, p. 160-173, https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.247.
    Hasselquist, N.J., Germino, M.J., Sankey, J.B., Ingram, L.J., Glenn, N.F., 2011, Aeolian nutrient fluxes following wildfire in sagebrush steppe- implications for soil carbon storage: Biogeosciences, v. 8, p. 3649-3659, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-8-3649-2011.
    Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., Alongi, D.A., 2011, Carbon-use efficiency in green sinks is increased when a blend of apoplastic fructose and glucose is available for uptake: Journal of Experimental Biology, v. 62, no. 6, p. 2013-2022, https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erq407.
    Reinhardt, K., Castanha, C., Germino, M.J., Kueppers, L.M., 2011, Ecophysiological variation in two provenances of Pinus flexilis seedlings across an elevation gradient from forest to alpine: Tree Physiology, v. 31, p. 615-625, https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpr055.
    Sankey, J.B., Eitel, J.U., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Vierling, L.A., 2011, Quantifying relationships of burning, roughness, and potential dust emission with laser altimetry of soil surfaces at submeter scales: Geomorphology, v. 135, p. 181-190, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.08.016.
    Prevey, J.S., Germino, M.J., Huntly, N.J., Inouye, R.S., 2010, Exotic plants increase and native plants decrease with loss of foundation species in sagebrush steppe: Plant Ecology, v. 207, no. 1, p. 39-51.
    Bansal, S., Reinhardt, K., Germino, M.J., 2010, Linking carbon balance to establishment patterns - comparison of whitebark pine and Engelmann spruce seedlings along an herb cover exposure gradient at treeline: Plant Ecology, v. 212, no. 2, p. 219-228.
    Prevey, J.S., Germino, M.J., Huntly, N.J., 2010, Loss of foundation species increases population growth of exotic forbs in sagebrush steppe: Ecological Applications, v. 20, no. 7, p. 1890-1902.
    Debinski, D.M., Wickham, H., Kindscher, K., Caruthers, J.C., Germino, M.J., 2010, Montaine meadow change during drought varies with background hydrologic regime and plant functional group: Ecology, v. 91, no. 6, p. 1672-1681.
    Sankey, J.B., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Gironella, A.N., Thackray, G.D., 2010, Relationships of aeolian erosion and deposition with LiDAR-derived landscape surface roughness following wildfire: Geomorphology, v. 119, no. 1-2, p. 135-154.
    Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2010, Unique responses of respiration, growth, and non-structural carbohydrate storage in sink tissue of conifer seedlings to an elevation gradient at timberline: Environmental and Experimental Biology, v. 69, no. 3, p. 313-319, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2010.05.002.
    Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2010, Variation in ecophysiological properties among conifers at an ecotonal boundary- Comparison of establishing seedlings and established adults at timberline: Journal of Vegetation Science, v. 21, p. 133-142.
    Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2009, Aeolian sediment transport following wildfire in sagebrush steppe: Journal of Arid Environments, v. 73, p. 912-919.
    Alongi, D.A., Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., 2009, Opportunistic heterotrophy in gametophytes of the homosporous fern Ceratopteris richardii: Botany, v. 87, p. 799-806.
    Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2009, Relationships of post-fire aeolian transport to soil and atmospheric conditions: Aeolian Research, v. 1, no. 1-2, p. 75-85.
    Norton, J., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Weber, K., Seefeldt, S., 2009, Relative suitability of indices derived from Landsat ETM+ and SPOT 5 for detecting fire severity in sagebrush steppe: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, v. 11, p. 360-367.
    Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2009, Temporal variation of nonstructural carbohydrates in montane conifers- Similarities and differences among developmental stages, species and environmental conditions: Tree Physiology, v. 29, p. 559-568.
    Smith, W.K., Germino, M.J., Johnson, D.K., Reinhardt, K., 2009, The altitude of alpine treeline - A bellwether of climate change effects: Botanical Review, v. 75, p. 163-190.
    Sankey, T.T., Germino, M.J., 2008, Assessment of juniper encroachment with the use of satellite imagery and geospatial data: Rangeland Ecology and Management, v. 61, no. 4, p. 412-418.
    Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2008, Carbon balance of conifer seedlings at timberline - Relative changes in uptake, storage, and utilization: Oecologia, v. 158, p. 217-227.
    Janzen, B.C., Germino, M.J., Anderson, J.E., 2007, PCBE Revisited- Long-Term Performance of Alternative Evapotranspiration Caps for Protecting Shallowly Buried Wastes Under Variable Precipitation: U.S. Department of Energy - Idaho Operations Office STOLLER-ESER-101, p. 1-37.
    Seefeldt, S.S., Germino, M.J., DiCristina, K., 2007, Prescribed fires in Artemisia tridentata ssp. Vaseyanasteppe have minor and transient effects on vegetation cover and composition: Applied Vegetation Science, v. 10, no. 2, p. 249-256.
    Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., Wraith, J.M., Olson, B.E., Swan, M.B., 2006, Advantages in water relations contribute to greater photosynthesis in Centaurea maculosa compared with established grasses: International Journal of Plant Sciences, v. 167, no. 2, p. 269-277.
    DiCristina, K., Germino, M.J., 2006, Correlation of neighborhood relationships, carbon assimilation, and water status of sagebrush seedlings establishing after fire: Western North American Naturalist, v. 66, no. 4, p. 441-449.
    Germino, M.J., Hasselquist, N.J., McGonigle, T., Smith, W.K., Sheridan, P.P., 2006, Landscape- and age-based factors affecting fungal colonization of conifer seedling roots at the alpine tree line: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 36, p. 901-909.
    Maher, E.L., Germino, M.J., 2006, Microsite differentiation among conifer species during seedling establishment at alpine treeline: Ecoscience, v. 13, no. 3, p. 334-341.
    Brodersen, C.R., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2006, Photosynthesis during an episodic drought in Abies lasiocarpa andPicea engelmanniiacross an alpine treeline: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 38, no. 1, p. 34-41.
    Brodersen, C.R., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2006, Photosynthesis during an episodic drought in Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii across an alpine treeline: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 38, no. 1, p. 34-41.
    Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., 2005, Coordinated variation in ecophysiological properties among life stages and tissue types in an invasive perennial forb of semiarid shrub steppe: Canadian Journal of Botany, v. 83, p. 1488-1495.
    Maher, E.L., Germino, M.J., Hasselquist, N.J., 2005, Interactive effects of tree and herb cover on survivorship, physiology, and microclimate of conifer seedlings at the alpine tree-line ecotone: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 35, p. 567-574.
    Hasselquist, N.J., Germino, M.J., McGonigle, T., Smith, W.K., 2005, Variability of Cenococcum colonization and its ecophysiological significance for young conifers at alpine-treeline: New Phytologist, v. 165, no. 3, p. 867-873, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01275.x.
    Johnson, D.M., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2004, Abiotic factors limiting photosynthesis in Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii seedlings below and above the alpine timberline: Tree Physiology, v. 24, p. 377-386.
    Smith, S.D., Naumburg, E., Niinemets, U., Germino, M.J., 2004, Leaf to Landscape In Smith, W.K., Vogelmann, T.C., Critchley, C., eds., Photosynthetic Adaptation: Chloroplast to Landscape: New York City, NY, Springer, p. 262-294.
    Smith, W.K., Germino, M.J., Hancock, T.E., Johnson, D.M., 2003, Another perspective on altitudinal limits of alpine timberlines: Tree Physiology, v. 23, p. 1101-1113.
    Germino, M.J., Wraith, J.M., 2003, Plant water relations influence carbon gain in a grass occurring along sharp gradients of soil temperature: New Phytologist, v. 157, no. 2, p. 241-250, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00663.x.
    Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., Resor, A.C., 2002, Conifer seedling distribution and survival in an alpine-treeline ecotone: Plant Ecology, v. 162, no. 2, p. 157-168.
    Bastian, C.T., McLeod, D.M., Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., 2002, Environmental amenities and agricultural land values- a hedonic model using geographic information systems data: Ecological Economics, v. 40, no. 3, p. 337-349, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8009(01)00278-6.
    Bastian, C.T., McLeod, D.M., Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., 2002, Exploring the potential for using GIS to measure environmental and visual amenities when valuing agricultural lands: Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, v. 65, no. 1, p. 43-52.
    Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., McLeod, D.M., Bastian, C.T., 2001, Estimating visual properties of Rocky Mountain landscapes using GIS: Landscape and Urban Planning, v. 53, no. 1-4, p. 71-83.
    Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2001, Relative importance of microhabitat, plant form and photosynthetic physiology to carbon gain in two alpine herbs: Functional Ecology, v. 15, p. 243-251.
    Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2000, Differences in microsite, plant form, and low-temperature photo inhibition in alpine plants: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 32, no. 4, p. 388-396.
    Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2000, High resistance to low-temperature photoinhibition in two alpine, snowbank species: Physiologia Plantarum, v. 110, no. 1, p. 89-95, https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1399-3054.2000.110112.x.
    Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 1999, Sky exposure, crown architecture, and low-temperature photo inhibition in conifer seedlings at alpine treeline: Plant, Cell and Environment, v. 22, no. 4, p. 407-415.
  • News

