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Science and Products

Five mule deer stare at the camera as they stand in a field of dry sagebrush

Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy

USGS scientists are contributing to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy, a strategy intended to provide guidance so that efforts to conserve the iconic greater sage-grouse can be expanded to the entire sagebrush biome to benefit the people and wildlife that depend on it.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy

Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy

USGS scientists are contributing to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy, a strategy intended to provide guidance so that efforts to conserve the iconic greater sage-grouse can be expanded to the entire sagebrush biome to benefit the people and wildlife that depend on it.
Learn More
Maps of VegDRI and QuickDRI

Drought Monitoring Datasets Available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS)

Web Services The Drought Monitoring datasets are available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS). You can access the services using the below links.
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Monitoring Vegetation Drought Stress
Drought Monitoring Datasets Available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS)

Drought Monitoring Datasets Available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS)

Web Services The Drought Monitoring datasets are available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS). You can access the services using the below links.
Learn More
Cheatgrass in the Santa Rosa Range, Nevada.

Modeling Effects of Climate Change on Cheatgrass Die-Off Areas in the Northern Great Basin

Cheatgrass began invading the Great Basin about 100 years ago, changing large parts of the landscape from a rich, diverse ecosystem to one where a single invasive species dominates. Cheatgrass dominated areas experience more fires that burn more land than in native ecosystems, resulting in economic and resource losses. Therefore, the reduced production, or absence, of cheatgrass in...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Modeling Effects of Climate Change on Cheatgrass Die-Off Areas in the Northern Great Basin

Modeling Effects of Climate Change on Cheatgrass Die-Off Areas in the Northern Great Basin

Cheatgrass began invading the Great Basin about 100 years ago, changing large parts of the landscape from a rich, diverse ecosystem to one where a single invasive species dominates. Cheatgrass dominated areas experience more fires that burn more land than in native ecosystems, resulting in economic and resource losses. Therefore, the reduced production, or absence, of cheatgrass in previously
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 30

Modelled long-term wildfire occurrence probabilities in sagebrush-dominated ecosystems in the western US (1985 to 2019) Modelled long-term wildfire occurrence probabilities in sagebrush-dominated ecosystems in the western US (1985 to 2019)

Exotic annual grasses are one of the most damaging biological stressors in western North America and increase the susceptibility of landscapes to wildfire occurrence. Here we couple estimates of long-term rangeland component fractions (e.g. exotic annual grasses) with remote sensing, climate data, and machine learning techniques to estimate the long-term (1985 to 2019) probability of...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Historic and future trends in exotic annual grass (%) cover in the western US (1985 to 2019 and 2025 to 2040) Historic and future trends in exotic annual grass (%) cover in the western US (1985 to 2019 and 2025 to 2040)

Exotic annual grasses [EAG] are one of the most damaging biological stressors in western North America. Despite numerous environmental and societal impacts associated with EAG there remains a need to enhance regional monitoring capabilities to better guide management and conservation efforts. Here we provide estimates of historic and potential future trends in EAG abundance that were...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2025 Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2025

We provide fractional cover estimates for exotic annual grass (EAG) species and one native perennial grass species on a weekly basis from mid-April to late June 2025. The cover estimates reflect actual conditions of the previous week and are released in an expedited manner, within 7-13 days of the latest satellite observation used for that weekly prediction. Each weekly release contains...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Weekly Changes of Exotic Annual Grasses (EAG) abundance in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2024 Weekly Changes of Exotic Annual Grasses (EAG) abundance in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2024

These datasets provide weekly differences of early estimates of 2024 fractional cover for exotic annual grass (EAG) that were released from April to late June. The EAG estimates were publicly released within 7-13 days of the latest satellite observation used for that version. Each weekly release contained five fractional cover maps along with their corresponding confidence maps for: 1) a...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Cheatgrass and Medusahead annual Phenology extraction in Snake River Plain and Northern Basin and Range Cheatgrass and Medusahead annual Phenology extraction in Snake River Plain and Northern Basin and Range

