Seeking consensus in post-fire management: The Canyon Creek example
2016-04-14
Watch video.
This video produced by the NW Fire Science Consortium, shows how collaborative efforts are not only working to help find consensus on addressing large landscape-level restoration, but also in management of the post-fire environment. How do you address the cross-boundary, diverse interests on over 100,000 burned acres?

Insects affecting native seed production
2016-04-19 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
This webinar focuses on insects that have contributed to seed production problems in native plant production over the past two decades on the Colorado Plateau and in the Great Basin. The webinar was presented by Bob Hammon, Entomology/Agronomy Extension Agent, Tri River Extension Area.
Webinar recording

Wildland seed collection: Responding to a changing market
2016-04-20 11:30 - 12:30
In this webinar, Ed Kleiner, Comstock Seed, Gardnerville, NV, discusses the parameters of native seed collection including collection techniques, permitting, certification, and market trends which are moving toward local genetic sources and provisional seed zones.
Webinar recording

Using native plants in fuel breaks
2016-04-26 11:30 - 12:30
In this webinar, Mark Williams, BLM, Salt Lake City, UT, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using native and non-native plants for fuel breaks, which are common treatments in rangelands where the spread of invasive annuals and subsequent wildfire threaten sagebrush ecosystems.
Webinar recording

Using resilience and resistance concepts to manage threats to sagebrush ecosystems and sage-grouse
2016-04-29 11:30 - 12:30
Webinar recording.
This webinar discusses a strategic approach developed by an interagency, Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies working group for conservation of sagebrush ecosystems, Gunnison sage-grouse, and greater sage-grouse. It uses information on (1) factors that influence sagebrush ecosystem resilience to disturbance and resistance to nonnative invasive plants and (2) distribution and relative abundance of sage-grouse populations to address persistent ecosystem threats, such as nonnative invasive plants and wildfire, and anthropogenic threats, such as oil and gas development and agronomic conversion, and to develop effective management strategies.
Webinar was presented by Jeanne Chambers, US Forest Service – Rocky Mountain Research Station and hosted by the Great Northern, Southern Rockies, and Great Basin Landscape Conservation Cooperatives

Sage-grouse forb preference by 12 plant categories
2016-05-05 11:30 - 12:30
Webinar addendum.
This webinar presented by Roger Rosentreter, BLM Idaho Retired State Botanist, describes a method for quickly assessing sage-grouse food availability and value. Grouping species into palatability groups make field sampling and analysis more reasonable and can assist in the development of management recommendations for sage-grouse.
Webinar recording

Sage-grouse habitat conservation through prisons
2016-05-19 11:30 - 12:30
This webinar presented by Stacy Moore, Ecological Education Program, Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE), introduces the Sagebrush in Prisons Project, which is designed to improve habitat for the greater sage-grouse by engaging state prison systems in production of sagebrush and other important plants for habitat restoration on BLM lands. BLM field offices and the IAE grow sagebrush with 11 prisons in 6 states. Inmates are involved in sowing plants, growing them over the summer, and planting-out on BLM land in the fall.
Webinar recording

BLM Paradigm Project seeks to stop the fire cycle in southwestern Idaho
2016-06-14
Watch video
This video discusses the BLMs plans to create 350 miles of fire breaks between Boise and Glenns Ferry in hopes of catching fires when they’re small. The BLM Boise District is working together with the rancher-led Mountain Home Rangeland Fire Protection Association, Idaho Dept. of Lands, and the Idaho Transportation Department.

Targeted grazing stakeholder workshop 2016 - Meeting presentations
2016-10-06 | Nugget Hotel and Casino, Sparks, United States
The BLM Targeted Grazing Stakeholder Workshop took place on October 6, 2016 at the Nugget Hotel in Sparks, NV. The following videos and documents are available from the workshop:

Agenda
Recording of session 1
Recording of session 2

Meeting presentations (pdfs)

Elko District targeted grazing demonstration plots, Kathryn Dyer, BLM
Targeted grazing demonstration areas, Mike Pellant, BLM
Secretarial Order 3336: an integrated rangeland fire management strategy, Mike Haske, BLM
Targeted grazing and SO 3336, Jeff Rose, BLM
Grazing for fire management, Gregg Simonds, Open Range Consulting
Livestock fuels reduction, Mike Pellant, BLM
Standardized monitoring and assessment protocols, Patrick Clark, USDA ARS

