Proceedings

Society for Range Management 67th Annual International Meeting

Orlando, FloridaFebruary 8-13, 2014

MANAGING CRESTED WHEATGRASS WITHIN NATIVE RANGELANDS. Paul R. Drayton*; USDA Forest Service, Lemmon, SD

ABSTRACT

Prior to becoming the Grand River National Grasslands, thousands of acres were homesteaded and farmed in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  Most of these acres were abandoned after the Dust Bowl and depression of the 1930’s.  The blowing fields were stabilized by planting crested wheatgrass.  Crested wheatgrass worked well for this, but left land managers with a difficult situation.  Crested wheatgrass matures early in the summer and livestock soon avoid it, consequently causing excessive use on native grasses.   Through the 1980’s and 90’s, infrastructure was added such as cross fencing and water developments, but crested wheatgrass was still being avoided and native grass was being over-utilized.  In the summer of 2013, the Forest Service and permittees worked together to try and increase use on crested wheatgrass. By midsummer, crested wheatgrass utilization was <10% and native grasses had utilization levels >80%.  In this talk, I will discuss the tools used and how we can work together to more effectively manage crested wheatgrass.  Grazing crested wheatgrass requires intensive management to meet goals and objectives while maintaining current livestock numbers.

UNDERSTANDING PLANT SECONDARY COMPOUNDS IN GRAZING SYSTEMS; ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND. Andrea K. Clemensen*, Jennifer R. Reeve, Juan J. Villalba; Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Plant secondary compounds (PSCs) can be vital to a sustainable agriculture system. PSCs help plants attract pollinators, recover from injury, protect from ultraviolet radiation, increase drought tolerance, and aid in defense against pathogens, diseases, and herbivores. Therefore it is important to understand what affects the fluctuations in concentration of PSCs, as well as the impact of these compounds on soil function. We determined 1) how plant diversity (monocultures vs. two-way mixtures) affects concentration of primary and secondary compounds, 2) how different management practices (animal impact vs. machine harvesting) affect soil quality, nutrient cycling, and PSC concentration, and 3) how cattle manure from different diets, containing different PSCs, influences soil characteristics. Endophyte-infected tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix), saponin-containing alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and tannin-rich sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) were planted in strips of monocultures or two-way mixtures of grass-legume in a completely randomized block design with split-split plot. Cattle strip-grazed the plots from May to September, while similarly planted ungrazed treatments were hayed. Tall fescue, alfalfa, and sainfoin were analyzed for ergovaline, saponins, and extractable tannins, respectively. Soil fertility, microbial activity, and bulk density was measured in all plots. Manure from each diet (alfalfa/fescue and sainfoin/fescue) was freeze dried, incorporated into soil at two rates (1-cattle excretion at 3.74 kg dry manure/cow/day, and 2-upper rate of manure fertilization at 350 kg N/hafs) and incubated in the lab at 25°C for 8 weeks. Soil nitrate and enzyme activities were measured at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56 days. Dehydrogenase enzyme activity was greater in the upper rate than lower rate of manure fertilization (P < 0.05). The alfalfa diet induced greater dehydrogenase activity than the sainfoin diet, suggesting microbial inhibition from tannins. Further results, conclusions, and implications for management will be presented.

RANGELAND RESTORATION: A METHOD TO MITIGATE LUPINE-INDUCED CROOKED CALF SYNDROME ON THE CHANNELED SCABLANDS OF EASTERN WASHINGTON. Kip E. Panter*1, Kevin Jensen1, Clinton Stonecipher2, Blair Waldron3, Tom Platt4, Juan J. Villalba5; 1USDA, Logan, UT, 2USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, 3USDA-ARS Forage & Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, 4Washington State University Extension, Davenport, WA, 5Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

The Channeled Scablands of east-central Washington include over 2,000 square miles of rangeland important to livestock and wildlife grazing. Because of overgrazing in the past, frequent wildfires and historic range mismanagement, annual grasses and undesirable forbs have invaded most of this area degrading the value of the rangelands and interfering with optimum

utilization. Some forbs are potentially poisonous to livestock; lupines are responsible for 1-5% annual losses because of “crooked calf syndrome” (CCS). Larger losses frequently occur on individual ranches and occasional catastrophic losses occur when lupine populations explode following above average rainfall. Restoration efforts using improved perennial grasses and selected forbs (forage kochia) will increase forage production and sustainability on these degraded rangelands. The objective of this study was to determine if improved or native cool-season perennial grasses and/or forage kochia could be established on the harsh landscape of the scablands, and if these improved species will compete with the annual grasses and provide a higher quality of feed to prevent cattle from grazing lupine in late summer. A plot study was set up with 8 treatments in 4 replications at 3 different ranches across a 25 mile transect within Adams County. The grass species included ‘Vavilov II’ Siberian wheatgrass (Agropyron fragile), ‘Bozoisky II’ Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea), ‘Hycrest II’ crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and a native mix consisting of ‘Sherman’ Big bluegrass (Poa secunda), ‘Recovery’ western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), ‘Secar’ Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis), and ‘Bannock’ Thickspike wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus). Three species of forage kochia, including Kochia prostrata, were used. Forage production was highest in the native mix early in the season (1899 kg/ha; p<0.01) with Vavilov II production increasing later in the season (2443 kg/ha; p<0.01). The establishment of the forage kochia was variable but demonstrated that this forb can be established in the Channeled Scablands.

PHENOLOGICAL CHANGES IN NUTRITIVE VALUE OF HONEY MESQUITE LEAVES, PODS AND FLOWERS. Piedad E. Mayagoitia*1, Derek W. Bailey1, Richard E. Estell2; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, NM

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine changes in potential forage value of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) throughout the year. During 2012, samples were obtained at approximately 2 week intervals from April to December in south-central New Mexico. Crude protein content of leaves decreased (P < 0.05) during the year from 25.4 to 10.8%, while acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased (P < 0.05) from 14.8% to 33.9% and 22.4% to 47.0%, respectively. Changes in these nutrients displayed cubic relationships over time with large changes in the spring and autumn and minimal changes in the summer. Crude protein content of pods decreased (P < 0.05) over time from 21.0% to 10.9%, but we did not detect any phenological changes in ADF (range of 19.0 to 34.1%) and NDF levels (range of 27.7 to 49.0%). A sample of mesquite flowers collected in May 2013 was evaluated for nutritive content. Mesquite flowers appear to be high quality forage with a crude protein content of 24.0% and ADF and NDF levels of 16.7 and 31.5%, respectively. We used in vitro gas production as an indicator of secondary compound impacts on forage value. Mesquite samples were mixed with dormant grass (Sporobolus spp.) in a 30:70 ratio. Rumen fluid was obtained from 4 cannulated cows fed beardless wheat hay. Rate of gas production was measured at 4 hour intervals for 48 hours. Rate of gas production of mesquite leaves varied (P < 0.05) among spring and autumn samples with greater initial rates in autumn samples. No phenological changes in

rate of gas production were detected (P > 0.10) for mesquite pods. Honey mesquite has the potential to provide livestock forage with relatively high nutritive values from spring through autumn if animals can contend with any associated secondary compounds.

EFFECTS OF UNGULATE HERBIVORY - FOREST MANAGEMENT INTERACTIONS ON DECIDUOUS SHRUBS IN THE INTERIOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST. Bryan A. Endress*1, Michael J. Wisdom2, Martin Vavra2, Bridgett J. Naylor2, Timothy Delcurto3, Catherine Parks2, Brian L. Dick2; 1Institue for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, CA, 2La Grande Forestry and Range Sciences Laboratory, USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station, La Grande, OR, 3Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Eastern Oregon Agriculture and Natural Resource Program, Oregon State University, La Grande, OR

ABSTRACT

Herbivory by domestic and wild ungulates exerts a strong influence on the composition and structure of plant communities. However, little is known regarding vegetation responses to different levels of ungulate browsing pressure. These effects are of particular interest in forest rangelands of western North America, where intensive herbivory by native and domestic ungulates has the potential to substantially reduce or eliminate deciduous, highly palatable species such as cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and willow (Salix spp.). Potential interactions of ungulate herbivory with episodic disturbances of silviculture, fire, and other land uses are not well documented, but are thought to operate synergistically to affect forest dynamics.  We assessed the effect of variable browsing pressure by cattle and elk on shrubs in fuels treated (mechanical removal of fuels followed by prescribed burning) and non- fuels treated coniferous forest rangelands in the interior Pacific Norwest.  Seven treatment paddocks (three with cattle exclusion and low, moderate and high elk browsing pressure, three with elk exclusion and low, moderate and high cattle browsing pressure, and one with both cattle and elk exclusion) were established at six sites, and individual shrub recruitment, growth, height and survival were monitored for six years.  Results indicated that densities of deciduous species were >4 times higher in response to fuels reduction treatments (84 individuals/ha) compared to areas of no treatment (19 individuals/ha).  Effects of browsing by cattle and elk on shrub height volume, growth, and survival were similar.  However, elk, regardless of stocking density, browsed a significantly greater proportion of Populus and Salix individuals than cattle. Even at low stocking rates, elk browsed the vast majority of highly palatable shrub species particularly in fuels-treated stands. Effects on size, height, and survival will be presented.  Results provide insight into factors influencing the abundance of these shrub species in forest rangelands and have implications for forest and ungulate management.

ASSOCIATION OF HIGH DENSITY GENETIC MARKERS AND TERRAIN USE IN BEEF COWS. Derek W. Bailey*1, Milton G. Thomas2, Juan F. Medrano3, Angela Canovas3, Gonzalo Rincon3, Steven Lunt1, Adrienne Lipka1, Mitchell B. Stephenson1; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 3University of California, Davis, Davis, CA

ABSTRACT

Genomic information and GPS tracking data were used to examine genetic influences on cattle grazing distribution. A total of 87 cows were tracked for 1 to 3 months in mountainous and/or extensive pastures at 5 ranches located in New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana. The Illumina Bovine SNPHD array, which evaluates approximately 770,000 genetic markers (i.e., single nucleotide polymorphisms; SNP) was used to genotype DNA from these cows. Tracking data were used to calculate terrain use indices based on normalized averages of slope use, elevation use, and distance travelled from water. A chromosome region associated with these traits is known as a quantitative trait locus (QTL). One genetic marker on chromosome 29 overlaid a gene that has been reported to be a factor in feeding behavior, appetite and locomotion. This locus accounted for 25% of the phenotypic variation in use of steep slopes and high elevations, while a QTL on chromosome 17 accounted for 21% of phenotypic variation. Additional QTL accounted for 5 and 10% of the variation in terrain use indices.  Using results from the QTL analyses,  a smaller 50 SNP panel was developed and used to evaluate the 87 cows tracked previously and an additional 73 cows from 4 ranches.  With the 50-SNP panel analyses, multiple genetic markers near or within the gene identified on chromosome 29 were associated with indices of terrain use and accounted for 10 to 18% of the phenotypic variation.  In addition, a marker on chromosome 4 accounted for 26% of the variation.  Other QTL on chromosomes 8, 12 and 17 accounted for 8 to 16% of the phenotypic variation in terrain use indices.  The associations between terrain use indices and multiple genetic markers near candidate genes clearly shows that cattle grazing distribution is inherited.

EFFECTS OF WOLF PRESENCE ON CATTLE OPERATIONS IN THE NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAINS. John Williams*1, Douglas E. Johnson2, Larry L. Larson3, Patrick E. Clark4, Neil Rimbey5; 1Oregon State University Extension Service, Enterprise, OR, 2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 3Retired, LaGrande, OR, 4Agricultural Research Service, Boise, ID, 5University of Idaho, Caldwell, ID

ABSTRACT

Gray wolf reintroduction and dispersal into the Northern Rocky Mountains and surrounding regions has prompted questions, not only about increased cattle depredation losses, but also about this threat on cattle distribution patterns and losses from increased stress. Threatened cattle may shift preference from high-quality foraging sites to sites perceived as safer from wolf depredation, with a lesser regard for foraging conditions.  It is likely these distribution shifts will adversely impact foraging efficiency, and coupled with the additional stress perhaps ultimately causing increased disease susceptibility, decreased calf weaning weights, poorer cow body

condition, and lowered reproductive success.  Our study evaluates wolf presence effects on cattle distribution and consequent impacts on productivity.  A Before-After/Control-Impact Paired (BACIP) experimental design is used. Control study areas in Idaho (3) have high wolf presence while study areas in Oregon (3) are shifting from initially low to elevated wolf presence.  Paired Idaho and Oregon areas have similar topography, vegetation composition, wild ungulate prey bases, and livestock management.  Cows are tracked at 5-min intervals using GPS collars (10 per area) throughout the grazing season.  Wolf presence is monitored by GPS and radio tracking, trail cameras, and scat surveys.  High wolf presence can frequently expose cattle to potentially threatening interactions. Ten GPS-collared cattle in an Idaho study area encountered a GPS-collared wolf 783 times at less than 500m over the course of 137 days during the 2009 grazing season.  Preliminary results of data analysis suggest considerable overlap exists between cattle and wolf preferred sites, shifts in cattle grazing patterns. 

