Changing Fire Regimes, Increased Fuel Loads, and Invasive Species:  Effects on Sagebrush Steppe and Pinyon-Juniper Ecosystems

GBEM-Team Leader

   -Jeanne Chambers

EPR-Project Leader

   -Robin Tausch

GBEM-Field Tour

Employment

Joint Fire Science

Program

Pinyon juniper woodlands and Wyoming big sagebrush ecosystems have undergone major changes in vegetation structure and composition since settlement by European Americans.  These changes are resulting in dramatic shifts in fire frequency, size and severity.  This integrated project being conducted in Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah is examining:

1. pre-settlement fire regimes and the spatial and temporal changes that have occurred in Intermountain Region woodlands and sagebrush steppe ecosystems

2. changing fuel loads and the consequences for the ecosystem types and conditions that currently exist on the landscape

3. the environmental and ecological factors that influence community susceptibility to invasive species.

This research will provide both regional and local information on characteristics of woodlands and shrublands at greatest risk of catastrophic fire, most susceptible to cheatgrass invasion, as well as most suitable for prescribed fire.  It will also provide information on the effects of resource availability, community condition, and fire on community susceptibility to cheatgrass and secondary weed invasion. The the duration of the project is from October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2005 and funded by JFSP.

Researchers:

Jeanne C. Chambers, E. Durant McArthur, Robin J. Tausch, Stephen Monsen, Nancy L. Shaw, Susan E. Meyer-USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

Richard R. Miller-Oregon State University

Robert Blank-USDA Agricultural Research Service

Stephen C. Bunting-University of Idaho

Bruce Roundy-Brigham Young University

Scott C. Walker-Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Mike Pellant-USDI Bureau of Land Management

JFSP Report

Fuel Loading Thesis

Contacts:

Jeanne C. Chambers jchambers@fs.fed.us

775.784.5329

 Durant McArthur dmcarthur@fs.fed.us

 801.356.5112