The SRM Symposium (February 2021) shared some of what’s been learned after at least 10 years post-treatment. Researchers present findings from conifer-encroached and cheatgrass-invaded sites, focusing on: effects of treatments on herbaceous plants, ground surface properties, and hydrologic and erosion processes in woodlands; and on fire behavior and Wyoming big sagebrush in shrub/grass systems, with discussion of ecological costs and benefits of treatments in those systems. A moderated discussion session followed the presentations (each 15-25 min).
Introduction, M. Brunson, USU
Fuel reduction treatments alter expected fire behavior in the sagebrush steppe, L. Ellsworth, OSU
Sagebrush recovery patterns after fuel treatments: Effects of disturbance type and community interactions, J. Chambers, USFS
Decade-long responses of sagebrush plant communities to conifer removal across a regional-scale experiment, B. Newingham, ARS
Advancements in understanding long-term effects of pinyon and juniper removal on vegetation, ground surface conditions, and hydrologic and erosion processes in sagebrush steppe, J. Williams, ARS