Sagebrush-ungulate relationships on the Northern Yellowstone Winter Range

Abstract

Sagebrush (Artemisia) taxa have historically been the landscape dominants over much of the Northern Yellowstone Winter Range (NYWR). Their importance to the unnaturally large ungulate populations on the NYWR throughout the twentieth century has been recognized since the 1920s. Sagebrush-herbivore ecology has been the focus of research on the NYWR for 2 decades. Specific research topics include general ungulate use of the NYWR, forage relationships involving sagebrush taxa, the effects of browsing and sagebrush taxa on forage production, the results of long-term rest from severe browsing on the NYWR, sagebrush plant and community characteristics related to herbivory, and the relationships of sagebrush taxa to fire on the NYWR. Sagebrush taxa have been very important on the NYWR but are generally in a state of decline.

Parent Publication

• Sage-grouse habitat restoration symposium proceedings

Citation

Wambolt, Carl L. 2005. Sagebrush-ungulate relationships on the Northern Yellowstone Winter Range. In: Shaw, Nancy L.; Pellant, Mike; Monsen, Stephen B., comps. 2005. Sage-grouse habitat restoration symposium proceedings; 2001 June 4-7, Boise, ID. Proc. RMRS-P-38. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 109-115