POCKET GRASSLAND STEPPE VEGETATION DIVERSITY RESPONSES TO A REINTRODUCED WOOD BISON HERD IN YUKON, CANADA. Lori Schroeder*1, Fiona Schmiegelow1, Edward Bork1, Tom Jung2; 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 2Environment Yukon, Whitehorse, YT

ABSTRACT

Approximately 200 years after local extinction, Wood Bison were reintroduced into the southwest Yukon in the late 1980s as part of national recovery efforts.  The Yukon population has subsequently increased from 34 to more than 1,100 animals, prompting concerns that bison may compete with other ungulates in the area, and alter pocket grasslands within the boreal forest (analogues of ice age steppe) that contain rare, endemic plant species. As a result, the Wood Bison Management Plan (2012) identifies grasslands as a focal point for vegetation monitoring. These grasslands resemble the short-grass steppe of the west-central United States, but in the Yukon they exist almost exclusively on semi-arid south-facing slopes. Under Milchunas' Generalized Model of Effects of Grazing by Large Herbivores, a decrease in diversity is expected under such conditions. Moreover, although Yukon grasslands have historically been subject to herbivory, the overall frequency and intensity of use remains unknown. In order to quantify the impact of bison on grassland composition and diversity, bison location (GPS) data, fecal samples, orthophotos, existing plant inventory data and consultation with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations were used. After surveying vegetation cover at 70 sites representing different levels of bison usage, preliminary results indicate that both richness and Shannon's Diversity Index increase with the level of bison use, and that forbs are the driver of that change. Further exploration of these results will inform ongoing management decisions and land use planning processes within the herd range and provide important information on an understudied and rare plant community believed to be analogous to Beringian Steppe communities. 

SUSTAINABLE RANGELANDS ROUNDTABLE OVERVIEW. Kristie Maczko*1, John A. Tanaka2, William E. Fox III3; 1Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable - University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 2University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 3Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Temple, TX

ABSTRACT

The Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable (SRR) is an open, inclusive partnership process with a 13-year history of developing economic, ecological and social criteria and indicators for rangeland assessment at multiple spatial scales. Criteria are broad statements or categories that represent goals of sustainable development. Indicators are attributes that can be directly measured and assessed to detect changes and trends.  The SRR also provides a forum for dialogue on rangeland sustainability.  SRR participants envision a future in which rangelands are sustainably managed to provide a desired mix of benefits. Participants include rangeland scientists and managers, ecologists, sociologists, economists, policy and legal experts, environmental advocates, and industry representatives. Past SRR products are criteria and indicators to assess rangeland sustainability, an integrated concept for systematic evaluation of social, ecological and economic information, an assessment framework for rangelands ecosystem goods and services, and a ranch-level system for inventory and monitoring in the context of a rancher’s business plan.  The Oregon Multi-Agency Pilot Project (MAPP) was an initial federal agency effort encouraged by SRR to look at integration of indicator information, using a merge of ecological data from two national monitoring platforms (USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service National Resource Inventory) with socio-economic information from sources like the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service and the US Census Bureau.  Current and ongoing SRR efforts address energy development on rangelands and associated ecosystem services trade-offs, climate change assessment, sustainable ranch management, socio-economic aspects of public lands ranching, and evaluating sustainable rangelands contributions to food security.  Building on outcomes of the Oregon MAPP to move toward a comprehensive national rangeland sustainability assessment continues to be an important focus.  The most complex piece of each of these projects is effective evaluation and integration of socio-economic information to derive meaningful conclusions.

AN INTEGRATED SOCIAL, ECONOMIC & ECOLOGICAL CONCEPTUAL (ISEEC) FRAMEWORK. William E. Fox*; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Temple, TX

ABSTRACT

Use of criteria and indicators for assessing rangeland sustainability is a evolving practice that can inform land managers and decision makers in their development of policy regarding the stewardship of our natural resources.  However, criteria and indicators, in and of themselves, do not provide a viable platform for assessing the complex nature of rangelands.  In an effort to expand their usefulness, member of the Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable initiated an effort that resulted in the development of the Integrated Social, Economic & Ecological Conceptual (ISEEC) framework.  The framework provides a basis upon which relationships between biophysical and socio-economic components of an ecosystem can be visualized and related as data is generated from the population of the indicator sets.  Schlesinger (2010) suggested that unless science can be brought to society through meaningful translations, it will continue to see degradation of landscapes and decision-making with less than optimal information.  The use of scientific and technological resources alone does not necessarily lead to successful management of natural resources.  These aspects provide evidence to guide decision-making, but land managers may also consider socioeconomic and institutional components that may condition, and ultimately drive, the decision-making process (G.K. Meffe, 2002).  The ISEEC framework provides a guide to integrating the biophysical and socio-economic components of an ecosystem and brings together these two “equally” important components through the concept of ecosystem goods and services.

APPLYING AND INTEGRATING SRR LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL INDICATORS. John E. Mitchell*; USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

The sustainable management of rangelands, both nationally and at the ranch level, cannot be assessed on the basis of ecological indicators, alone.  Social, economic and legal considerations are also vital when it comes to understanding long-term trends of rangelands and their associated communities.  The Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable developed 10 broad indicators within a criterion called, “Legal, Institutional, and Economic Framework for Rangeland Conservation and Sustainable Management.”  They are land law and property rights, public information and participation, institutions and organizations, economic policies and practices, professional education and technical assistance, land management programs, land planning, protection of special values, measuring and monitoring, and research and development.  These indicators are intentionally broad in scope in order to allow agencies, practitioners, and interest groups the flexibility to devise more precise measures that are relevant to the scale of the rangeland system being monitored.  Examples of how legal and institutional indicators can be applied at the regional/national level and for individual ranch business planning are discussed. 

APPLYING AND INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE RANGELANDS ROUNDTABLE ECONOMIC INDICATORS I. John A. Tanaka*; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

The Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable (SRR) has developed a set of economic indicators for rangeland sustainability.  Applying those indicators to specific issues for rangeland assessment is largely untested.  We have been working with various groups in testing our conceptual framework.  One effort has been in the area of climate change adaptation.  The framework was adapted for use by the Grassslands/Rangelands Indicators Technical Team to develop a prototype indicator system for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, National Climate Assessment. A subset of SRR’s economic indicators were selected based upon available data and how they fit into the overall structure being evaluated by the technical team.  Additionally, the economic indicators will be adapted to a study on food security from rangelands as affected by various stressors such as climate change, wildfires, and urbanization.

APPLYING AND INTEGRATING SRR ECONOMIC INDICATORS II &NDASH; DEVELOPING UNCONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES ON US RANGELANDS. Urs P. Kreuter*; Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

ABSTRACT

In 2010, a task force convened by the Secretary of Energy concluded that, in the face of increasing global demand for energy, it is essential for the USA to immediately catalyze a domestic unconventional fuels industry to progress toward energy independence and to meet future food production needs. Rangelands that dominate much of the western half of the USA represent a major source of alternative energy resources. Accordingly, rangelands are likely to be substantially affected by policies in the USA to become increasingly energy independent. However, the impacts of developing such alternative energy sources, either on their own or in combination, are poorly defined. The Integrated Social, Economic and Ecological Conceptual (ISEEC) framework was developed by the Sustainable Rangeland Roundtable (SRR) to systematically identify biophysical-socioeconomic links that influence the delivery of ecosystem services and that are affected by alternative uses of rangelands. In this presentation I focus on three issues relating to the ISEEC framework: (1) How the framework can be applied to systematically compare the ecosystem service effects of exploiting rangeland-based biofuel, natural gas and wind energy resources; (2) How the framework can be used to select indicators for monitoring these effects; and (3) How data to quantify the economic indicators thus identified could be derived in order to operationalize them for monitoring purposes. While this approach does not provide a prescription for how society should move forward in developing unconventional energy resources on rangelands, it does potentially enhance coordination between federal, state and local agencies that are attempting to set polices and regulations for the sustainable development of such resources.

INTEGRATING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INDICATORS INTO POLICY . Lori Hidinger*; Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

ABSTRACT

Information resulting from the Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable (SRR) social and economic indicators can form the basis of policy on emergent rangeland management issues including climate change, food security, energy development, ranch assessment and planning, and wildlife habitat. Understanding how social and economic indicators can be integrated with ecological indicators to evaluate rangeland sustainability can provide a link between policymakers and rangelands scientists and managers. Indicators from all three fields can inform the policy cycle providing information to articulate goals and objectives, establish policies in law, and inform Agency policies, plans, procedures, budgets, and regulations. The inclusion of information from social and economic indicators, along with ecological indicators, must be an iterative and flexible process to capture changes in the indicators and in the links between them. 

SIXTEEN YEARS OF GRAZING MANAGEMENT IMPROVES RIPARIAN HABITAT: PHOTO CASE STUDY. Matt J. Ricketts*; USDA-NRCS, Livingston, MT

ABSTRACT

Jim Taylor, of Edgar, Montana, has followed a 7 pasture deferred-rest rotation grazing system for the past 16 years that was designed with assistance from the USDA-NRCS.The change on the landscape has been remarkable. During the time he has been applying his grazing plan, both riparian areas and the uplands have benefited greatly, in spite of some of the most extreme drought we have ever experienced as well as some of the most severe flooding we have ever had. One example is in June of 2011 they had a 150 year flood on cottonwood creek which runs through his ranch. Head cuts formed above and below his property, but the head cuts stopped once they reached the Taylor place due to the outstanding condition of the riparian. Just look at the photos. They explain it all.A sage grouse lek occurs on Jim’s place and he comments on how they can watch them for hours without bothering them. His management has improved the nesting cover, forage productivity, and forb diversity which benefits sage grouse, their chicks, and the insects the chicks feed on. Not only are sage grouse benefitting from better nesting, brood rearing, and wintering habitat, but so are sharptail grouse, Hungarian partridge, non-game birds, deer, and many other wild species. Not to mention the good growth he maintains on his cows and calves. 

ESTABLISHING WINTERFAT AND FORAGE KOCHIA ON FOUR SEEDBED TREATMENTS IN CHEATGRASS OR CRESTED WHEATGRASS. Matt J. Ricketts*1, James S. Jacobs2; 1USDA-NRCS, Livingston, MT, 2USDA-NRCS, Bozeman, MT

ABSTRACT

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), a North American native, and forage kochia (Bassia prostrate), native to Eurasia, share a similar ecological niche and serve similar conservation and nutritional functions. Our objective was to quantify the establishment of these two species broadcast onto four seedbed preparation treatments (1-none, 2-harrow, 3-disk, and 4-disk-seed-then-roll) at three sites in south central Montana. Site 1 was established in 2011 during above normal early season precipitation on a coral-side disturbed area with cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) grading to native western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii)/needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata) range. Sites 2 and 3 were established in 2012 during below normal growing season precipitation on well-established crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) pastures. Each field planting site was first divided into three replications to allow statistical evaluation using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Each replication was equally divided into four randomly arranged seedbed treatments representing three levels of disturbance; no treatment, harrow, disk, and disk and roll.The establishment of winterfat and forage kochia were measured by pacing one random transect lengthwise in the middle of each plot and counting the number seedlings within ten 4.8 square foot hoops placed at approximately every three paces. Establishment of both species was poor to nil on the no seedbed and harrow treatments, was improved slightly on the disked plots, and significantly greater where the seedbed was disked-seeded- and rolled. The results demonstrate the importance of good seed to soil contact for the establishment of conservation seedings. If winterfat and forage kochia persist, disking followed by broadcast seeding and rolling seeds of these species and others with similar seed ecology (like big sagebrush-Artemisia tridentata) is a method to improve species diversity, wildlife habitat, and late season forage quality on sites dominated by cheatgrass or crested wheatgrass. 

