The factors influencing vegetation (and thus habitat) in the sagebrush-steppe have changed dramatically in the past 100 years. There is clear evidence that the introduction of invasive species such as cheatgrass and medusahead has changed the way plant communities function and increased fire risk. Projections of future climate suggest fire risk will continue to increase over time. Informed management will play a key role in mitigating the loss of native plant communities in the future.
6. Increase in wildfires is a global and
local issue
Most models suggest fire will
become more frequent and severe
Fuel management is critical to
limiting fire risk and severity
Rangelands are expansive, thus
limiting options
Grazing is the only treatment that
is feasible across large landscapes
7. Northern Great Basin Experimental Range
Not grazed since 1937
Both grazed and ungrazed plots burned in
1993
8. 3 times fuel loads on PG
Increased fuel depth
Current year’s biomass
equal
Ungrazed
Grazed
14. Grazing can decrease wildfire risk
Also increase resilience to wildfire
Lower temperature
More unburned patches
Grazed areas are more suppressible
Slower moving fire
Reduced flame lengths
Allows for direct attack
Effect will vary by community
composition and fire weather
Needs to be a strategic and flexible plan
Nice-looking native community that provides a multitude of ecosystems services.
Fires were a part of the sagebrush steppe, but with the additions of invasive annuals, esp. cheatgrass and medusahead, things have changed.
Continuous fuel load –much higher risk of wildfires.
Will we be stuck with annuals and what seems like a never – ending cycle of fire and more cheatgrass –HAVE WE CROSSED A THRESHOLD? Most would say yes – And we are not good at restoring these systems.
What does the future hold for these shrubs? Next lightning strike and they are gone.
Root and shoot mass after 6 weeks of growth under pretty ideal conditions. Cheatgrass on left, bluebunch wheatgrass on right – who will win out in this race to extract soil water and nutrients!
Exclosures are at Northern Great Basin Experimental Range 35 miles west of Burns
Much more deal material in ungrazed – this explains the next graph of fuel moisture.
Below the line the chances of wildfire spreading are much higher (dry fuel). So the period of risk is drastically reduced with winter grazing.
These are actual fire results from the September 2014 burn. This burn was done during the active wildfire season.