RMRS - Shrub Sciences Laboratory

Desert Experimental Range

Background - History

The Desert Experimental Range, often called the DER, was established in 1933 when President Hoover designated the 87 sq mile plot as an agricultural range experiment station. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the headquaters, major roads and over 100 miles of fences!

In 1976, the DER was designated a Bioshpere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Culture Organization (UNESCO) under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program. It currently is just one of the few cold desert biomes worldwide.

Research at the DER began with sheep grazing studies in the winter of 1934. In essence this continues today. Research now includes several other aspects from soil to insects.

For more infomation on the Desert Experimental Range please contact us at the Shrub Sciences Laboratory.

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