Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU

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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center (GLSC) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research to develop research and modeling of habitat dynamics in sagebrush, rangeland and woodland ecosystems to inform conservation and management of native habitats, livestock and wildlife, including Greater Sage-grouse (sage-grouse). Widespread revision of land-management plans (federal agencies) driven by recent decisions (2016) and future evaluations (2021) by Fish and Wildlife Service regarding Greater Sage-grouse; recurrence of large wildfires; spread and negative effect of non-native plants; the need for understanding effects of habitat patterns and trends on multiple species of concern; and clearly stated priorities in wildlife management plans (state agencies) elevate the information needs of planners and managers for better understanding of the natural dynamics and management of these semi-arid ecosystems. Specifically, practical information regarding factors affecting the distribution of habitat types, rates of recovery after disturbance, effectiveness of restoration and treatment actions, and accumulation of wildfire fuels, are needed to support management of the sagebrush ecosystem and guide management decisions. Extensive data representing wildlife populations has been collected by multiple entities across the sagebrush range and integrating population dynamics with the patterns and dynamics of sagebrush, rangeland and woodland habitats is essential for long-term conservation success - i.e. understanding how habitat patterns and changes affect wildlife - will directly support successful wildlife conservation. Documentation of patterns and trends in ecosystem and habitat conditions, including restoration and treatment effects, is growing, and concepts and analyses that synthesize and interpret these results for management application are needed. In addition to sage-grouse, concerns about other native wildlife, including songbirds, ungulates and small mammals, expressed by both Federal and State agencies, indicates that analyses addressing how restoration, treatments and fires interact to affect multiple species is needed. Multiple species conservation can be addressed through a sound understanding of ecosystem functions; through understanding of how soils, climate, geography, fire and land-use ¿ to name a few ¿ affect the distribution, dynamics and condition of vegetation and connecting this understanding to wildlife population dynamics we can better balance the needs of people and wildlife across this landscape.

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