ANNUAL BELOWGROUND PLANT PRODUCTION OF NEBRASKA SANDHILLS SUBIRRIGATED MEADOW AS AFFECTED BY GRAZING METHOD. Ben Beckman*1, Walter Schacht1, Jerry Volesky2, Miles D. Redden3; 1University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 2UNL West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NE, 3University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

ABSTRACT

Recent trends in livestock grazing have led to an increasing use of higher stocking densities, shorter grazing periods, and increased focus on recovery length, culminating in the practice of “mob grazing”  with stocking densities of 225,000 kg per ha or more and multiple movements of livestock from pasture to pasture per day. Proponents of the practice claim increased plant production, soil development, and nutrient cycling rates because of the spatial uniformity of intensive trampling resulting from ultrahigh stocking densities. The purpose of this study was to determine grazing method effect on annual root production. The study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 on a subirrigated meadow at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Barta Brothers Ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills. Grazing methods included two replications of mob grazing (224,170 kg/ha), 4-pasture rotation grazing (6,725 kg/ha in 2012 and 4,483 kg/ha in 2013), continuous grazing, and an ungrazed control. Cattle grazed treatment pastures for 60 days from early June to early August. Prior to the growing season in May, 12 soil cores (5 cm diameter by 15 cm deep) were removed per treatment replication. The cores were split into upper (0-7.5 cm) and lower (7.5-15 cm) portions and dried.  The dried portions were sieved to remove existing root material.  Mesh containers were then placed into the core holes and filled with the sieved portions of soil.  At the end of the growing season in November, cores were excavated and roots trimmed to the edge of the core container.  Samples were then sieved, removing the root mass.   Roots were separated from the soil in a hexametaphospate solution (1 gram/ 200 mL H2O) using a shaker table and hand washing.  Once processed, roots were dried and weighed.  Treatment comparisons of root weights will be presented.

VEGETATION DYNAMICS FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF PRAIRIE DOGS IN THE WESTERN GREAT PLAINS: IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND TRANSITION MODELS. David Augustine*1, Justin D. Derner2, Paul Stapp3; 1USDA-ARS, Fort Collins, CO, 2USDA-ARS, Cheyenne, WY, 3California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA

ABSTRACT

Grazing by black-tailed prairie dogs can increase bare soil exposure, reduce perennial grass cover and increase the relative abundance of annual forbs.  State and transition models for many regions in the western Great Plains suggest that such conditions will not transition back to a perennial grass-dominated state without long-term (>40 year) prescribed grazing.  We examined vegetation dynamics on sites with varying histories of prairie dog occupancy (1-2 yrs, 3-4 yrs, 5-6 yrs and >7 years with prairie dogs present), where prairie dogs were subsequently removed by epizootic plague and sites were grazed by cattle at season-long, moderate stocking rates.  In the first growing season without prairie dogs, bare soil exposure differed substantially among sites

occupied for >=7yrs (45.6 + 3.1%), sites occupied for the previous 5-6 yrs (31+2.6%) and sites with 4 or less years of prior occupancy (23.4+3.0%).  However, bare soil at sites with >=5 yrs prior occupancy declined linearly over time during 2007 – 2011.  Conversely, length of prior prairie dog occupancy significantly influenced cover of perennial C4 grasses at the time of prairie dog removal, but C4 grass cover in all age classes increased linearly at the same rate during 2007-2011.  Results indicate that although prairie dog grazing substantially altered plant community composition and cover, such effects are reversible within time frames relevant to rangeland managers and do not represent an alternative stable vegetation state.

FORAGE PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION USING DIFFERENT GRAZING METHODS ON NEBRASKA SANDHILLS MEADOW. Miles D. Redden*1, Walter Schacht2, Jerry Volesky3, Ben Beckman2; 1University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 2University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 3UNL West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NE

ABSTRACT

Mob grazing using ultrahigh stocking densities is promoted as a tool to increase the health and productivity of grasslands by increasing nutrient cycling and soil organic matter.  Mob grazing can be defined as a strategy in which area available to grazing animals is restricted to achieve stocking densities of 225,000 kg/ha or greater. Objectives of the study were to determine herbage production, utilization, and cattle weight gains among ultra high stock density grazing and more conventional grazing methods on a Sandhills subirrigated meadow.  Treatments included two replications of each of the following: four-pasture rotational grazing with two occupations per pasture in an 80-day grazing season (4-PR-2), four-pasture rotational grazing with one occupation per pasture in a 60-day grazing season (4-PR-1), and a mob grazing system with one occupation per pasture in a 60-day grazing season (MOB).  In each of the four years (2010 – 2013), yearling beef cattle grazed the 4-PR-2 from mid-May through early August and the 4-PR-1 and MOB treatments from early June through early August.  Stocking rates were equal among treatments within years but varied among years dependent on forage production.  Stock densities were 225,000 kg/ha, 7000 kg/ha, and 5000 kg/ha for the MOB, 4-PR-1, and 4-PR-2 respectively.  Herbage mass in grazing exclosures was used to estimate above ground production in 2012 and 2013. Trampling and harvest efficiency were estimated every other week in the MOB and each time cattle changed pastures in the 4-PR-1 and 4-PR-2 during 2010, 2011, and 2013. Above ground production did not differ among treatments in 2012. Average daily gains of MOB were low (0.2 kg/head/day) compared to 4-PR-2 gains (0.8 kg/head/day). Low gains on the MOB pastures likely were related to high levels of trampling and poor forage quality late in the grazing season.

HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT OPTIMIZES ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN BLACK HILLS, SD PINE FORESTS, A STEP TOWARD SILVOPASTURE. Kurt Chowanski*1, Isabel W. Ashton2, Roger Gates3; 1South Dakota State University, West River Ag Center, Rapid City, SD, 2Northern Great Plains Inventory & Monitoring Network, National Park Service, Rapid City, SD, 3South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD

ABSTRACT

Management of ponderosa pine forests in the Black Hills, SD has traditionally focused on reducing tree stocking and fuels to minimize wildfire and mountain pine beetle risks.  While many of these lands are grazed by livestock, current management practices are rarely optimized to increase timber and cattle production simultaneously.  A better understanding of the relationships among livestock grazing, timber and forage production, wildlife, aesthetics, and ecological integrity is critical to reduce uncertainty and optimize management.  We conducted a survey of grazed meadows and forests that differed in management practices in the Black Hills, SD to investigate relationships between past resource use, present forage production, pine seedling recruitment and plant community composition.  We compared pasture usage in animal unit months to visual obstruction readings, plant community composition, seedling densities, and ocular utilization estimates. Pastures under heavy use had fewer plant species, lower visual obstruction readings, and lower herbaceous production.  Holistically managed pastures had greater species richness, higher visual obstruction readings and more herbaceous production.  Forested areas of pastures managed holistically had more biomass, and higher visual obstruction readings than the meadow areas under more conventional management.  Preliminary work suggests that holistic management may optimize ecosystem services for landscapes with multiple uses.

ASSOCIATION PATTERNS OF VISUALLY-OBSERVED AND GPS-TRACKED CATTLE IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES. Mitchell B. Stephenson*, Derek W. Bailey; New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

ABSTRACT

With limited management (i.e., feral or wild) cattle tend to form stable subgroups based on matriarchal lines. However common livestock management practices may disrupt formation of matriarchal groups. Few studies have examined social interactions among cattle raised under typical ranch management practices while grazing rangelands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the strength of spatial associations among individual cows based on locations recorded by horseback observers and GPS tracking data in a variety of herd and pasture sizes within diverse regions of the western United States. Herds ranging from 27 to 114 cows were observed 10 to 15 times over a 30 to 45 d period during the summers of 2000 and 2001 in Montana and during the summer of 2011 in New Mexico. In Montana, mean association between cow dyads decreased as herd size increased. Mean association among cattle in small herds (27 cows) was 28.0 ± 4.0 % SD, but in larger herds (111 or 114 cows) mean association was only 3.0 ± 1.0 % SD. Permutation tests indicated that within 5 of 8 herds, associations among cattle did not differ

(P >0.05) from random levels. However, previous management may influence how individual cattle associate. In New Mexico, cattle from 4 pastures were combined in a common pasture. Mean association among cattle previously managed in the same pasture was 2.4 times greater (P < 0.001) than the mean association among cattle from separate pastures, 17.0 ± 7.0 % SE and 7.0 ± 2.0 % SE, respectively. Additionally, GPS tracking data showed that cows that were previously in same pastures were closer together than cows from different pastures when evaluated in a common pasture. When managed together under typical ranch practices, cattle did not appear to form strong association among individuals while grazing extensive rangelands.

A CASE STUDY EVALUATING PASTORAL PLANS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN ALPS: CONTINUOUS VERSUS ROTATIONAL GRAZING. Massimiliano Probo*1, Michele Lonati1, Marco Pittarello1, Derek W. Bailey2, Matteo Garbarino3, Alessandra Gorlier1, Giampiero Lombardi1; 1University of Torino, Torino, Italy, 2New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 3Università delle Marche, Ancona, Italy

ABSTRACT

Continuous grazing systems (CGS) still are a common method for managing cattle herds in Southwestern Alps. In the last three years, Pastoral Plans have been implemented as a management tool to enhance cattle use of pastures. By introducing rotational grazing they should improve the distribution of stocking density, which should increase the exploitation of steep areas traditionally undergrazed under CGS, and may preserve open habitats with high biodiversity consequently. A case study was conducted to compare spatial selection of beef cows under CGS in 2010 and a rotational grazing system (RGS) introduced in 2012. During the summer grazing seasons of 2010 and 2012, 6 and 13 cows, respectively, were tracked with GPS collars on sub-alpine and alpine pastures in a 1200 ha study area within Val Troncea Natural Park. Spatial use by cattle was clustered in both grazing systems, but in the RGS concentration of grazing was less intense, with cattle exploiting steeper slopes. Selection of vegetation was more heterogeneous in CGS than in RGS, with meso-eutrophic and snow-bed vegetative communities being the most preferred. Pasture use was affected (P < 0.05) by proximity to salt placement areas, slope, and pastoral forage value in CGS, whereas in the RGS it was affected (P < 0.05) by proximity to water, slope, and salt placement areas. Repeated measure analyses demonstrated changes in cattle use of slopes, areas near salt, and pastoral forage value during the grazing season in the CGS. In the RGS, cows used steeper areas with lower pastoral values in the second half of the grazing period within an enclosure compared to the first half, which likely explains the improvement in uniformity of grazing with RGS. Based on this case study, Pastoral Plans and RGS appear to be valid policy tools to improve grazing management in the Southwestern Alps.

A COMPARISON OF FUNCTIONAL GROUND COVER ATTRIBUTES BETWEEN TWO GRAZING SYSTEMS. Gregg Simonds*1, Eric D. Sant2; 1ORC, Park City, UT, 2Open Range Consulting, Park City, UT

ABSTRACT

Using a remote sensing based assessment method, we quantified the differences of ground cover between two areas that have had dramatically different grazing practices since 1984. Located in Rich County, Utah the two areas (Three Creeks and Deseret Land and Livestock [DLL]) were evaluated for differences in functional ground cover attributes. Three Creeks is an area made up of three BLM allotments. It has had season-long low density grazing. Six miles south of the Three Creek allotments is DLL. DLL is largely private, and has employed since 1978 an adaptive grazing strategy that provides enough growing season rest for plant recovery. During the active growing season, a quarter of DLL’s pastures are rested. The grazing at DLL is shorter in duration with much higher density than the Three Creeks. The stocking rate of cattle at DLL in 2010, a near average precipitation year, was 4.4 Acres/AUM. Conversely, the Three Creeks stocking was adjudicated at 6.75 Acres/AUM. The semi-desert loam ecological site is shared by both areas and was the area of comparison between the two. The bare ground and sagebrush cover was significantly higher at Three Creeks and the herbaceous cover was significantly lower when compared to DLL.