Phenological dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems reflect the response of the Earth's vegetation canopy to changes in climate and hydrology and are thus important to monitor operationally. The cheatgrass and medusahead phenology in the Snake River Plain (SRP) and Northern Basin and Range (NBR) based on 30m near seamless Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) Normalized Difference...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2024 Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2024

These datasets provide early estimates of 2024 fractional cover for exotic annual grass (EAG) species and one native perennial grass species on a weekly basis from April to late June. Typically, the EAG estimates are publicly released within 7-13 days of the latest satellite observation used for that version. Each weekly release contains five fractional cover maps along with their...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2023 Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2023

These datasets provide early estimates of 2023 fractional cover for exotic annual grass (EAG) species and one native perennial grass species on a weekly basis from May to early July. The EAG estimates are developed typically within 7-13 days of the latest satellite observation used for that version. Each weekly release contains four fractional cover maps along with their corresponding...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Predicted exotic annual grass abundance in rangelands of the western United States using various precipitation scenarios for 2022 Predicted exotic annual grass abundance in rangelands of the western United States using various precipitation scenarios for 2022

Invasion of exotic annual grass (EAG), such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), red brome (Bromus rubens), and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), could have irreversible degradation impact to arid and semiarid rangeland ecosystems in the western United States. The distribution and abundance of these EAG species are highly influenced by weather variables such as temperature and...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Biophysical drivers for predicting the distribution and abundance of invasive yellow sweet clover in the Northern Great Plains Biophysical drivers for predicting the distribution and abundance of invasive yellow sweet clover in the Northern Great Plains

Yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis; YSC), an invasive biennial legume, bloomed throughout the Northern Great Plains (NGP) following greater-than-average precipitation during 2018-2019. YSC can increase nitrogen (N) levels and potentially cause broad changes in the composition of native plant species communities. There is little knowledge of the drivers behind its spatiotemporal...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Using seasonal climate scenarios in the ForageAhead annual forage production model for early drought impact assessment Using seasonal climate scenarios in the ForageAhead annual forage production model for early drought impact assessment

High interannual variability of forage production in semi-arid grasslands leads to uncertainties when livestock producers make decisions such as buying additional feed, relocating animals, or using flexible stocking. Within-season predictions of annual forage production (i.e., yearly production) can provide specific boundaries for producers to make these decisions with more information...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

S-NPP 375-m eVIIRS Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics - across the conterminous U.S. (ver. 3.0, August 2025) S-NPP 375-m eVIIRS Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics - across the conterminous U.S. (ver. 3.0, August 2025)

Phenological dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems reflect the response of the Earth's vegetation canopy to changes in climate and hydrology and are thus important to monitor operationally. Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center have developed methods for documenting the seasonal dynamics of vegetation in an operational...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Remote Sensing Phenology

Exotic annual grass (EAG) phenology estimates for western U.S. rangelands based on 30-m HLS NDVI (ver. 4.0, August 2025) Exotic annual grass (EAG) phenology estimates for western U.S. rangelands based on 30-m HLS NDVI (ver. 4.0, August 2025)

Phenological dynamics reflect the vegetation response to changes in weather, vegetation composition, plant life stages pertinent to both agricultural and fire management and are thus important to monitor operationally. The Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) phenology in the western U.S. rangeland based on 30-m Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Remote Sensing Phenology
Filter Total Items: 24

Differentiating cheatgrass and medusahead phenological characteristics in western United States rangelands Differentiating cheatgrass and medusahead phenological characteristics in western United States rangelands

Expansions in the extent and infestation levels of exotic annual grass (EAG) within the rangelands of the western United States are well documented. Land managers are tasked with developing plans to limit EAG spread and prevent irreversible ecosystem deterioration. The most common EAG species and the subject of extensive study is Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass). Cheatgrass has spread...
Authors
Trenton Benedict, Stephen P. Boyte, Devendra Dahal
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Predicting exotic annual grass abundance in rangelands of the western United States using various precipitation scenarios Predicting exotic annual grass abundance in rangelands of the western United States using various precipitation scenarios