Engaging communities in sagebrush restoration: Idaho Fish and Game Southwest Region Volunteer Program
2017-01-24 11:30 - 12:30
Webinar brief.
This webinar provided an overview of Idaho Fish and Game’s Southwest Region Volunteer Program, which has been utilizing volunteers in important habitat restoration projects for over 25 years. They use an adaptive approach to landscape management that includes responding to wildfires and working across land managed by federal, state and private entities. The program has become quite successful because it makes the volunteer the most important piece of the project; without volunteers the projects could not happen.
Webinar recording

Assessing the impacts of post-fire drill seeding on archaeological resources: A case study from the Owyhee Uplands in southwest Idaho
2017-02-15
Webinar brief.
Rangeland drills are commonly employed for post fire rehabilitation and emergency stabilization. With the assumption that adverse effects will occur, archaeological sites are flagged and avoided. This may cause a site stranding effect and greater potential for post fire erosion. To better understand and quantify the effects we evaluated four archaeological sites characterized as lithic scatters. Artifacts were documented and point-plotted using sub-centimeter GPS technology, subjected to drill seeding, and subsequently replotted and reevaluated. This presentation will detail the methods and results of this study and thoughts for future application. This webinar was presented by Kirk Halford, BLM, Boise.
Webinar recording

Weed-free seed, unicorns, and other myths
2017-03-15
Webinar brief.
This webinar presents an overview of how to understand what weeds are and are not included in weed testing for seed that is sold in industry or increased under contract, and presents tools to help determine what weeds are actually present in seed procured by the end-user. A seed ordering guidance paper will also be made available. Presented by Steve Popovich, Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation National Program Lead, BLM, Washington D.C.
Webinar recording.

Weed-free mulch, unicorns, and other myths
2017-04-05 11:30 - 12:30
Webinar brief.
This webinar presents an overview to understanding what weeds are and are not included in agricultural straw/mulch certified under Weed-Free Forage programs by states and the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). It presents simple steps the user can take to make informed decisions when acquiring mulch to assess and minimize weed presence, including office and field tips. Alternative sources to agricultural mulch and relative costs are also discussed. Presented by Steve Popovich, Forest Botanist and Rare and Invasive Species Program Manager, USFS, Ft. Collins, CO.
Webinar recording

Unmanned Aerial Systems Noxious Weeds and Fuel Load Program
2017-04-20
View webinar recording.
This webinar presents the Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) Resource Management Technologies – Fuel Load and Noxious Weeds Program, which can map, identify, treat, quantify and measure fuel loads and noxious weeds utilizing hyperspectral and LiDAR sensors combined with drone technologies. Chris Wilson of Wilson Herbicide, partnered with Maser Consulting, presents.
Disclaimer: Hosting this webinar does not constitute an endorsement by the Great Basin Fire Science Exchange of Wilson Herbicide or Maser Consulting and the Great Basin Fire Science Exchange has not investigated claims made by any advertiser.

Do you suffer from biocrust blindness? What you need to know about biological soil crusts in the Great Basin
2017-05-31 11:30 - 12:30
Biological soil crusts refer to a community of organisms that live on the soil surface in arid and semi-arid lands, including fungi, lichens, mosses and cyanobacteria. These organisms contribute to nutrient and hydrologic cycling as well as the prevention of soil erosion. This webinar discusses the distribution of biocrusts in the region as well as their recovery from disturbance and restoration. Presented by Lea Condon, Research Ecologist at the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR.
Webinar recording

Rangeland Fire Protection Associations in Oregon and Idaho: Implications for fire adaptation and agency-community relationships
2017-06-07 10:00 - 11:00
Webinar recording.
This webinar discusses Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, which are unique partnerships wherein ranchers and the Bureau of Land Management work together to suppress rangeland wildfires. Using four case studies in Oregon and Idaho, the value and outcomes of this approach, as well as challenges and future implications for fire adaptation on the range are discussed. Presented by Emily Jane Davis, Oregon State University.

