thumbnail

Pinon and Juniper Field Guide: Asking the Right Questions to Select Appropriate Management Actions

Circular 1335
This is contribution number 02 of the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP), supported by funds from the U.S. Joint Fire Science Program. Partial support for this guide was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center.
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1335

Links

Abstract

Pinon-juniper woodlands are an important vegetation type in the Great Basin. Old-growth and open shrub savanna woodlands have been present over much of the last several hundred years. Strong evidence indicates these woodlands have experienced significant tree infilling and major expansion in their distribution since the late 1800s by encroaching into surrounding landscapes once dominated by shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. Both infilling and expansion affects soil resources, plant community structure and composition, water and nutrient cycles, forage production, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and fire patterns across the landscape. Another impact is the shift from historic fire regimes to larger and more intense wildfires that are increasingly determining the future of this landscape. This publication helps biologists and land managers consider how to look at expansion of woodlands and determine what questions to ask to develop a management strategy, including prescribed fire or other practices.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Pinon and Juniper Field Guide: Asking the Right Questions to Select Appropriate Management Actions
Series title Circular
Series number 1335
DOI 10.3133/cir1335
Edition -
Year Published 2009
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description 108 p.
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details