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY PREFERENCE OF CATTLE WHILE GRAZING OR RESTING. Don Thompson*1, John Church2; 1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, 2Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC

ABSTRACT

Cattle locations were recorded every 5 minutes with GPS collars for four summers on bunchgrass range in interior BC, Canada.  Six 65 ha pastures were used in the trials which contained a mosaic of plant communities due to the hilly topography.   The locations of GPS fixes were overlaid with on vegetation polygons prepared from traversing major plant community boundaries with a hand-held GPS unit.  An activity classification model was developed to differentiate grazing and resting behaviour based on distance travelled between fixes.   Plant community preference was tested in the initial few days using the chi square test,  comparing the number of fixes observed in a plant community type to what would be expected based on its relative area.  Grazing preference was greatest for lotic plant communities dominated by Kentucky bluegrass or saltgrass, with least preference for the upland bluebunch wheatgrass community.  However due its large area, the number of grazing fixes was greatest for the bluebunch wheatgrass community.   Resting fixes were almost entirely in the lotic plant communities.   Cattle may concentrate mineral nutrients gathered from upland plant communities by defecating in these resting sites.  

RANGELAND TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT COUNCIL WORKSHOP: STRATEGIES AND TREATMENTS TO MAINTAIN OR RESTORE LONGLEAF PINE FORESTS. Mike Pellant*1, Nancy Shaw2, Victor Vankus3, Leda Kobziar4, Robert D. Cox5; 1BLM, Boise, ID, 2USFS-Rocky Mountain Research Station, Boise, ID, 3USFS, Dry Branch, GA, 4University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 5Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

ABSTRACT

The Rangeland Technology and Equipment Council (RTEC) is an informal organization of land managers, engineers, researchers, academics, and private industry representatives interested in developing new rehabilitation equipment and strategies. RTEC has a long history of holding an annual, practical workshop on the Sunday preceding the start of the SRM meeting.  The focus of the workshop this year is on the longleaf pine ecosystem which was once the dominant forest community in the South covering over 140,000 square miles from southern Virginia to east Texas.  There is currently less than 3% of that original forest remaining.  Over the past 100 years, forest was lost to tree harvesting and conversion to other pine species, agriculture, urbanization, and a lack of understanding about how to manage this type of fire dependent forest.  A renewed interest across the region over the past twenty years has led to a range wide effort to protect the remaining forest, convert other forest types back to longleaf, and to restore non-forest land.  A diverse, healthy understory component and fire are two critical and interrelated management tools necessary for maintaining a vigorous longleaf pine forest. This RTEC session will focus on: 1) The use of fire or fire surrogates to maintain/enhance existing forests, and 2) Techniques, equipment, and native plant materials to restore degraded or former forest areas.  Interaction and sharing lessons learned will be integrated into this half-day workshop.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY TRENDS OF COOL SEASON INVASIVE GRASSES IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS. Kenneth E. Spaeth*; USDA-NRCS, Fort Worth, TX

ABSTRACT

The geographic spread and the number of invasive plant species has increased significantly over the past 200 years as a result of human activities.  On rangelands, exotic grass invasion has been especially dramatic and has transformed many native plant community types throughout the United States.  Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and/or smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) invasion in the mixed grass prairie has been rapid and ubiquitous and many questions remain about current and potential changes in ecosystem dynamics.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) in cooperation with Iowa State University’s Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology has conducted national resource inventories (NRI) for over 65 years to assess the Nation’s natural resources on non-Federal lands.  The current rangeland on-site study (2004-2011) included over 265 random observations.  Extent of these two cool season grass species and their effect on species diversity trends will be reported. 

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVERS OF KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS IN MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE. John R. Hendrickson*1, Jeffery L. Printz2, Matt Sanderson1, David Toledo1, Kenneth E. Spaeth3, Sarah Goslee4; 1USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND, 2USDA-NRCS, Bismarck, ND, 3USDA-NRCS, Fort Worth, TX, 4USDA-ARS, University Park, PA

ABSTRACT

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) has been increasing in the northern Great Plains.  Current estimates are that 75 percent of the range sites in the North Dakota and a majority of range sites in South Dakota and Nebraska have some degree of Kentucky bluegrass encroachment.  Data from the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (USDA-ARS) as well as other anecdotal and published reports suggest that Kentucky bluegrass encroachment has occurred within the last 30 years.  There have been numerous suggested causes for the increase in Kentucky bluegrass during this time period.  Some of these include 1) increased precipitation during the 1990s; 2) increases in available nitrogen either through the atmosphere or through nitrogen fixation; 3) adherence to later turn-on dates for grazing; 4) use of deferment and rest as a management tool; 4) use of the take half leave half utilization measurement and 5) alterations in the fire regime.  Each of these drivers could by itself or in concert with other drivers, helped to promote the encroachment of Kentucky bluegrass.  Most of the past efforts have focused on the control of Kentucky bluegrass without a clear understanding of the drivers. However, understanding the drivers of the encroachment will help develop new control strategies and enhance existing control strategies.

EXTENT OF KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS AND ITS EFFECT ON NATIVE PLANT SPECIES DIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS OF THE USA. David Toledo*1, Matt Sanderson2, Kenneth E. Spaeth3, John Hendrickson2, Jeffery L. Printz4; 1USDA-ARS, Bismarck, ND, 2USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND, 3USDA-NRCS, Fort Worth, TX, 4USDA-NRCS, Bismarck, ND

ABSTRACT

The geographic spread of Kentucky bluegrass in rangelands of the USA has increased significantly over the past 3 decades. Preliminary analysis indicates that Kentucky bluegrass occupies over half of all ecological sites across the Northern Great Plains. Kentucky bluegrass has served as nutritious forage during certain times of the year, it is a widely used turf grass, and has been used as a soil stabilizer against erosion. However, the consequences of the rapid Kentucky bluegrass expansion on native plant species diversity and ecosystem services have received little attention. The invasion and expansion of Kentucky bluegrass in the Northern Great Plains has contributed to the decrease of native prairie community integrity and plant diversity and has altered plant community structure and function. We review available research related to Kentucky bluegrass and evaluate its effects on native plant diversity and ecosystem services. Based on our review, we found that invasion may bring serious negative consequences

to ecosystem services and restoration of native rangelands and greater native landscape connectivity is needed to maintain the flow of ecosystem goods and services from these rangeland ecosystems.

RESOURCE USE OF POA PRATENSIS IN MIDWESTERN TALLGRASS PRAIRIES: CONSEQUENCES FOR SOIL CARBON AND NITROGEN. David A. Wedin*; University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

ABSTRACT

Poa pratensis is ubiquitous in native prairie remnants of the Midwest and eastern Great Plains.   At Nine-Mile Prairie in eastern Nebraska, the high frequency of Poa in native prairie quadrats has changed little from 1928 to 2012. Extensive studies at the Cedar Creek Long Term Ecological Research site in east-central Minnesota examined Poa along with more than 30 other grasses and forbs.  Measurements included above- and belowground physiological and morphological traits, as well as soil mineral nitrogen (N) depletion and net nitrogen mineralization.  Relative to dominant C4 grasses, Poa has high tissue N concentrations, high tissue turnover and decomposition rates, and the potential to accelerate soil N cycling.  However, when placed with other grasses and forbs on a multivariate axis representing nitrogen use, Poa takes an intermediate position.  Poa responds well to N enrichment, yet persists better than most “high N” forage grasses under infertile conditions. Simulations for Cedar Creek and Nine-Mile Prairie with the ecosystem model CENTURY suggest that the impact of Poa on soil carbon and nitrogen pools is relatively neutral.  This contrasts with invasive C3 grasses (e.g. Bromus inermis or Agropyron repens) that decrease soil C and N in the long-term, or tall C4 grasses that increase them.

TURF WARS: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE GENETICS AND MANAGEMENT OF TURFGRASSES? David R. Huff*; Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

ABSTRACT

As a species, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a genetically diverse perennial containing several subspecies, is broadly adaptable with high levels of phenotypic plasticity, and is extensively utilized as pastures, meadows, and turf in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.  Recently, however, the undesirability of Kentucky bluegrass in native grassland ecosystems is becoming apparent.  This talk will focus on gleaning the available knowledge base of turfgrass end-users and breeders to assist those aimed at controlling Kentucky bluegrass invasiveness.   For example, the occurrence of Kentucky bluegrass in turf is highly encouraged by regular close mowing and high traffic and thus grazing by non-native species in native areas should be curtailed.  The main seed production areas typically use burning to remove straw, control diseases, and increase seed yield in the subsequent season and thus burning may not be a useful means of control.  A trait valued among end-users is Kentucky bluegrass’ ability to mix well with other plant species creating diverse managed ecosystems of turfs, pastures, and

meadows in northern latitudes world-wide.  Thus, any means of control, including herbicides, should be balanced with appropriate measures of floristic and species indices in order to ascertain if the desired goals have been achienved.   Lastly, due to its facultative asexual apomictic breeding system, the agronomic and ecological performance of Kentucky bluegrass tends to behave more like a “species complex” rather than as a single species in the traditional sense and therefore, control efforts should focus on the Pasture and Mid-western ecotypes rather than the numerous turf types.

ESD WORKSHOP: SCALE CONSIDERATIONS AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. Jamin Johanson*; USDA-NRCS, Monroe, UT

ABSTRACT

Ecological Sites (ESs) are valuable sources of information for effective land management decision-making, monitoring, assessment and policy.  But their utility is limited because they are representative of ecological processes and management effects at one spatial scale; the plant community.  Many important ecological processes not only transcend scales, but their magnitude and impacts are determined by interactions among ESs.  Likewise, the spatial and temporal distribution of processes that occur within the physical bounds of an ES can have significant influence on their impacts at the plant community scale.  An understanding and ability to systematically categorize and describe these behaviors is critical to developing accurate predictive models.  A consistent, integrated approach is also necessary for credible predictions of the impacts of disturbance and management impacts on a variety of ecosystem services.  This 4 hour symposium will examine the concepts behind cross-scale evaluation of changes in ecological processes, the influence of management and the effects on the production of goods and services. 

UNIFYING CONCEPTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RIPARIAN ECOLOGICAL SITES. Jamin Johanson*; USDA-NRCS, Monroe, UT

ABSTRACT

There is increasing interest from Federal Agencies to develop Riparian Complex Ecological Site Descriptions (RCESDs) to help describe, classify, and manage lotic riparian systems. RCESDs differ from rangeland ecological sites because they are based primarily on hydrologic features—as opposed to soil-geomorphic features—within a physiographic and climatic context. To date, there has been important foundational work for developing RCESDs, but uniformity and broad acceptance of RCESD concepts and development techniques have been lacking. To address these shortcomings, an interagency group of diverse specialists has come together from across the United States to advance the dialogue of RCESD concepts and make recommendations for advancing the discipline. This workshop will present the current state of RCESD concepts and provide opportunities for input from a broad audience.

DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES FOR ECOLOGICAL SITE DEVELOPMENT. Jamin Johanson*; USDA-NRCS, Monroe, UT

ABSTRACT

Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs) integrate all kinds of information to classify and describe rangeland ecosystems in a way that is useful for management. Currently, most ESDs and their associated state-and-transition models (STMs) are not based on large datasets or statistical analyses due to a general lack of site-specific, well-replicated data. However, there is increasing opportunity to analyze and incorporate large datasets within the ESD framework. This workshop is intended to demonstrate data analysis techniques that are useful in developing ESDs and STMs when statistical datasets are available. This workshop will focus on common data types available to ESD developers, as well as the appropriate data analysis techniques for each data type. This is not meant as a course in statistics, but rather as an ESD-specific discussion of statistical methods.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN ESD DEVELOPMENT. Jamin Johanson*; USDA-NRCS, Monroe, UT

ABSTRACT

Ecological site descriptions (ESDs) are used to capture, organize, and deliver information in a conceptual framework that is relevant to land management. This workshop demonstrates the potential of emerging technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of information capture, organization, and delivery as it relates to the ESD development process. The conventional approach to ESD development is to integrate soils and vegetation data (usually from soil survey projects), local expertise, thematic searches of published literature, and any other available data sources (e.g. climate station data) into an ESD document. Emerging technologies streamline this process and have the potential to produce more complete ESD products in an increasingly efficient way. This workshop is intended to demonstrate how ESD development and utility might improve in the future.

USING ECOLOGICAL SITE INFORMATION FOR LAND MANAGEMENT. Jamin Johanson*; USDA-NRCS, Monroe, UT

ABSTRACT

Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs) classify and describe land in a way that is most applicable to management. This workshop will provide a brief overview of ESD concepts and terminology, followed by demonstrations of how to use the information in these documents for planning and other land management purposes. This workshop is intended for land managers that will use ESDs in a field setting.