Expansion of exotic annual grass (EAG), such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae [L.] Nevski), could cause irreversible changes to arid and semiarid rangeland ecosystems in the western United States. The distribution and abundance of EAG species are highly affected by weather variables such as temperature and precipitation. The study's goal is to
Authors
Devendra Dahal, Stephen P. Boyte, Michael Oimoen
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Using seasonal climate scenarios in the ForageAhead annual forage production model for early drought impact assessment Using seasonal climate scenarios in the ForageAhead annual forage production model for early drought impact assessment

High interannual variability of forage production in semiarid grasslands leads to uncertainties when livestock producers make decisions, such as buying additional feed, relocating animals, or using flexible stocking. Within-season predictions of annual forage production (i.e., yearly production) can provide specific boundaries for producers to make these decisions with more information...
Authors
Marketa Podebradska, Bruce K. Wylie, Michael Hayes, Deborah J. Bathke, Yared A. Bayissa, Stephen P. Boyte, Jesslyn Brown, Brian D. Wardlow
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Biophysical drivers for predicting the distribution and abundance of invasive yellow sweetclover in the Northern Great Plains Biophysical drivers for predicting the distribution and abundance of invasive yellow sweetclover in the Northern Great Plains

Context Yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis; YSC) is an invasive biennial legume that bloomed across the Northern Great Plains in 2018–2019 in response to above-average precipitation. YSC can increase nitrogen (N) levels and potentially cause substantial changes in the composition of native plant species communities. There is little knowledge of the spatiotemporal variability and...
Authors
Sakshi Saraf, Ranjeet John, Reza Amirkhiz, Venkatesh Kolluru, Khushboo Jain, Matthew Rigge, Vincenzo Giannico, Stephen P. Boyte, Jiquan Chen, Geoffrey Henebry, Meghann Jarchow, Raffaele Lafortezza
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Extracting exotic annual grass phenology and climate relations in western U.S. rangeland ecoregions Extracting exotic annual grass phenology and climate relations in western U.S. rangeland ecoregions

This research builds upon the extensive body of work to model exotic annual grass (EAG) characteristics and invasion. EAGs increase wildland fire risk and intensifies wildland fire behavior in western U.S. rangelands. Therefore, understanding characteristics of EAG growth increases understanding of its dynamics and can inform rangeland management decisions. To better understand EAG...
Authors
Trenton Benedict, Stephen P. Boyte, Devendra Dahal, Dinesh Shrestha, Sujan Parajuli, Logan Megard
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Multi-species inference of exotic annual and native perennial grasses in rangelands of the western United States using Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 data Multi-species inference of exotic annual and native perennial grasses in rangelands of the western United States using Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 data

The invasion of exotic annual grass (EAG), e.g., cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), into rangeland ecosystems of the western United States is a broad-scale problem that affects wildlife habitats, increases wildfire frequency, and adds to land management costs. However, identifying individual species of EAG abundance from remote sensing, particularly...
Authors
Devendra Dahal, Neal Pastick, Stephen P. Boyte, Sujan Parajuli, Michael Oimoen, Logan Megard
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Tools and technologies for quantifying spread and impacts of invasive species Tools and technologies for quantifying spread and impacts of invasive species

The need for tools and technologies for understanding and quantifying invasive species has never been greater. Rates of infestation vary on the species or organism being examined across the United States, and notable examples can be found. For example, from 2001 to 2003 alone, ash (Fraxinus spp.) mortality progressed at a rate of 12.97 km year −1 (Siegert et al. 2014), and cheatgrass...
Authors
Matt Reeves, Ines Ibanez, Dana Blumenthal, Gang Chen, Qinfeng Guo, Catherine Jarnevich, Jennifer Koch, Frank Sapio, Michael Schwartz, Ross Meentemeyer, Bruce Wylie, Stephen Boyte
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Fort Collins Science Center

