Restoration [Chapter R.]

Abstract

Restoration of habitats that have been altered by anthropogenic and natural disturbance and the introduction of invasive plant species is a significant concern in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems. Restoration, broadly defined here to include rehabilitation and reclamation, is most feasible when objectives are clear, residual ecosystem components are present, and environmental conditions are favorable. However, severe loss of biotic diversity and ecosystem functioning creates substantial obstacles for recovery to original or even desirable alternative, stable vegetation states. This is the case for sagebrush habitats, especially those in the warmest and driest regions of the biome. Nearly half of the estimated 651,316 square kilometers (km2; 251,473 square miles [mi2]) of sagebrush habitats in the western United States are now in a disturbed and degraded condition that is undesirable for wildlife, livestock, and other land uses (Miller and others, 2011). Impacts from surface disturbing activities, such as energy development and mining, are often compounded by wildfire, nonnative plant invasions - particularly annual grasses that fuel increased wildfire, and improper grazing in these habitats. View entire document here.

Citation

Germino, Matthew J.; Brunson, Mark W.; Chambers, Jeanne C.; Epanchin-Niell, Rebecca; Fuller, Garth; Hanser, Steven E.; Hardegree, Stuart P.; Johnson, Tracey N.; Newingham, Beth A.; Pellant, Michael; Sheridan, Chris; Tull, John. 2021. Restoration [Chapter R.]. In: Remington, Thomas E.; Deibert, Patricia A.; Hanser, Steven E.; Davis, Dawn M.; Robb, Leslie A.; Welty, Justin L. Sagebrush conservation strategy - Challenges to sagebrush conservation. Open-File Report 2020-1125. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey. p. 203-221. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201125.