NORTH DAKOTA RIPARIAN ECOLOGICAL SITE DESCRIPTION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT. Miranda A. Meehan*1, Kevin K. Sedivec2, Jeffery L. Printz3; 1Carlson McCain, Inc., Bismarck, ND, 2North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 3USDA-NRCS, Bismarck, ND

ABSTRACT

A collaborative project is being conducted in North Dakota to develop six riparian ecological site descriptions within four watersheds. The goals of this project is to improve and strengthen the ability of resource managers and landowners to restore and/or properly manage riparian ecosystems through the development of ecological site descriptions (ESDs) and state-and-transition models (STMs) for riparian ecosystems. To develop a riparian ESD an interdisciplinary team identifies existing states, transitions, and stream succession scenario being carried out along streams. The current state of natural streams is determined using Rosgen’s classification of natural streams to classify channels (potential states). The soils, vegetation, and wildlife associated with each geomorphic feature associated with the stream are inventoried. The development of riparian ESDs and STMs will provide guidance to land managers by explaining how a particular stream is expected to respond to various disturbance and management strategies, specifically grazing management strategies that will enhance stability and resilience within a particular riparian system.  Riparian ESDs allow landowners and/or land managers to 1) identify, 2) assess, 3) predict change, 4) manage, 5) restore, 6) and monitor riparian ecosystems under their management.

VEGETATION CHANGES THROUGH TIME FOLLOWING JUNIPER CONTROL IN GRANT COUNTY, OREGON. Ricardo Mata-Gonzalez*1, Dana Sanchez1, Ryan Torland2, Michael Borman1, Miguel A. Hernandez3; 1Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 2Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, John Day, OR, 3UANL, Linares, Nuevo León, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) populations in eastern Oregon have expanded ten-fold in the last 130 years.  Such expansion is troublesome for a variety of reasons: reduction of productivity and diversity of understory vegetation, negative impact on hydrologic processes, and decline of ungulate populations through reduction of available browse.  To address the encroachment problem at the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area in Grant County, OR, large portions of land have been treated for juniper control by mechanical means since 2009.  We selected areas treated in different years (2009, 2010, and 2012) as well as untreated areas that shared similar conditions of soils and topography to assess the vegetation response through time.  Vegetation sampling was conducted in the summer of 2013 in three different post-treatment conditions: interspace, duff (areas under the former tree canopy), and slash (areas under the fallen tree).  Sampling consisted of dry biomass evaluations and separation by perennial grasses, forbs, and annual grasses.  The biomass of perennial grasses had little change through time, basically resembling that of the control (80 g/m2) in interspaces.  However, in duff areas there was an increase of 15 to 50% of perennial grass biomass in 2010 and 2012 compared to the

control.  In slash areas perennial grasses decreased more than 50% through time. The biomass of forbs has increased 50% to 200% primarily in slash areas.  The biomass of annual grasses has remained with little change in interspaces, but has decreased more than 50% in duff areas.  The increase in perennial grasses as well as the decrease in annual grasses in some areas are initial positive responses to juniper control.  However, plant succession is a slow process that also responds to environmental changes and requires long periods of observation.

BUD BANK RESPONSE OF SMOOTH BROME (BROMUS INERMIS) TO VARIED MOWING TREATMENTS OVER A GROWING SEASON. Nicole C. Boone*1, Lan Xu2, Nels H. Troelstrup Jr.2; 1South Dakota State University, Sioux Falls, SD, 2South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

ABSTRACT

Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) is an introduced cool-season, sod forming, fast-growing, perennial rhizomatous grass. It out-competes native species therefore decreasing the biodiversity of South Dakota’s native grasslands. It is a highly competitive species, spreading by both seeds (seed bank) and rhizomes (bud bank) which attributes to its persistence and invasiveness. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of simulated grazing (mowing) on smooth brome dominated pasture in south eastern South Dakota. Four (6X6m) plots were divided into four (3X3m) subplots. Each plot included a control that was never mowed, and three subplots that were mowed once, twice, and three times during the growing season. Prior to each mowing, stem density and bud bank samples were taken from each of the 16 subplots. Each sample contained the root and stem. Stem samples were used to determine growth stage of samples. The bud bank of each root was recorded and tested to determine if the buds were active, dormant, or dead. Preliminary results show there are fewer buds on the mowed samples compared to the control samples. However, mowed samples have a higher proportion of active buds compared to the control samples. Understanding how a species bud bank functions will allow managers to properly prescribe the timing and methods of prescribed burning, grazing, or combinations, which will influence bud bank and aboveground tiller population dynamics. This will lead to development of adaptive management strategies that sustain long-term effectiveness of control management practices, and simultaneously promote desirable native species.

AMINOPYRALID RESEARCH SUPPORTING USA REGISTRATION SUBMISSION FOR AQUATIC USES. Vanelle F. Peterson1, John J. Jachetta2, Patrick L. Havens2, Patrick L. Burch3, Louise A. Brinkworth4, William N. Kline5, William T. Haller6, John L. Troth2, Robert A. Masters*2, Daniel C. Cummings2; 1Dow AgroSciences LLC, Mulino, OR, 2Dow AgroSciences LLC, Indianapolis, IN, 3Dow AgroSciences LLC, Christiansburg, VA, 4Dow AgroSciences LLC, Hitchin, England, 5Dow AgroSciences LLC, Ball Park, GA, 6Univeristy of Florida, Gainesville, FL

ABSTRACT

Aminopyralid, a pyridine carboxylic acid herbicide, controls noxious and invasive broadleaf weeds in rangeland, permanent grass pastures, Conservation Reserve Program areas, non-cropland areas including industrial sites, rights-of-way (roadsides, electric utility and

communication transmission lines, pipelines, and railroads), non-irrigation ditch banks, natural areas (wildlife management areas, wildlife openings and habitats, recreation areas, campgrounds, trailheads and trails), and grazed areas in and around these sites. Registered products include aminopyralid alone (Milestone®) or mixed with other herbicides, metsulfuron (Opensight®), clopyralid (Sendero®), triclopyr (Capstone®), or 2,4-D (ForeFront® HL). Current labels state, “It is permissible to treat non-irrigation ditch banks, seasonally dry wetlands (such as flood plains, deltas, marshes, swamps, or bogs) and transitional areas between upland and lowland sites.  Milestone can be used to the water’s edge.  Do not apply directly to water and take precautions to minimize spray drift onto water. Do not contaminate water intended for irrigation or domestic purposes.  Do not treat inside banks or bottoms of irrigation ditches, either dry or containing water, or other channels that carry water that may be used for irrigation or domestic purposes.” Aminopyralid degradation rate in water in sunlight (0.6 day half-life) is similar to triclopyr, an herbicide registered for aquatic uses (0.5 day half-life).  Research was conducted to support aquatic uses. Residue data from experiments conducted in ponds (Texas and Indiana) and moving water (Oregon and Florida) established tolerances for fish, shellfish and crustaceans and defined aminopyralid dissipation kinetics in water and sediment. Data were submitted to support aquatic uses for aminopyralid-containing products, Milestone, GrazonNext® HL, ForeFront HL, Capstone, and PasturAll® HL. Following approval labels are expected to have no restrictions on recreational or livestock use of water after applications of these products but applications will not be permitted on the inside banks of irrigation ditches."  

EFFECTS OF SEQUENTIAL HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS AND GRAZING EXCLUSION ON CHEATGRASS AND NATIVE RANGELAND VEGETATION. Shayla A. Burnett*, Brian A. Mealor; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) is one of the most significant invasive weeds of North America. Because eradication may not be a feasible goal, it may be desirable to manage cheatgrass in low-density stands below the ‘impact’ stage of invasion. Little work has investigated managing such stands by single or sequential herbicide applications. We inset randomized complete block experiments with five herbicide treatments an  controls into seven different sites. Five sites were treated previously with imazapic in different years (2006-2010). Two sites – one dominated by Hesperostipa comata (Trin.&Rupr.) and one co-dominated by Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) and Bouteloua gracilis (Willd.exKunth) – were received treatment only in 2011 and included a simulated grazing treatment combined with herbicide.  Herbicide treatments included imazapic (70 and 105 g ai/ha), propoxycarbazone sodium (59 g ai/ha), rimsulfuron (158 g ai/ha), and a combination of tebuthiuron (170 g ai/ha) and aminopyralid (92 g ai/ha) applied prior to cheatgrass emergence in fall of 2011. We evaluated the vegetation response – including cover, biomass production, and seedbank – in summer 2012 and 2013. All herbicide treatments reduced cheatgrass cover (p = 0.0284) and biomass production (p = 0.0005) at the H. comata site in 2012 but had little effect on vegetation cover at the other sites in either year (p>0.05). Although treated repeatedly with herbicide, most desirable native species were not adversely affected. In 2013, herbicides reduced Poa secunda biomass production at the B. gracilis and canopy cover at the 5 year retreatment interval site (p < 0.05). The germinable

seedbank was largely unaffected by herbicide treatments. The defoliation treatment had minimal to no effect on the plant community above- or belowground (p > 0.05). Results indicate retreatment with herbicides had limited impact on native perennial grasses, and that seedbank characteristics may not be strong indicators of aboveground vegetation response to cheatgrass control.

STATEWIDE PRIORITIZATION OF CHEATGRASS INFESTATIONS IN WYOMING. Cara E. Noseworthy*, Brian A. Mealor; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) is an invasive winter annual grass prevalent enough in the state of Wyoming to warrant concern from public and private land managers. It is one of many detrimental invasive species in the state, which means prioritizing to ensure the most efficient use of time and resources is important. Current distribution models do not provide enough information beyond presence/absence for effective prioritization. This project has two main objectives:1) to synthesize existing datasets from around Wyoming, gather local expert knowledge, and use GIS to analyze data and 2) to develop a spatially-explicit prioritization model based on invasion characteristics, estimated recovery potential, and potential as wildlife habitat. We performed a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) accounting for elevation, land cover type, human disturbance, and a surface of variance using ArcGIS to develop a set of 200 random, spatially balanced points to guide field surveys for summer 2013. We developed a rapid assessment protocol to classify survey points into invasion levels based on measures of cheatgrass and natives and other qualitative measures (disturbance, other invasive grasses, etc.). Over 12,000 sites have been assessed with around 90% of the sites classified as having no cheatgrass. Future surveys will target areas of cheatgrass dominance to increase understanding of invasion and balance the data. This information will assist in developing a distribution prediction model to inform both future surveys and the overall final goal. This model will be used to identify areas of high risk for cheatgrass dominance, and to prioritize areas for management action and increased field data collection subsequent years. These data will be used in conjunction with habitat indicators to develop further prioritization for management actions. The final goal is to provide a tool to land managers that will be the first step in a statewide cooperative approach to managing cheatgrass.

SHEPHERDIA ARGENTEA ENCROACHMENT ALTERS MIXED GRASS COMPOSITION AND FORAGE PRODUCTION. Regina Dahl*1, Edward Bork2, Tommy Dalgaard3, Peder Klith Bøcher3; 1University of Alberta/Aarhus University, Edmonton, AB, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 3Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

ABSTRACT

The expansion of woody species is a worldwide concern for rangeland managers due to its impact on ecosystem services, including native diversity and forage production. In southern Alberta, wetlands created for waterfowl habitat have facilitated invasion by thorny buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea). We compared plant community composition and forage production in 30 paired-plots consisting of areas with and without shrubs, on a portion of the Mattheis Research Ranch in SE Alberta, Canada in 2013. Plots were sampled for shrub canopy presence, understory species composition (by cover), herbaceous biomass (by growth form), and soil characteristics (nutrient availability). In addition, each shrub encroached patch was further divided into areas with and without evidence of cattle occupancy during sampling. Results of this study will provide information on the impacts of shrub encroachment within these landscapes, including 1) changes in species composition that may have occurred, such as the presence of invasive herbs, 2) alterations in forage availability and quality for cattle, 3) impacts of shrub invasion on potential cattle use, and 4) changes to soil nutrient status associated with shrub encroachment and cattle grazing. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to develop an improved understanding of the influence of shrub encroachment on native biodiversity and livestock grazing in the region, and thereby assess the need for remedial action to shrub presence. Additionally, these results will be linked to spatial data on shrub encroachment in the landscape to assess the overall impact of shrub encroachment on this ecosystem.