    To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.

    Filter Total Items: 27
    link

    A Chemical and Bio-Herbicide Mixture Increased Exotic Invaders, Both Targeted and Non-Targeted, Across a Diversely Invaded Landscape After Fire

    Herbicides sprayed to inhibit exotic annual grass germination and establishment can have unintended effects, including the release of secondary...

    Read Article
    link

    Weather Affects Post-Fire Recovery of Sagebrush-Steppe Communities and Model Transferability Among Sites

    Altered climate, including weather extremes, can affect vegetative recovery after disturbances. USGS researchers compared models to determine how...

    Read Article
    link

    Post-fire Management may have Inadvertently Released an Exotic Perennial Forb and Suppressed its Biocontrol Agents

    Invasive plants that establish in sagebrush steppe ecosystems during the critical post-fire recolonization period can affect long-term vegetation...

    Read Article
    link

    Weather and Distance to Fire Refugia Limit Landscape-Level Occurrence of Fungal Disease in an Exotic Annual Grass

    Exotic species invasion may occur because of the lack of natural enemies, such as pathogens, in introduced ranges. 

    Read Article
    link

    Detecting Shrub Recovery in Sagebrush Steppe: Comparing Landsat-Derived Maps with Field Data on Historical Wildfires

    Sagebrush can be scarce after fires in a semiarid ecosystem and their paucity over vast burn areas creates challenges for detection by remote sensing...

    Read Article
    link

    Post-Fire Growth of Seeded and Planted Big Sagebrush – Strategic Designs for Restoring Greater Sage-grouse Nesting Habitat

    Recent wildfire-induced losses of big sagebrush are outpacing natural recovery and leading to substantial losses in habitat for species such as...

    Read Article
    link

    Future Alpine Colonization by Limber Pine More Likely than by Engelmann Spruce

    Alpine treelines are expected to shift upward in elevation and latitude as a result of climate change, yet this expansion requires favorable...

    Read Article
    link

    Weed-Suppressive Bacteria Effects Differ in Culture Compared to in Soils

    Weed-suppressive bacteria (WSB), specifically the D7 and ACK55 strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, were previously reported to selectively inhibit...

    Read Article
    link

    Spatial Grain of Adaptation is Much Finer than Ecoregional-Scale Common Gardens Reveal

    Common-garden experiments, in which plants sourced from geographically distant populations are grown together such that genetic differences may be...

    Read Article
    link

    Bacterial Soil Amendment MB906 Shows Inconsistent Control of Invasive Annual Grasses

    In 2016, land managers began using a soil amendment called MB906, a weed-suppressive bacteria, to control invasive annual grasses, yet the success of...

    Read Article
    link

    Partitioning Surface Energy Balance Components in a Semi-Arid Environment

    Understanding ecosystem energy and hydrological response is important for predicting and managing future water resources under climate and land-cover...

    Read Article
    link

    Surface Energy Fluxes, Soil Moisture, and Evapotranspiration Across Three Ecosystems in a Semiarid Climate

    Understanding the land-atmosphere interaction at the ecosystem scale is important for water resource management and regional or global climate studies...

    Read Article