Restoring and conserving Great Basin ecosystems field tour
2017-06-11 - 2017-06-12
This two day field tour discussed conservation and restoration issues in watersheds, riparian ecosystems, and meadows on day one, and piñon-juniper expansion, cheatgrass invasion, and fire on day two. Presenters were from federal and state agencies and the University of Nevada, Reno.
View the flyer and the agenda.

Ecology (UI Course NR 321)
2017-06-12
Course Description: Fundamental principles of the science of ecology. Major topics covered by the course include the physical environment, how organisms interact with each other and their environment, evolutionary processes, population dynamics, communities, energy flow and ecosystems, human influences on ecosystems, and the integration and scaling of ecological processes through systems ecology. Computer-based materials are used extensively for guided independent learning of ecology.
Prerequisites: Introductory biology, or permission.
Recommended preparation: Introductory botany and zoology, and a good working knowledge of Windows-based computer systems.
Computer compatibility: The course learning materials are compatible only with computers that are 100% compatible with the Windows operating system and the browser, Internet Explorer.
>> More information

Regional mapping of herbaceous annual cover in the Great Basin
2017-07-26
View webinar recording.
Bruce Wylie and Stephen Boyte, USGS, discuss their recent research mapping herbaceous annual cover in the Great Basin. This webinar was hosted by the Great Basin LCC.

Mid-succession fire effects and reburn potential in model sagebrush ecosystems
2017-07-28 10:00 - 11:00
View webinar recording.
This webinar describes:

The long-term (17-26 year) post-fire accumulation in fuel loads and resultant potential fire behavior where historical prefire and immediate postfire data exists in Wyoming and Basin big sagebrush communities.
Fuel loads accumulation and structure along a time-since-fire. chronosequence in Wyoming, mountain, and low sagebrush ecosystems
The fuels and reburn potential in once and twice burned Basin big sagebrush plant communities.
Plant community change 17 years post fire in Wyoming big sagebrush ecosystems.

Presented by: Lisa Ellsworth, Oregon State University.

Interpreting climate change - Self-study modules
2017-08-01
Access learning modules.
On this National Park Service learning site you will find a variety of ways to hone your knowledge and skills for interpreting climate change. The modules are designed for self-study, in your own time and at your own pace. There are four modules: 1) Introduction to Interpreting Climate Change, 2) Knowledge of the Resource Issue, 3) Knowledge of the Audience, and 4) Appropriate Techniques and Strategies.

Online Grazing Management Courses
2017-08-02
Access short course.
This open-access short course provides fundamental information on rangeland ecology and management. It is hosted by the University of California Rangelands Research & Education Archive and is of interest to staff in government agencies and NGOs who manage local, state, and federal lands—including open space districts, county parks, water districts—and those who conduct education programs on these lands.
The four module course was developed by Dr. Mel George and Cody Sheehy in collaboration with UC Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resource Advisors and University of California and California State University faculty. Course materials were developed with support from USDA Western SARE and RREA.

Ecophysiology (UI Course, REM 560)
2017-08-21
Course Description: Functional responses and adaptations of individual species to their environment, emphasizing the physiological mechanisms that influence the interactions between organisms and the major environmental factors (e.g., solar radiation, energy balance, temperature, water and nutrients, climate), and how this affects the interactions among species and their growth and survival (e.g., competition, herbivory, and allelopathy). Interactive computer-based learning materials are used extensively.
Prerequisites: A course in general ecology (e.g., Ecology NR 321), general botany or plant physiology, or permission.
Recommended preparation: Review of plant physiology
Computer compatibility: The course learning materials are compatible only with computers that are 100% compatible with the Windows operating system and the browser, Internet Explorer.
>> More information

Using weed-suppressive bacteria to control invasive annuals
2017-08-28
View webinar recording.
Cheatgrass and medusahead invasions pose a serious threat to Great Basin ecosystems. Managers and scientists are hopeful that strains of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens will be able to selectively inhibit root growth of annual weeds in more complex rangeland ecosystems. These weed-suppressive bacteria (WSB) are now commercially available in many states and have been applied on tens of thousands of acres across the Great Basin, yet results are variable and largely unpublished, indicating that much remains to be understood about when, where and why WSB are or are not effective. This webinar features six speakers: Matt Germino, USGS and Great Basin LCC; David Pyke, USGS; Richard Lee, BLM; Mike Gregg, USFWS; Jane Mangold, Montana State University, and Brynne Lazarus, USGS.