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR THE CONTROL OF TANGLEHEAD AND BUFFELGRASS ON SOUTH TEXAS RANGELANDS. Scott L. Mitchell*, David B. Wester, Eric D. Grahmann; Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute - Texas A&M - Kingsville, Kingsville, TX

ABSTRACT

Invasive grasses are a constant management problem on millions of hectacres of rangelands throughout the United States.  In south Texas, tanglehead (heteropogon contortus) and buffelgrass (pennisetum ciliare) are two perennial bunchgrasses that are causing a severe threat to the biodiversity of native rangelands.  To date, little research has been conducted that has resulted in successful control of these two grasses.  Research is currently being conducted on several ranches in south Texas to determine which management techniques are most effective.  Management techniques such as cool season prescribed burning, summer prescribed burning, disking, moldboarding, grazing and herbicide applications are being used singly and in combination with one another to develp an algorithm for effective control.  Preliminary results indicate that control with a single management technique or a single one-time application is not

effective and that multiple techniques paired with multiple applications are most effective for the removal of adult plants and depletion of the soil seed bank.

DOES ANNUAL PRECIPITATION REGULATE GRASSLAND INVASION BY EXOTIC SPECIES: A TEST FROM ALBERTA&RSQUO;S NATIVE GRASSLANDS. Mark P. Lyseng*1, Edward Bork1, Cameron N. Carlyle1, Daniel B. Hewins1, Barry Adams2, Mike Alexander3, Jennifer Richman4, Darlene Moisey5, Mike Willoughby4, Craig DeMaere3; 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 2Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Lethbridge, AB, 3Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Pincher Creek, AB, 4Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, AB, 5Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, St. Paul, AB

ABSTRACT

Plant species invasions are considered problematic due to their ability to reduce rangeland function, including biodiversity and the provision of environmental goods and services such as forage production. Invasion susceptibility of grasslands may also vary as a function of climatic region, with mesic grasslands more susceptible to invasion due to an increase in available nutrients.  In this study, detailed species composition data were used from approximately 120 grasslands across southern and central Alberta to evaluate the relative abundance of introduced species in relation to 1) agro-climatic gradients, including rainfall (272 – 437 mm) and soil conditions, and 2) the presence or absence of recent livestock grazing.  Community composition was assessed inside and outside of longstanding cattle exclosures that constitute the Rangeland Reference Area Program on public lands administered by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. We assessed plant community composition, including the proportion of diversity comprised of invasive species, and related to the fore-mentioned factors. Results of this study will have implications for the ongoing management and conservation of native grasslands across the region.

NATIVES OR NONNATIVES FOR RESTORATION, GOOD OR BAD, OUR 2006 BUCKSKIN FIRE EXPERIENCE. Kim T. Anderson Ph.D.*1, Richard D. Madril2, Raymond Brinkerhoff3, Brian Taylor3, William Bate3; 1United States Forest Service, Price, UT, 2Bureau of Land Management, Kanab, UT, 3Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Kanab, UT

ABSTRACT

Following the June 6, 2006 Buckskin Fire, a multi-agency effort was initiated to rehabilitate and protect the 1,400 acres of prime mule deer habitat that had burned.  This group included the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the Cedar City BLM District, and GSENM staff.  To maximize success of the restoration effort a mix of native and non-native species was applied to the burn area. This was followed by chaining of the burned and dead trees and aerial application of additional seed including forage kochia (Kochia prostrata). This multi scale effort   allowed the GSENM the opportunity to study, in situ, the changes and fluctuations of different classes and

types of vegetation over long term conditions.  Four monitoring sites were established in mid-July 2006, just after the burn but prior to chaining.  Data at the plots have been collected annually since 2006.  The results show establishment of native non-seeded and seeded species took longer to occur.  Kochia prostrata, has not expanded as predicted but became established on the site the following spring. Timing of precipitation appeared to be a factor in the success of plant establishment in 2007. The information collected may also help in determining possible effects of climate change.  Monitoring and data collection will continue into 2015.

COMPARISON OF NATIVE PLANT SEEDING TECHNIQUES ON BURNED WYOMING BIG SAGEBRUSH SITES. Jeffrey E. Ott*1, Nancy Shaw1, Robert D. Cox2, Mike Pellant3, Bruce A. Roundy4, Dennis L. Eggett4; 1USFS-Rocky Mountain Research Station, Boise, ID, 2Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 3BLM, Boise, ID, 4Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

ABSTRACT

Rangelands in the Intermountain West are routinely seeded to stabilize soils and restore vegetation after wildfire. On public lands, policy has shifted from seeding non-native perennial grasses towards mixtures of native grasses, shrubs and forbs, necessitating the development of non-conventional seeding techniques. Interest in minimizing impacts to soils and residual biota during seeding operations has likewise favored newer developments such as minimum-till rangeland drills. We carried out an operational-scale experiment to test the effectiveness of newer techniques for establishing native species following wildfire across 4 Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata var. wyomingensis) sites in Idaho, Oregon and Utah. We compared a conventional rangeland drill with a minimum-till drill; both drills were equipped with extra boxes for small seeds that were broadcast on the soil surface in combination with chains or imprinters to enhance soil-seed contact. These ‘drill-broadcasting’ techniques were compared against conventional broadcasting carried out in the fall and winter. Seedling density and cover measurements from the first 2 years after treatment revealed that (1) large-seeded species established equally well with the minimum-till compared to the conventional drill, (2) small-seeded species established equally or better when broadcast using drills compared to conventional broadcasting, (3) drill-broadcasting using the minimum-till drill + imprinter units was equally or more effective than using the rangeland drill + chains, (4) fall broadcasting resulted in greater establishment than winter broadcasting for many small-seeded species, (5) the minimum-till drill maintained higher density of residual native plants than the conventional drill, and (6) variation among sites could be attributed to differences in elevation and precipitation following seeding. We conclude that these seeding techniques, when properly selected to account for site conditions and rehabilitation objectives, are viable options for establishing native plants following fire. 

REDUCTION OF GEYER&RSQUO;S LARKSPUR ABUNDANCE USING SEEDED FORBS AND LIGHT RATES OF HERBICIDE. Tara Callaway*1, Paul Meiman1, Jesse Schroeder2, Joel Vaad1, Joe Brummer1; 1Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 2Ouray County, Montrose, CO

ABSTRACT

Native larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are damaging poisonous plants to livestock on western rangelands. Cattle death losses to larkspur poisoning have remained surprisingly consistent throughout the past century. Efforts to avoid larkspur poisoning of cattle result in significant lost opportunities to harvest forage. Larkspur management strategies have been developed, however most are specific to ‘tall larkspurs’ and few options exist for ‘low larkspur’. Broadleaf selective herbicides may be used but these products reduce other perennial forbs and may amplify future larkspur problems by reducing effective competitors. This study was conducted to determine whether seeded native or introduced forbs would emerge in existing stands of Geyer’s larkspur (Delphinium geyeri), and whether light-rate herbicide application, prior to seeding, would increase emergence of seeded forbs. Nine treatment combinations were replicated 3 times at 3 locations. Treatments consisted of all combinations of seeded forbs (native, introduced, and unseeded) and herbicide (2,4-D LV4, picloram, and unsprayed). Herbicides reduced larkspur density one year after treatment and no difference was detected between herbicides. Effects of herbicides on larkspur canopy cover one year after treatment were not obvious. 2,4-D reduced canopy cover of non-target forbs compared to the unsprayed and picloram treated plots. Canopy cover of non-target forbs in unsprayed plots was similar to plots treated with picloram at two of the three locations. Density of seeded forbs was low and dependent on location, herbicide, and seed mixture but effects were variable and subtle. Both herbicides reduced larkspur and other broadleaf species. Picloram may be more effective for reducing larkspur and result in less damage to non-target broadleaf plants than 2,4-D. However, picloram might result in a slight reduction in seedling density of seeded forbs. Canopy cover and larkspur density from year 2 after treatment will be presented along with the Geyer’s larkspur total alkaloid concentration.

THE INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANT SPECIES, HERBICIDES, SOIL DISTURBANCE AND COVER CROPS IN A GRASSLAND RESTORATION PROJECT IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. E William Hamilton*; Washington and Lee Univ, Lexington, VA

ABSTRACT

Gardiner Basin (GB) outside of Roosevelt Arch in Yellowstone National Park has been influenced not only by multiple geological events but also by the activities of human settlement for over 200 hundred years. With activities ranging from ranching and hay production to a rail line terminus with associated town, many negative effects on soil properties can be identified. These combined activities make restoring native vegetation to GB a complex task. The restoration effort began in 2008 with the construction of three large animal exclosures in which

herbicides have been applied to eliminate invasive exotic plant species, primarily Alyssum desertorum and Agropyron cristatum, and cereal grains have been planted to stabilize the soil. In soils from inside and outside the exclosures we determined soil pH, extractable nitrogen (N), and organic matter (OM) to identify edaphic properties and quantified the abundance and diversity of soil microbes using molecular, microscopic, and physiological assays. The three sites vary predictably based on previous geologic activity with soil pH from 6.6 to 7.8, soil extractable N from 0.8 to 2.2 mg/kg soil and OM from 0.8 to 1.5%. The presence of invasive species significantly reduces the abundance and diversity of soil microbes while herbicide treatment had no detectable effects. OM, soil extractable N, and microbial diversity and abundance significantly increased over time with increasing cover crop plantings. Our data demonstrates that the management strategies employed to date in the GB restoration project are having beneficial effects on the soil microbial community and are reestablishing a functional soil community which will benefit the establishment of seeded native plant species.

TREE-ISLANDS OF FERTILITY AND MASTICATED DEBRIS DECREASE THE METABOLIC EFFICIENCY OF SOIL MICROORGANISMS IN COLD DESERTS. Zachary T. Aanderud*, Debbie Rigby, Bruce A. Roundy; Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

ABSTRACT

From a plant-centric view, islands-of-fertility supply essential nutrients to the plant species creating the island; however, from a microbe-centric view, do islands-of-fertility also benefit microorganisms? To investigate the impact of islands-of-fertility on microbial metabolism and efficiency, we evaluated metabolic and soil characteristics in interspace and Pinus edulis and Juniperus osteosperma tree-island (i.e., soils beneath the canopy and at the edge of the canopy) surface soils in over forty cold deserts. Characteristics included: microbial quotient=microbial efficiency, basal respiration=measure of overall activity, and ratio of biomass to dissolved organic C (DOC)=the amount of biomass supported by C substrates. Also, we measured the same characteristics under coarse woody debris (CWD) additions from tree-islands in all our deserts. To stem catastrophic wildfires, whole desert trees are being mechanically masticated into CWD and deposited on soils previously exposed to decades of tree-induced changes. These CWD additions are the ultimate setting to evaluate the extent of influence tree litter has on tree-island soils and metabolic activity. We found that microorganisms were less efficient in tree-island canopy than interspace soils. Further, basal soil respiration was only 7% higher in tree-island canopy soils, and 66% less microbial biomass was supported by DOC in tree-island canopy than interspace soils. The addition of CWD only enhanced these differences and also caused all metabolic characteristics in tree-island edge to differ from interspace soils. The lower efficiency and less biomass supported per unit DOC was not due to a lack of DOC or P. DOC was 3-times and P was 1.5-times higher in tree-island than interspace soils. Low levels of inorganic N in tree-island soils may indicate that microorganisms were limited by poor litter quality. Our results suggest that, microorganisms enjoy better soil quality, lower chemical stresses, and less energy demand for metabolism in interspace soils.

DETERMINING WEED MANAGEMENT OPTIONS TO IMPROVE RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED LANDS. Beth Fowers*, Brian A. Mealor; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

As part of the process of energy extraction, soils are scraped from sites to access mineral deposits or to create level surfaces for drilling or mining activities. This disturbance kills plants, and makes it necessary to reintroduce desirable species once extraction activities are completed. Reclamation after disturbance of soils and vegetation associated with energy extraction is critical for ecosystem function and is required by law. Weedy annual species often dominate reclamation sites for the short-term, competing for resources with newly-seeded desirable vegetation. Our objectives were to: 1) evaluate herbicide effects on weedy and desirable species, 2) determine the effect of treatment timing (herbicide and seeding) on reclamation success, and 3) evaluate the performance of different species and seed mixes. Fifteen herbicide treatments and ten seed mixes were applied in a split-plot design to three sites in Wyoming to evaluate effectiveness of different reclamation practices. Most herbicide treatments targeted broadleaved weeds with the substitution of two treatments targeting annual grasses at one site. Seeding treatments were applied at two timings (fall, spring) across herbicide treatments to investigate establishment rates of specific species under different seeding times. Second-year data on weed control and seeded species establishment from cover and percent stand observations from mid-summer 2013 are presented. Herbicides, specifically those including aminocyclopyrachlor, reduced annual weedy forb cover (p<0.05) at two sites. Undesirable annual grasses were reduced by herbicides (p<0.05) at two sites. The most effective were rimsulfuron and imazapic. Seeded species establishment remained low at two sites, however, all sites showed significant species-specific establishment (p<0.05). The best establishment occurred at a site where high annual grass competition was reduced with spring seeding. A second site had slightly better establishment from fall seeding. Seeded wheatgrass and wildrye species established best at most sites. Evaluation will continue for a third year.

