Sagebrush conservation strategy—Challenges to sagebrush conservation

First posted March 11, 2021 For additional information, contact: Director, Fort Collins Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey2150 Centre Ave., Building CFort Collins, CO 80526-8118 The sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) biome, its wildlife, and the services benefits it provides people local communities are at risk. Development in for many purposes, has resulted multiple often cumulative negative impacts. These impacts, ranging from simple habitat loss to complex, interactive changes ecosystem function, continue accelerate even as need grows resources provided by this biome. This “Sagebrush Conservation Strategy—Challenges Sagebrush Conservation,” is an overview assessment of challenges facing land managers landowners conserving ecosystems. strategy intended provide guidance so that unparalleled collaborative efforts conserve iconic greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) State Federal agencies, Tribes, academia, nongovernmental organizations, stakeholders can be expanded entire biome benefit wildlife depend on ecosystem. report organized into 3 parts.“Part I. Importance Biome People Wildlife” introduces a subset more than 350 species plants animals associated with which there some level conservation concern. include several obligates have been petitioned listing under Endangered Species Act 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), including sage-grouse, Gunnison (C. minimus; listed threatened), pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). Other sagebrush-dependent species, such pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), experienced significant population declines.“Part II. Change Agents Biome—Extent, Impacts, Effort Address Them” variety change agents causing continued degradation sagebrush. Topics covered altered fire regimes, invasive plant conifer expansion, overabundant free-roaming equids, human uses, energy development, cropland conversion, infrastructure, improper livestock grazing. Climate changes, warmer temperatures amounts timing precipitation, will likely increasingly compound effects ecosystems all these threats.“Part III. Current Paradigm Needs Sagebrush” begins how conservation, collaborations, may able address threats restoring degraded other -associated species. Meeting goals deer, rabbits, sagebrush-associated require extensive restoration already converted or outlined Part II report. Concepts, considerations, techniques restoration, adaptive management monitoring discussed help set stage potential strategies improve conditions throughout Communication, outreach, engagement enhance grassroots build next generation managers, practitioners, scientists, communicators who care stimulate sustain public participation issues.