GSD Update: Restoration on the range: Healing America's iconic landscapes

Abstract

Restoration is one of five focal areas of the Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystems Science Program (GSD). Our program mission is to develop and deliver knowledge and tools that will help to sustain and restore grasslands, shrublands and deserts threatened by invasive species, disturbances, urban pressures and climate change. Scientists in our program develop methods for restoring ecosystems with native plants, assess genetic variation and resilience among plant subspecies, and design and test restoration treatments to determine best restoration treatment practices. Studies focus on restoring ecosystems damaged by disturbances such as wild fire, exotic plant invasions, human uses, drought, and climate change. Our research also evaluates the capacity for species to adapt to environmental changes. We provide decision support to managers by developing new plant materials for use in restoring ecosystems. We also develop approaches for restoring habitats required by rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

Citation

Aschwanden, Christie, ed. 2011. GSD Update: Restoration on the range: Healing America's iconic landscapes. November 2011. Albuquerque, NM: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 9 p.