Rapid monitoring of the abundance and spread of exotic annual grasses in the western United States using remote sensing and machine learning Rapid monitoring of the abundance and spread of exotic annual grasses in the western United States using remote sensing and machine learning

Exotic annual grasses (EAG) are one of the most damaging agents of change in western North America. Despite known socio-environmental effects of EAG there remains a need to enhance monitoring capabilities for better informing conservation and management practices. Here, we integrate field observations, remote sensing and climate data with machine-learning techniques to estimate and...
Authors
Neal Pastick, Bruce Wylie, Matthew Rigge, Devendra Dahal, Stephen P. Boyte, Matthew Jones, Brady Allred, Sujan Parajuli, Zhuoting Wu
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Exploring VIIRS continuity with MODIS in an expedited capability for monitoring drought-related vegetation conditions Exploring VIIRS continuity with MODIS in an expedited capability for monitoring drought-related vegetation conditions

Vegetation has been effectively monitored using remote sensing time-series vegetation index (VI) data for several decades. Drought monitoring has been a common application with algorithms tuned to capturing anomalous temporal and spatial vegetation patterns. Drought stress models, such as the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI), often use VIs like the Normalized Difference...
Authors
Trenton Benedict, Jesslyn Brown, Stephen P. Boyte, Daniel Howard, Brian Fuchs, Brian Wardlow, Tsegaye Tadesse, Kirk Evenson
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Monitoring Vegetation Drought Stress, Remote Sensing Phenology

Estimating abiotic thresholds for sagebrush condition class in the western United States Estimating abiotic thresholds for sagebrush condition class in the western United States

Sagebrush ecosystems of the western United States can transition from extended periods of relatively stable conditions to rapid ecological change if acute disturbances occur. Areas dominated by native sagebrush can transition from species-rich native systems to altered states where non-native annual grasses dominate, if resistance to annual grasses is low. The non-native annual grasses...
Authors
Stephen P. Boyte, Bruce Wylie, Yingxin Gu, Donald Major
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wildland Fire Science

Characterizing land surface phenology and exotic annual grasses in dryland ecosystems using Landsat and Sentinel-2 data in harmony Characterizing land surface phenology and exotic annual grasses in dryland ecosystems using Landsat and Sentinel-2 data in harmony

Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), have proliferated in dryland ecosystems of the western United States, promoting increased fire activity and reduced biodiversity that can be detrimental to socio-environmental systems. Monitoring exotic annual grass cover and dynamics over large areas requires the use of remote sensing that can support early detection and...
Authors
Neal Pastick, Devendra Dahal, Bruce Wylie, Sujan Parajuli, Stephen Boyte, Zhuoting Wu
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wildland Fire Science

Validating a time series of annual grass percent cover in the sagebrush ecosystem Validating a time series of annual grass percent cover in the sagebrush ecosystem

We mapped yearly (2000–2016) estimates of annual grass percent cover for much of the sagebrush ecosystem of the western United States using remotely sensed, climate, and geophysical data in regression-tree models. Annual grasses senesce and cure by early summer and then become beds of fine fuel that easily ignite and spread fire through rangeland systems. Our annual maps estimate the...
Authors
Stephen Boyte, Bruce Wylie, Donald Major
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wildland Fire Science
Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics for 2020 Released

Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics for 2020 Released

The 2020 Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics have been released. This suite of phenology metrics was
derived from time-series Collection 6 Aqua eMODIS...

Read Article
USGS EROS Work Informs Sagebrush Ecosystem Efforts

USGS EROS Work Informs Sagebrush Ecosystem Efforts

The case for sagebrush habitat as the iconic landscape of the American West is a fairly one easy to make.