SPRING DRYING AND WETTING FOR SEEDLING ROOT ZONES IN THE GREAT BASIN. Nathan L. Cline*, Bruce A. Roundy, Kert Young; Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

ABSTRACT

Post-wildfire revegetation projects often fail possibly due to seedling mortality associated with soil drying in spring.  In order to improve plant material selection for specific sites, we previously developed models to predict potential seminal root growth of several revegetation species. Yet, application of these models to site specific conditions requires quantification of initial spring drying and rewetting conditions, as well as the root zone thermal environment.   We quantified the time to the first soil drying period, frequency of subsequent rewetting and drying rates, as well as wet-degree days for five temperature ranges (0 - < 5 C°, 5 - < 10 C°, 10 - < 25 C°, 25 - < 30 C°, and 30 - < 35 C°) at four soil depths (1-3 cm, 13-15 cm, 18-20 cm, and 28-30 cm).  We also tested the effects of site, prescribed burning, cut & drop, woodland infilling phases, and three microsites (tree drip line, shrub, and interspace) on each variable. These

variables were derived by measuring soil water potential and temperature with gypsum blocks and thermocouples at nine sites.  In general, we found that soil drying followed a top to bottom drying pattern with an average of 37±9.3, 75±10.3, 82±10.6, and 87±10.2 days from march 1st to the first drying period at the respective soil depths.  The frequency of subsequent rewetting averaged 4.2±0.4, 1.7±0.2, 1.5±0.1, and 1.3±0.03 times at each respective soil depth.  Soil drying rates varied between sites  and soil depth. Cool temperature ranges increased in wet-degree days with deeper soil depths. For at least some years since treatment, prescribed burning, cut & drop, and increased woodland infilling increased days to the initial drying period.  Quantification of soil drying, rewetting, and thermal environment of seedling root zones in the spring may improve site specific application of root growth models.

REMEDIATION STRATEGIES FOR SHOOTING RANGE SOILS WITH MIXED CONTAMINATION. Michael R. McTee*1, Nancy W. Hinman2, Dan L. Mummey1, Philip W. Ramsey1; 1MPG Ranch, Florence, MT, 2University of Montana, Missoula, MT

ABSTRACT

Biodegradable trap and skeet targets acidified and salinized soils at a former shooting range in Florence, MT.  These conditions leached lead from shot pellets and inhibited plant establishment.  We tested the capacity of various soil amendments to increase soil fertility, promote grass establishment, and limit pollutant mobility.  Lime, compost, biochar, chitin, and phosphorous were added in different combinations to contaminated soils in a greenhouse experiment.  Soils were left to equilibrate for three weeks and then were planted with Slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus). At harvest, we measured plant biomass and performed a soil chemical analysis.  The addition of lime increased the soil pH to tolerable levels for plants but did not improve grass germination.  The combination of lime and organic amendments increased soil fertility and plant growth.  Compost, biochar, and chitin treatments individually increased the water holding capacity and were partly responsible for increasing plant growth. These results demonstrate that soils with mixed contamination require site-specific restoration strategies.

USING SCIENCE TO IMPROVE THE BLM WILD HORSE AND BURRO PROGRAM: A WAY FORWARD.Steven L. Petersen*1, Kara Laney2; 1Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 2National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC

ABSTRACT

A new report from the National Academy of Sciences reviews the science that underpins the Bureau of Land Management's oversight of free-ranging horses and burros on federal public lands in the western United States, concluding that constructive changes could be implemented. Improvements to current management practices that could be made include using better methods for estimating population size, increasing use of fertility-control treatments, and improving methods for measuring the amount of available forage. The report provides evidence-based approaches that, if applied widely and communicated transparently to the public, can improve the management of the animals under the Wild Horse and Burro Program.

EFFECTS OF DONOR SUPPORT STRATEGIES ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC OUTCOMES OF FORMALLY ORGANIZED COMMUNITY GROUPS IN MONGOLIA. Tungalag Ulambayar*, Maria E Fernandez-Gimenez; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

The collapse of state cooperatives following livestock privatization in early 90s created an institutional gap for rangeland management in Mongolia. State-owned pastures have been experiencing increasing grazing pressures as the number of private livestock almost doubled since 1992. In the absence of strong rangeland institutions, both humans and ecosystems become more vulnerable to climate extremes in the forms of dzud (severe winter weather) and drought, and economic shocks like sharp falls of prices. The government together with donors responded to the problem by facilitating formation of community-based range management (CBRM) groups that sought to empower local resource users. By 2007, 14 different donor organizations had supported formation of over 2000 such community groups with the goals of effective resource management and livelihood improvement. However, donors support and guidance of these groups varied in duration, facilitation strategies, financing, and group size and composition. This research examines how donor support strategies influenced socio-economic outcomes of formal CBRM groups. We studied 78 formal CBRM groups in 18 soums (counties) in ten Mongolian provinces, which were supported by 4 different donors. The comparative analysis of four major donors focuses on how differences in institutional design affected outcome variables such as perceived changes in range condition, livelihoods, level of cooperation, traditional and innovative range management practices, leadership and trust within a CBRM institution, its ability to learn and to integrate knowledge into practices. These analyses will help identify institutional design elements associated with positive rangeland and socio-economic outcomes. Our findings may benefit policies for capacity building of CBRM groups and for the design of rangeland management institutions in Mongolia.

HERDER OBSERVATIONS OF RANGELAND CHANGE IN MONGOLIA: INDICATORS, CAUSES AND APPLICATION TO COMMUNITY-BASED MANAGEMENT. Retta A. Bruegger*1, Odgarav Jigjsuren2, Maria E Fernandez-Gimenez3; 1Colorado State University, Grand Juntion, CO, 2Former Graduate Student, Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 3Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

Local observations of ecological change are important in developing tools for rangeland management and filling in gaps where quantitative data are lacking. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is a potential source of information that can complement scientific knowledge. It may also allow policy makers and scientists to suggest solutions that will be locally relevant, and therefore effective on the ground. We conducted 40 surveys using closed-ended questionnaires followed by open-ended qualitative questions with herders in two soum (administrative districts), located in the steppe and forest-steppe of Mongolia.  Respondents were asked about their observations of rangeland change and its causes in the last 20 yrs. A strong

majority (75%) of all herders reported that rangeland condition was much worse than 20 yrs ago. Herders reported increases in undesirable plant species, declines in species richness, and the disappearance or decreasing abundance of specific desirable plant species. A majority of herders (90%) in the forest-steppe site reported that rangeland condition was much worse compared to herders in the steppe site (65%). In qualitative responses to open-ended questions, herders identified multiple indicators of and causes behind degradation, including very heavy grazing. In a large, sparsely populated country like Mongolia, herders’ observations may serve as an early warning of rangeland change, provide insights into causes of change, and identify key uncertainties. Community-based rangeland management organizations (CBRMs) could help to translate herder observations into action by participating in formal monitoring based on herder-identified indicators and implementing changes in management in response to observed change. However, herders cannot address all issues that might be contributing to troubling ecological trends without higher-level policy coordinating rangeland monitoring and herder movements at regional and national scales.

"AND I’M STILL HERE:" A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ROLES OF RANCHING WOMEN IN THE SOUTHWEST. Hailey Wilmer*, Maria E Fernandez-Gimenez; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

At the 2013 Society for Range Management annual meeting, a symposium on Women as Change Agents in the World’s Rangelands highlighted the gap in research on women’s roles in rangeland stewardship. To address this gap, we studied women’s roles in ranching and rangeland management in New Mexico and Arizona.  We conducted life history interviews with 15 women in Arizona and New Mexico ranging from age 28 to 85, to document women’s changing roles in ranching, rangeland management and ranching communities. We used narrative analysis of the autobiographical interview transcripts to explore how ranching women experienced and promoted changes in ranching over the course of their lifetimes.  This interview present the challenges and acheivements these women experience in complex production, stewardship, and social reproductive roles.  This study has implications for understanding and serving the needs of female decision-makers on rangelands in the Southwestern United States.

EXTENSION FOR SUSTAINABILITY: WEB-BASED RESOURCES FOR PARTICIPATORY EXTENSION FOR SUSTAINABLE RANGELAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT. Fadzayi E. Mashiri*1, Barbara Hutchinson2, George B. Ruyle2; 1UC Davis, Mariposa, CA, 2University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

ABSTRACT

Over the years, extension and advisory services approaches for rangeland and natural resources management have undergone major changes worldwide. The emphasis on interdisciplinary, holistic and sustainable management of natural resources, compounded by low technology adoption, led to the shift from top-down approaches towards participatory approaches in

extension. With this shift in mind, we synthesized information on extension practices that employ participatory approaches and apply local knowledge in developing sustainable rangeland and natural resources management strategies. The open access resource (http://globalrangelands.org/international_outreach#.UiD2jD9H3To), provides free access to evaluated links as well as summaries of selected documents on outreach and extension practices relevant to community development and natural resources management. We synthesized information from a variety of sources and disciplines, but the practices and approaches can be adapted to rangeland and natural resources management efforts. This resource was developed mainly to demonstrate: (1) successful collaborations between extension agencies and local communities; (2) that community participation is critical in identifying local needs and issues affecting community livelihoods; and (3) the adoption technology and services that directly address those needs. The two broad approaches highlighted in the web resource are Participatory Action Research (PAR) and innovation systems. PAR emphasizes collaboration, democratic decision making and common action, which strengthens mutual understanding, consensus building and potential for addressing local problems while furthering the goals of science. The concept of innovation systems views innovation as a process through which knowledge is generated by adopting a more interactive and inclusive networking approach in order to improve knowledge flow from users, extension and/or technology developers. The main message is that extension programs should focus on facilitating the development of relevant technology and transferring it, building human and social capital, and educating land users to manage natural resources sustainably.

THE COALITION OF PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCILS: MAINTAINING THE ECOLOGICAL ROLE OF FIRE IN NORTH AMERICAN WILDLANDS. Julian M. Varner*1, Mark Melvin2, Chuck Stanley3; 1Mississippi State University, Miss State, MS, 2Joseph W Jones Ecological Research Center, Newton, GA, 3CNTSC NRCS, Ft. Worth, TX

ABSTRACT

Twenty-first century prescribed fire managers face increasingly complex challenges that limit or potentially threaten the use of fire. Never before in history have land managers found these challenges broader in scope. Modern day prescribed fire managers must consider a complex web of policy, legal statutes, and liability, as well as public safety, health, and acceptance. Collectively these challenges are greater than any one landowner, group, agency, or state can address alone, and require a multi-stakeholder approach for solutions. To more effectively address prescribed fire-related issues, a diverse group of public and private leaders created a national platform to better meet these challenges. In 2008 the Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils (“Coalition”) was developed to create one voice to assist fire practitioners, policymakers, regulators, and citizens with issues surrounding prescribed fire use. Its core mission is to promote the appropriate use of prescribed fire for enhancing public safety, managing resources, and sustaining fire-prone ecosystems. In addition the Coalition encourages and facilitates the organization of prescribed fire councils across the US. Partnering with the existing 28 councils’ efforts, which represent twelve million acres of annual prescribed fire use, has created a forum to voice and address issues of national concern. The Coalition’s work facilitates communication among interested parties in the field of prescribed fire, provides a focal

point for sharing ideas and information, and creates opportunities for prescribed fire collaboration.  Geographic gaps in councils are present across several states dominated by rangelands. This presentation will address those gaps and suggest approaches for these fire-prone regions.

