Research and Publications

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Biology, ecology, and management of western juniper

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This synthesis documents what is known about the history, biology, ecology, and management of western juniper. This synthesis will provide guidance for defining long-term goals, setting management priorities, and developing management plans and strategies related to western juniper. It is separated into six major sections: 1) distribution and history of woodland expansion, 2) life history and biology, 3) ecology; 4) hydrology, 5) restoration and management, and 6) management guidelines.

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Strategies to enhance plant structure and diversity in crested wheatgrass seedings

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This study describes a three-step process to reduce crested wheatgrass competition, introduce desired species, and manage to maintain desired species for use long term.

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New technology for fuel breaks and green strips in urban interface and wildland areas

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This study used BehavePlus to model fire behavior in fuel breaks created by treating annual grasses with herbicides and releasing perennial bunch grasses. Flame height reductions of up to 90% were possible.

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Songbird response to wildfire in mixed-conifer forest in south-western Oregon

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This study evaluated bird occurrence on recently burned sites and found that of the 27 species evaluated, there was evidence for fire-induced changes in the proportion of sites occupied by 13 species. Of these, most were species that occurred at fewer sites after the fire than before. These changes were consistent with changes in vegetation composition, which included a decrease in the cover of conifer species and an increase in the cover of broadleaf species.

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Postfire seeding for erosion control: Effectiveness and impacts on native plant communities

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Less than half of the studies reviewed in this synthesis showed reduced sediment movement with seeding. In all vegetation types, successful growth of seeded grasses—enough to affect erosion—appears to displace native or naturalized species, including shrub and tree seedlings. In burned sagebrush range, postfire seeding is frequently used to replace non-native cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) with native or introduced bunchgrasses, with at least short-term success. In recent years, native species and sterile cereal grains have increasingly been used for seeding. Use of aerially applied straw mulch has increased as well, with the risk of weed introduction from contaminated bales.

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Invasive plants and fire in the deserts of North America

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This synthesis discusses that fire can be used to either control invasive species or to restore historical fire regimes. However, the decision to use fire as a management tool must consider the potential interrelationships between fire and invasive species. Historical fire regimes did not occur in the presence of many invasive plants that are currently widespread, and the use of fire may not be a feasible or appropriate management action if fire-tolerant invasive plants are present. The management of fire and invasive plants must be closely integrated for each to be managed effectively.

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Problems in artificial and natural revegetation of the arid shadscale vegetation zone of Utah and Nevada

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This study highlights that vast areas of the arid shadscale zone have been rehabilitated through management, but direct plantings of both native and introduced species usually have failed. Future success will likely be with native plants, including shrubs, adapted to the particular site.

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