Read Article

Science and Products

Five mule deer stare at the camera as they stand in a field of dry sagebrush

Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy

USGS scientists are contributing to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy, a strategy intended to provide guidance so that efforts to conserve the iconic greater sage-grouse can be expanded to the entire sagebrush biome to benefit the people and wildlife that depend on it.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy

Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy

USGS scientists are contributing to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy, a strategy intended to provide guidance so that efforts to conserve the iconic greater sage-grouse can be expanded to the entire sagebrush biome to benefit the people and wildlife that depend on it.
Learn More
Maps of VegDRI and QuickDRI

Drought Monitoring Datasets Available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS)

Web Services The Drought Monitoring datasets are available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS). You can access the services using the below links.
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Monitoring Vegetation Drought Stress
Drought Monitoring Datasets Available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS)

Drought Monitoring Datasets Available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS)

Web Services The Drought Monitoring datasets are available as OGC Web Map Services (WMS). You can access the services using the below links.
Learn More
Cheatgrass in the Santa Rosa Range, Nevada.

Modeling Effects of Climate Change on Cheatgrass Die-Off Areas in the Northern Great Basin

Cheatgrass began invading the Great Basin about 100 years ago, changing large parts of the landscape from a rich, diverse ecosystem to one where a single invasive species dominates. Cheatgrass dominated areas experience more fires that burn more land than in native ecosystems, resulting in economic and resource losses. Therefore, the reduced production, or absence, of cheatgrass in...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Modeling Effects of Climate Change on Cheatgrass Die-Off Areas in the Northern Great Basin

Modeling Effects of Climate Change on Cheatgrass Die-Off Areas in the Northern Great Basin

Cheatgrass began invading the Great Basin about 100 years ago, changing large parts of the landscape from a rich, diverse ecosystem to one where a single invasive species dominates. Cheatgrass dominated areas experience more fires that burn more land than in native ecosystems, resulting in economic and resource losses. Therefore, the reduced production, or absence, of cheatgrass in previously
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 30

Modelled long-term wildfire occurrence probabilities in sagebrush-dominated ecosystems in the western US (1985 to 2019) Modelled long-term wildfire occurrence probabilities in sagebrush-dominated ecosystems in the western US (1985 to 2019)

Exotic annual grasses are one of the most damaging biological stressors in western North America and increase the susceptibility of landscapes to wildfire occurrence. Here we couple estimates of long-term rangeland component fractions (e.g. exotic annual grasses) with remote sensing, climate data, and machine learning techniques to estimate the long-term (1985 to 2019) probability of...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Historic and future trends in exotic annual grass (%) cover in the western US (1985 to 2019 and 2025 to 2040) Historic and future trends in exotic annual grass (%) cover in the western US (1985 to 2019 and 2025 to 2040)

Exotic annual grasses [EAG] are one of the most damaging biological stressors in western North America. Despite numerous environmental and societal impacts associated with EAG there remains a need to enhance regional monitoring capabilities to better guide management and conservation efforts. Here we provide estimates of historic and potential future trends in EAG abundance that were...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2025 Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2025

We provide fractional cover estimates for exotic annual grass (EAG) species and one native perennial grass species on a weekly basis from mid-April to late June 2025. The cover estimates reflect actual conditions of the previous week and are released in an expedited manner, within 7-13 days of the latest satellite observation used for that weekly prediction. Each weekly release contains...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Weekly Changes of Exotic Annual Grasses (EAG) abundance in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2024 Weekly Changes of Exotic Annual Grasses (EAG) abundance in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2024

These datasets provide weekly differences of early estimates of 2024 fractional cover for exotic annual grass (EAG) that were released from April to late June. The EAG estimates were publicly released within 7-13 days of the latest satellite observation used for that version. Each weekly release contained five fractional cover maps along with their corresponding confidence maps for: 1) a...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Cheatgrass and Medusahead annual Phenology extraction in Snake River Plain and Northern Basin and Range Cheatgrass and Medusahead annual Phenology extraction in Snake River Plain and Northern Basin and Range

