Research Highlights

Summary

Sagebrush communities are the cornerstones of arid ecosystems in the West, mitigating soil erosion, fostering plant and animal biodiversity, storing carbon, and providing cover and forage for wildlife, such as the greater sage-grouse. These ecosystems are being compromised by increased fire frequency and climate change, coupled with encroachment of invasive plants; subsequently, post-fire restoration has become a fundamental component for maintaining ecosystem function and resiliency in these communities.

Forest Service research focuses on ecological genetics of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), which is under threat principally from wildfire and exotic weed encroachment. Conserving and restoring big sagebrush is critical for the recovery of sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and other sagebrush-dependent wildlife species. The study’s goal is to provide management tools to promote successful restoration by: predicting the geographic areas where contemporary and future climates are suitable for this species, developing empirical seed transfer zones, and developing subspecies diagnostic tests to improve seed purity. The key findings are:

Climate change is projected to have a large impact on sagebrush ecosystems; About one-third of the climatic niche of Wyoming sagebrush may be lost by 2050;

Populations of big sagebrush are adapted to climate, specifically cold temperatures; Movement of seed should be restricted to prevent maladaptation; Seed weight can be used to differentiate co-occurring subspecies of big sagebrush; And, weighing can be used as a seed certification step for evaluating subspecies composition of seed intended for restoration.

Additional Resources