Explained in 90 seconds: How climate change fuels wildfires
2017-08-30
90 second video.
In this video, Matthew Hurteau — assistant professor of forest resources at Penn State University — explains how warming temperatures, prolonged drought, and a century’s worth of fire suppression policy are “priming the system to make it more flammable.”

Implementing the National Seed Strategy: National, regional, and local perspectives
2017-09-13
View webinar recording.
Three speakers from three different federal agencies discuss implementation opportunities and challenges from a national, regional and local perspective. Examples will relate to strategy goals (producing and providing needed seed, conducting research, expanding tools for land managers and communications).

Effects of grazing on sage-grouse and other shrub-steppe birds: A collaborative project to inform management of sage-steppe rangelands
2017-09-13
View webinar recording.
Greater sage-grouse have declined since the mid-1960s, and grazing is the most extensive land use within sage-grouse habitat. The webinar presents progress on a 10-year project designed to document the effects of cattle grazing on: 1) demographic traits of greater sage-grouse; 2) sage-grouse habitat characteristics, 3) insect abundance (important prey for sage-grouse chicks), and 4) abundance of all other bird species. The research team is working at five study sites in Idaho where they randomly assign BLM pastures to one of four grazing treatments that include spring-only grazing, spring and fall grazing, and no grazing. The research team includes Courtney Conway (Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit), Karen Launchbaugh (University of Idaho), David Musil (Idaho Department of Fish and Game), Andrew Meyers (University of Idaho), Paul Makela (Bureau of Land Management), and Shane Roberts (Idaho Department of Fish and Game).

Biophysical settings review in the Great Basin: What it is? How it works? Why it matters?
2017-09-27 11:30 - 12:30
Webinar brief
Webinar recording
This webinar, led by LANDFIRE Fire Ecologist Kori Blankenship, provides an introduction to LANDFIRE BpS models and invites your participation in the current BpS review opportunities. Intermountain Basin Big Sagebrush Shrubland and Intermountain Basin Big Sagebrush Steppe ecosystems cover over 90 million acres in the western U.S. and provide critical habitat for the greater sage-grouse. Improving the models for these ecosystems helps LANDFIRE more accurately map fire regimes and vegetation departure, and enables us to provide a more current and robust product for use in land management planning activities.

Recovery and adaptation after wildfire
2017-10-04 11:55 - 13:30
View webinar recording.
Becoming a fire-adapted community that can live with wildfire is envisioned as a continuous, iterative process of adaptation. Miranda Mockrin, a research scientist with the Forest Service combined national and case study research to examine how experience with wildfire alters the built environment and community- and government-level wildfire mitigation, planning, and regulations. Research suggests that adaptation to wildfire through WUI regulations depends on multiple factors, including past experience with fire and the geographic extent and scale of the fire event relative to the local community and its government. While communities did not often pursue changes in WUI regulations, experience with wildfire was frequently cited as the impetus for other adaptive responses, such as improving emergency response or fire suppression, and expanding education and interaction with homeowners, such as Firewise programs or government support for fuel mitigation on private lands.

Modeling dynamic fuels with an index system: MoD-FIS in the Great Basin and southwestern US
2017-10-10 11:30 - 12:30
Webinar recording
The LANDFIRE Program strives to produce consistent fire behavior fuel model grids for the U.S. These models are relevant for predicting fire behavior, including spread and intensity, during average conditions; however, they often fall short during drought or seasonably dry conditions.
To address the need for that information, LANDFIRE developed a seasonal product named the Modeling Dynamic-Fuels with an Index System (MoD-FIS). These provisional products have been released for the Southwest and Great Basin regions, and are ready for testing and review by those who use LANDFIRE data. In this webinar, Charley Martin and Tobin Smail offer a MoD-FIS primer, explain how the products can be used in these regions, and solicit users’ input and review.
This webinar was co-hosted by LANDFIRE and members of the Joint Fire Science Program: Great Basin Fire Science, Southwest Fire Science, and Northern Rockies Fire Science. Content addresses challenges that managers of large landscapes deal with in these regions.