Phenological dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems reflect the response of the Earth's vegetation canopy to changes in climate and hydrology and are thus important to monitor operationally. The cheatgrass and medusahead phenology in the Snake River Plain (SRP) and Northern Basin and Range (NBR) based on 30m near seamless Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) Normalized Difference...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2024 Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2024

These datasets provide early estimates of 2024 fractional cover for exotic annual grass (EAG) species and one native perennial grass species on a weekly basis from April to late June. Typically, the EAG estimates are publicly released within 7-13 days of the latest satellite observation used for that version. Each weekly release contains five fractional cover maps along with their...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2023 Early Estimates of Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) in the Sagebrush Biome, USA, 2023

These datasets provide early estimates of 2023 fractional cover for exotic annual grass (EAG) species and one native perennial grass species on a weekly basis from May to early July. The EAG estimates are developed typically within 7-13 days of the latest satellite observation used for that version. Each weekly release contains four fractional cover maps along with their corresponding...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Predicted exotic annual grass abundance in rangelands of the western United States using various precipitation scenarios for 2022 Predicted exotic annual grass abundance in rangelands of the western United States using various precipitation scenarios for 2022

Invasion of exotic annual grass (EAG), such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), red brome (Bromus rubens), and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), could have irreversible degradation impact to arid and semiarid rangeland ecosystems in the western United States. The distribution and abundance of these EAG species are highly influenced by weather variables such as temperature and...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Biophysical drivers for predicting the distribution and abundance of invasive yellow sweet clover in the Northern Great Plains Biophysical drivers for predicting the distribution and abundance of invasive yellow sweet clover in the Northern Great Plains

Yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis; YSC), an invasive biennial legume, bloomed throughout the Northern Great Plains (NGP) following greater-than-average precipitation during 2018-2019. YSC can increase nitrogen (N) levels and potentially cause broad changes in the composition of native plant species communities. There is little knowledge of the drivers behind its spatiotemporal...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Using seasonal climate scenarios in the ForageAhead annual forage production model for early drought impact assessment Using seasonal climate scenarios in the ForageAhead annual forage production model for early drought impact assessment

High interannual variability of forage production in semi-arid grasslands leads to uncertainties when livestock producers make decisions such as buying additional feed, relocating animals, or using flexible stocking. Within-season predictions of annual forage production (i.e., yearly production) can provide specific boundaries for producers to make these decisions with more information...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

S-NPP 375-m eVIIRS Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics - across the conterminous U.S. (ver. 3.0, August 2025) S-NPP 375-m eVIIRS Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics - across the conterminous U.S. (ver. 3.0, August 2025)

Phenological dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems reflect the response of the Earth's vegetation canopy to changes in climate and hydrology and are thus important to monitor operationally. Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center have developed methods for documenting the seasonal dynamics of vegetation in an operational...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Remote Sensing Phenology

Exotic annual grass (EAG) phenology estimates for western U.S. rangelands based on 30-m HLS NDVI (ver. 4.0, August 2025) Exotic annual grass (EAG) phenology estimates for western U.S. rangelands based on 30-m HLS NDVI (ver. 4.0, August 2025)

Phenological dynamics reflect the vegetation response to changes in weather, vegetation composition, plant life stages pertinent to both agricultural and fire management and are thus important to monitor operationally. The Exotic Annual Grass (EAG) phenology in the western U.S. rangeland based on 30-m Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Remote Sensing Phenology
Filter Total Items: 24

Differentiating cheatgrass and medusahead phenological characteristics in western United States rangelands Differentiating cheatgrass and medusahead phenological characteristics in western United States rangelands

