Treesearch

Many native species of plants and animals in the Great Basin have a restricted geographic distribution that reflects the region’s biogeographic history. Conservation of these species has become increasingly challenging in the face of changing environmental conditions and land management practices. This paper provides an overview of major stressors contributing to species’ rarity and vulnerability and discusses associated management challenges and research needs.

The health of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the Great Basin is of growing concern. The following provides an overview of aspen decline and die-off in areas within and adjacent to the Great Basin and suggests possible directions for research and management.

Sagebrush ecosystems exhibit widespread degradation due to a variety of causes, including invasion by exotic plants, expansion of pinyon and juniper, altered fire regimes, excessive livestock grazing, urbanization and land development, conversion to agriculture, road development and use, mining, and energy development. These ecosystems have been identified as the most endangered in the United States with 20 percent of plant and animals associated with sagebrush ecosystems at risk of extirpation. Federal, state, and private land managers are increasingly concerned about the fate of sagebrush...

Most Great Basin riparian and aquatic ecosystems are associated with streams and springs that are comparatively small and isolated from one another because of the naturally arid climate. There are few rivers and lakes in the region. Surface waters and aquifers that support springs provide the only water available to humans and wildlife. Springs occur at all elevations, but most streams and lakes are in the mountains. Many issues affecting riparian and aquatic ecosystems are similar to those outlined in the Water Resources section, which focuses on water quantity and water use by humans....

Outbreaks of native and exotic insects are important drivers of ecosystem dynamics in the Great Basin. The following provides an overview of range, forest, ornamental, and agricultural insect outbreaks occurring in the Great Basin and the associated management issues and research needs.

In the Great Basin, wildlife diseases have always represented a significant challenge to wildlife managers, agricultural production, and human health and safety. One of the first priorities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Fish and Wildlife Services was Congressionally directed action to eradicate vectors for zoonotic disease, particularly rabies, in Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho in 1916 (Hawthorne 2004). Addressing disease as it affects the host of interests in these states, and identifying the prerequisite funding to respond proactively and effectively across departmental...

Invasive plant species have significantly affected Great Basin ecosystems. The following provides an overview of those effects and the consequences for native ecosystems and the services they provide.

Fire regimes in Great Basin ecosystems have changed significantly since settlement of the region in the mid- to late 1800s. The following provides an overview of the nature and consequences of altered fire regimes, factors influencing the changes, and research and management questions that need to be addressed to maintain sustainable ecosystems.

Climate change is expected to have significant impacts on the Great Basin by the mid-21st century. The following provides an overview of past and projected climate change for the globe and for the region.

The United States, with less than 5 percent of the world’s population, consumes 40 percent of the oil and 23 percent of natural gas annual global production. Fluctuating and rising energy prices can be expected to continue with political instability in producing countries and intensifying supply competition from expanding Asian economies. The United States seeks to increase domestic energy production to maintain energy security and economic stability. The Energy Policy Act (2005) (EPACT) encourages enhanced energy production and energy infrastructure.