I'm sorry I haven't kept up with the blog! A number of factors have contributed, including a busy time of year, not as many new tasks now that I've settled in a bit, and less time in the field. I doubt you'd be entertained much by descriptions of cleaning up GIS data or updating mailing lists. But I'm trying...
A few weeks ago we had contractors removing single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) in portions of our resource area. Both species naturally occur here, so why are we removing them?
Although the species historically occur in particular places, both pinyon and juniper have increased their ranges by invading sagebrush and other plant communities. This invasion is believed to have been facilitated by grazing, unnatural fire regimes, and climate change. The conifers displace sagebrush and shade out forbs and grasses, decreasing biodiversity. They also provide perches for raptors hunting Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), and the grouse have been shown to avoid invaded areas.
A few weeks ago we had contractors removing single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) in portions of our resource area. Both species naturally occur here, so why are we removing them?
Although the species historically occur in particular places, both pinyon and juniper have increased their ranges by invading sagebrush and other plant communities. This invasion is believed to have been facilitated by grazing, unnatural fire regimes, and climate change. The conifers displace sagebrush and shade out forbs and grasses, decreasing biodiversity. They also provide perches for raptors hunting Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), and the grouse have been shown to avoid invaded areas.
before (after a snowy weekend)
after (with most of the snow melted)
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