Expansions in the extent and infestation levels of exotic annual grass (EAG) within the rangelands of the western United States are well documented. Land managers are tasked with developing plans to limit EAG spread and prevent irreversible ecosystem deterioration. The most common EAG species and the subject of extensive study is Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass). Cheatgrass has spread...
Authors
Trenton Benedict, Stephen P. Boyte, Devendra Dahal
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Predicting exotic annual grass abundance in rangelands of the western United States using various precipitation scenarios Predicting exotic annual grass abundance in rangelands of the western United States using various precipitation scenarios

Expansion of exotic annual grass (EAG), such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae [L.] Nevski), could cause irreversible changes to arid and semiarid rangeland ecosystems in the western United States. The distribution and abundance of EAG species are highly affected by weather variables such as temperature and precipitation. The study's goal is to
Authors
Devendra Dahal, Stephen P. Boyte, Michael Oimoen
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Using seasonal climate scenarios in the ForageAhead annual forage production model for early drought impact assessment Using seasonal climate scenarios in the ForageAhead annual forage production model for early drought impact assessment

High interannual variability of forage production in semiarid grasslands leads to uncertainties when livestock producers make decisions, such as buying additional feed, relocating animals, or using flexible stocking. Within-season predictions of annual forage production (i.e., yearly production) can provide specific boundaries for producers to make these decisions with more information...
Authors
Marketa Podebradska, Bruce K. Wylie, Michael Hayes, Deborah J. Bathke, Yared A. Bayissa, Stephen P. Boyte, Jesslyn Brown, Brian D. Wardlow
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Biophysical drivers for predicting the distribution and abundance of invasive yellow sweetclover in the Northern Great Plains Biophysical drivers for predicting the distribution and abundance of invasive yellow sweetclover in the Northern Great Plains

Context Yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis; YSC) is an invasive biennial legume that bloomed across the Northern Great Plains in 2018–2019 in response to above-average precipitation. YSC can increase nitrogen (N) levels and potentially cause substantial changes in the composition of native plant species communities. There is little knowledge of the spatiotemporal variability and...
Authors
Sakshi Saraf, Ranjeet John, Reza Amirkhiz, Venkatesh Kolluru, Khushboo Jain, Matthew Rigge, Vincenzo Giannico, Stephen P. Boyte, Jiquan Chen, Geoffrey Henebry, Meghann Jarchow, Raffaele Lafortezza
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Extracting exotic annual grass phenology and climate relations in western U.S. rangeland ecoregions Extracting exotic annual grass phenology and climate relations in western U.S. rangeland ecoregions

This research builds upon the extensive body of work to model exotic annual grass (EAG) characteristics and invasion. EAGs increase wildland fire risk and intensifies wildland fire behavior in western U.S. rangelands. Therefore, understanding characteristics of EAG growth increases understanding of its dynamics and can inform rangeland management decisions. To better understand EAG...
Authors
Trenton Benedict, Stephen P. Boyte, Devendra Dahal, Dinesh Shrestha, Sujan Parajuli, Logan Megard
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Multi-species inference of exotic annual and native perennial grasses in rangelands of the western United States using Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 data Multi-species inference of exotic annual and native perennial grasses in rangelands of the western United States using Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 data

The invasion of exotic annual grass (EAG), e.g., cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), into rangeland ecosystems of the western United States is a broad-scale problem that affects wildlife habitats, increases wildfire frequency, and adds to land management costs. However, identifying individual species of EAG abundance from remote sensing, particularly...
Authors
Devendra Dahal, Neal Pastick, Stephen P. Boyte, Sujan Parajuli, Michael Oimoen, Logan Megard
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Tools and technologies for quantifying spread and impacts of invasive species Tools and technologies for quantifying spread and impacts of invasive species

The need for tools and technologies for understanding and quantifying invasive species has never been greater. Rates of infestation vary on the species or organism being examined across the United States, and notable examples can be found. For example, from 2001 to 2003 alone, ash (Fraxinus spp.) mortality progressed at a rate of 12.97 km year −1 (Siegert et al. 2014), and cheatgrass...
Authors
Matt Reeves, Ines Ibanez, Dana Blumenthal, Gang Chen, Qinfeng Guo, Catherine Jarnevich, Jennifer Koch, Frank Sapio, Michael Schwartz, Ross Meentemeyer, Bruce Wylie, Stephen Boyte
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Fort Collins Science Center

Rapid monitoring of the abundance and spread of exotic annual grasses in the western United States using remote sensing and machine learning Rapid monitoring of the abundance and spread of exotic annual grasses in the western United States using remote sensing and machine learning

Exotic annual grasses (EAG) are one of the most damaging agents of change in western North America. Despite known socio-environmental effects of EAG there remains a need to enhance monitoring capabilities for better informing conservation and management practices. Here, we integrate field observations, remote sensing and climate data with machine-learning techniques to estimate and...
Authors
Neal Pastick, Bruce Wylie, Matthew Rigge, Devendra Dahal, Stephen P. Boyte, Matthew Jones, Brady Allred, Sujan Parajuli, Zhuoting Wu
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Exploring VIIRS continuity with MODIS in an expedited capability for monitoring drought-related vegetation conditions Exploring VIIRS continuity with MODIS in an expedited capability for monitoring drought-related vegetation conditions

Vegetation has been effectively monitored using remote sensing time-series vegetation index (VI) data for several decades. Drought monitoring has been a common application with algorithms tuned to capturing anomalous temporal and spatial vegetation patterns. Drought stress models, such as the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI), often use VIs like the Normalized Difference...
Authors
Trenton Benedict, Jesslyn Brown, Stephen P. Boyte, Daniel Howard, Brian Fuchs, Brian Wardlow, Tsegaye Tadesse, Kirk Evenson
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Monitoring Vegetation Drought Stress, Remote Sensing Phenology

Estimating abiotic thresholds for sagebrush condition class in the western United States Estimating abiotic thresholds for sagebrush condition class in the western United States

Sagebrush ecosystems of the western United States can transition from extended periods of relatively stable conditions to rapid ecological change if acute disturbances occur. Areas dominated by native sagebrush can transition from species-rich native systems to altered states where non-native annual grasses dominate, if resistance to annual grasses is low. The non-native annual grasses...
Authors
Stephen P. Boyte, Bruce Wylie, Yingxin Gu, Donald Major
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wildland Fire Science

Characterizing land surface phenology and exotic annual grasses in dryland ecosystems using Landsat and Sentinel-2 data in harmony Characterizing land surface phenology and exotic annual grasses in dryland ecosystems using Landsat and Sentinel-2 data in harmony

Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), have proliferated in dryland ecosystems of the western United States, promoting increased fire activity and reduced biodiversity that can be detrimental to socio-environmental systems. Monitoring exotic annual grass cover and dynamics over large areas requires the use of remote sensing that can support early detection and...
Authors
Neal Pastick, Devendra Dahal, Bruce Wylie, Sujan Parajuli, Stephen Boyte, Zhuoting Wu
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wildland Fire Science

Validating a time series of annual grass percent cover in the sagebrush ecosystem Validating a time series of annual grass percent cover in the sagebrush ecosystem

We mapped yearly (2000–2016) estimates of annual grass percent cover for much of the sagebrush ecosystem of the western United States using remotely sensed, climate, and geophysical data in regression-tree models. Annual grasses senesce and cure by early summer and then become beds of fine fuel that easily ignite and spread fire through rangeland systems. Our annual maps estimate the...
Authors
Stephen Boyte, Bruce Wylie, Donald Major
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wildland Fire Science
Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics for 2020 Released

Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics for 2020 Released

The 2020 Remote Sensing Phenology Metrics have been released. This suite of phenology metrics was
derived from time-series Collection 6 Aqua eMODIS...

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USGS EROS Work Informs Sagebrush Ecosystem Efforts

USGS EROS Work Informs Sagebrush Ecosystem Efforts

The case for sagebrush habitat as the iconic landscape of the American West is a fairly one easy to make.

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