USING THE HUMAN FOOTPRINT TO MEASURE ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT. Leticia Varelas*, John A. Tanaka, Ben Rashford; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

The human footprint is a spatially explicit model designed to measure the impact of existing human disturbances on surrounding ecological systems. A number of different GIS layers are used as proxies to measure impacts, and a final human influence index score is developed. We explore a modification of this method that includes socio-economic and ecological systems to determine the impacts of proposed wind energy project developments in the western U.S. Given the advancements made in the quality and accessibility of spatial data, public land managers can benefit from a model designed to measure potential socio-economic and ecological changes resulting from proposed projects on a management-relevant spatial scale. Using the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Development Project in south-central Wyoming as a pilot project, we will develop a framework for quantifying the total impact of human disturbance. We will develop an aggregate ecological score by combining data on wildlife species, soil erosion, and plant communities. Where available, existing models will be used to estimate changes realized in each ecological category. Our aggregate socio-economic score will consider changes to land values, existing land uses, and impacts on surrounding communities (e.g., job creation). Developing these scores will require identifying tolerance levels of spatial compactness, distance, and scale of wind energy development on each proxy. Our final human influence index will model the combined changes on ecological and socio-economic systems. Finally we will explore the effect of different weighting schemes based on priority designation of ecological and socio-economic objectives.

THE APPLICATION OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS TO RANGELAND STEWARDSHIP RESEARCH. Hailey Wilmer*, Shayan Ghajar, Maria Fernandez-Gimenez; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

This poster provides an overview of the potential for qualitative research methods to inform rangeland social-ecological systems research.  Human activities are a key driver in ecological change.  Designing policies and practices that support resilience in social-ecological systems requires an understanding of how natural resource managers perceive the systems they work in, how they make decisions, and how they share information with one another.  Qualitative research methods, developed in the social sciences, provide an opportunity to conduct in-depth inquiry into managers' decision-making processes.  This poster introduces the qualitative

research process, describes steps to ensure the reliability and validity of data collection, and highlights its application to two studies in the field of rangeland ecology.

IF IT RAINS: A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY OF RANCHER DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES. Hailey Wilmer*, Maria E Fernandez-Gimenez; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

Our capacity to sustainably manage the world’s rangelands hinges not only upon our knowledge of ecological processes, but upon a greater understanding of the social processes and mental models that drive human decision-making. In the context of rangelands in the Western United States, most existing research on rancher decision-making has used mail surveys to identify demographic and socio-economic factors that influence management practices.  Often these studies explain little of the variation in rancher behavior, and do not reveal how social and cultural factors that influence decisions. We used semi-structured interviews with 40 ranchers and grounded theory, a method of qualitative data analysis, to understand how these ranchers make management decisions at different spatial and temporal scales.  The analysis illustrated rancher’s complex working knowledge of rangeland systems.  The mental models that emerge from this analysis are much more complex than those often implied by the existing literature on land manager decision-making, employing multiple ways of knowing about a wide range of factors in the social-ecological system.  

GENERAL MARKET TENDENCIES OF CALF EXPORTS FROM SONORA, MEXICO TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Salomon Moreno-Medina*1, Cyrene Y. Moreno-Alvarez1, Fernando A. Ibarra-Flores2, Martha H. Martin-Rivera2, Francisco G. Denogean-Ballesteros1, Rafael Retes-Lopez2, Alfredo Aguilar-Valdez3; 1University of Sonora, Santa Ana, Mexico, 2University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico, 3University Antonio Narro, Torreon, Mexico

ABSTRACT

The state of Sonora because of the sanitary status is one of the most important ports of entry for cattle into USA. However, there is not clear information regarding cattle exportation operations, showing ranchers and general public monthly tendencies related to volumes of cattle moved and their respective selling prices on each border port, so producers use this information to take decisions on their marketing projects. The objective was to conduct an analysis regarding actual marketing tendencies to USA classifying the information by border port, class and calf prices so we could identify marketing tendencies for beef producers of Sonora. We analyze monthly and annually (1998-2008) the evolution for each of the three border ports, the marketing behaviors of calf production in the state, as well as price fluctuation, and in a second background we analyze behavioral tendencies of exports. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results show that Sonora exports an average of 230,000 calves annually, 60% of which pass by Nogales. The commercialization process is a cyclic and stationary activity on which, demand and price are directly related to type of animal exported, weight, season of year, availability of grain and forage prices in USA, which are determinant factors in the behavioral trends “sale of

commercialization”, consequently there is not an effect which can be attributed to the border port at were the marketing or cattle crossing is conducted. We conclude that this activity promotes the use efficiency of rangelands and increase the profitability of cattle enterprises.

PERCEPTION IN WATER USE AND CONSERVATION BETWEEN FARMERS AND RANCHERS IN CHIHUAHUA, M&EACUTE;XICO. Carlos Ortega-Ochoa*, Edith Saez-Flores, Luis A. Romero-Becerra, Nelson G. Aguilar-Palma, Mario Espraza-Vela; University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Natural resources have been fuel for the cultural and economic development of society.  However, some of these resources like water and agricultural land become limited to expand the crop production to feed a growing population.  Agricultural border is expanding to regions with less suitable environmental conditions and scarce resources mainly water.  Perceptions regarding the use and conservation of water may vary between cattlemen and farmers in arid region.  The objective of this study was to know and to evaluate the economic, social and environmental perspective that agricultural producers (Ejidatarios [common land stakeholders], Mennonites,and Cattlemen) that lives in rural communities against private producers that are non-rural residents in Ojinaga and Aldama counties in the state of Chihuahua, México, comparing the willingness to pay for the water usage and conservation. The study was conducted surveying agricultural producers living in the region. Forty one producers were randomly selected, surveyed and they were grouped as crop farmers, cattlemen, and producers combining both activities. The survey included Mennonites, people born and raised in the region in which were identified Ejidatarios, and private ranchers. Different opinions regarding water use were analyzed. Results indicate that private ranchers showed higher willingness to pay for use and preserve the water resource in the region.  Meanwhile, Mennonites and Ejidatarios were not willing to pay for the water use but willing to collaborate in preserving that natural resource.

FREQUENCY AND DURATION OF DROUGHT PATCHES ACROSS THE SANTA RITA EXPERIMENTAL RANGE, 1940-2012. Mitchel McClaran*, Haiyan Wei; University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

ABSTRACT

Large and intense droughts raise concerns, but equally intense droughts may occur at smaller spatial scales, even when large droughts don’t. Typical rangeland management units are 5-15 km2, therefore detecting small-scale droughts is critical. In this study we describe, a) the frequency and duration of different size drought patches, b) How those patterns differ between annual and seasonal time-frames, and c) How those patterns differ after 1996. Our work represents the 225 km2 Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER) in southern Arizona with 73 y of monthly precipitation from 22 gauges, temperature from PRISM. The SRER divided into 100 1.5km*1.5km cells, precipitation interpolated from 22 gauges. Time-frames were Winter (Oct-May), Summer (Jun-Sep), and Water Year (Oct-Sep). We report drought with the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) because it includes precipitation and temperature metrics. Drought defined as the driest 20th percentile (driest 15 y) for each cell. Contiguous

drought cells define a drought patch. Since 1996, drought is 2.5-12 times more frequent and up to 2.6 times longer, drought patches the size of pastures and water units occurred in 59-77% of years, compared to 16-28% of years before 1996, and winter drought frequency increased 150-360%. Drought frequency decreases as patch size increases, but the changes in frequency since 1996 were not uniform across patch sizes. For Water Year (12-month) time frame, drought frequency increased 4-fold for most patch sizes, and 8-12 fold for the largest sizes. For Seasonal (4-8 month) time frame, drought frequency increased 2.5-3 fold for all patch sizes. This difference resulted from a greater contribution of the large patches (>50 cells or 50% of SRER) of winter drought after 1996. In response to these conditions, managers should make efforts to detect the fine-scale pattern of drought, and increase flexibility in operations to avoid the drought patches.

SPATIAL SCALE OF DROUGHT IN A MESO-SCALE SOUTHWESTERN WATERSHED. Haiyan Wei, Mitchel McClaran*; University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

ABSTRACT

Large and intense droughts raise concerns about appropriate management responses, but equally intense droughts may occur at smaller spatial scales, even when large droughts don’t occur. Typical rangeland management units are 5-15 km2, therefore detecting small-scale drought is critical. We compare the spatial scale of drought between summer and winter seasons, and whether those patterns changed after the recent dry period began in 1996. We use two measures of dryness, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration (SPEI) because the later includes temperature. We define drought as the lowest 20th percentile (driest 15 y) in the 73 y record (1940-2012); summer is Jun-Sep and winter is Oct-May; and the data represent the 225 km2 Santa Rita Experimental Range in southern Arizona, using monthly records from 22 gauges and temperature from PRISM. SPI and SPEI were estimated separately for one hundred 2.25 km2 cells using an interpolated precipitation surface. Large-scale drought frequencies were more common since 1996 (41-65% of years) except for summer SPI which was less common. In both seasons, management unit-sized patches were very common before the large-scale SRER reached a drought condition. Since 1996, there was an increase in large patches in winter and increase in management unit-sized (5-15 km2) patches in summer. Drought patch size distribution is less uniform using SPI than SPEI in winter, but in summer they are very similar. Drought was most patchy in summer (SPI=SPEI), and least patchy in winter (SPI).

QUANTIFYING ABOVEGROUND CARBON STOCKS THROUGHOUT ALBERTA’S NORTHERN TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS. Mark P. Lyseng*1, Edward Bork1, Cameron N. Carlyle1, Daniel B. Hewins1, Scott Chang2, Donald J. Thompson3, Barry Adams4, Mike Alexander5, Jennifer Richman6, Craig DeMaere5, Darlene Moisey7; 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, BC, 3Agriculture Canada, Lethbridge, AB, 4Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Lethbridge, AB, 5Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Pincher Creek, AB, 6Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, AB, 7Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, St. Paul, AB

ABSTRACT

Climate change as a result of anthropogenic fossil fuel combustion is an issue of global concern, especially for those who rely on the land to make their living. As a result, great value has been placed on opportunities to increase carbon (C) storage and subsequently offset greenhouse gas concentrations. To better understand the potential for C storage in rangeland ecosystems, we first need to understand the role land management plays on vegetation communities and subsequent shifts in C pools. In this study we estimate the size of C pools in Alberta grasslands, and explore how it may differ across major agro-climatic zones (300-500 mm precipitation), as well as between areas with and without recent livestock grazing. During 2012 and 2013, shoot biomass was collected from approximately 100 grassland sites distributed throughout southern and central Alberta. Grass, forb, shrub, and litter samples were analyzed for C and nitrogen concentration, and combined with biomass values to derive standing C stocks. This information can ultimately be linked to spatial maps of grassland cover across the province to derive regional estimates of C in aboveground phytomass. Combined with associated information on soil C, these data have the potential to significantly improve our understanding of the role of grasslands, specifically northern grasslands, in storing C. Ultimately we would like to use this data to inform land management practices that would offset C and simultaneously compensate land holders through C offset incentives.

PRECIPITATION EFFECTS ON SHORTGRASS RANGELAND: VEGETATION PRODUCTION AND STEER GAIN. Keith Harmoney*, John Jaeger; Kansas State University, Hays, KS

ABSTRACT

Each growing season, producers try to balance expected rangeland forage production and expected animal intake needs to sustain animals and achieve expected animal gains.  Drought conditions make this stocking decision more difficult.   Available soil water from precipitation is the main limiting factor to total forage production in most regions. Other factors such as prior grazing history (stocking rate) and time of year in which grazing took place also can affect forage production in future growing seasons. To plan for future drought periods, it would be beneficial to know the amount of pasture production that could be expected from decreasing amounts of precipitation so that producers can make informed stocking decisions.  Rangeland production was compared with annual precipitation or specific monthly combinations of precipitation data for 35 years to find the best relationships between the times of year

precipitation is received and end of the growing season forage production.  Animal gain data was then correlated to seasonal precipitation periods to analyze precipitation effects on steer gain.  The time period of precipitation with the greatest relationship to end of growing season forage production was precipitation from October of the previous year (OctPY) through September of the current year (r2 = 0.61). But, the two-month period that had the greatest relationship with end-of-season forage production was May and June precipitation (r2 = 0.56).  Furthermore, as water year precipitation increased, individual animal daily gains decreased over the same time period.  Refinements in initial stocking may be made during the season based on May and June precipitation, and, as long as animals have adequate forage available to meet daily dry matter intake needs during dry years, animal gains should be able to meet expectations.

DROUGHT RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCE OF INTRODUCED PASTURE VS. NATIVE PASTURE IN THE NORTHERN TALLGRASS PRAIRIE. Wyatt Kirwan*, Alexander J. Smart, David E. Clay, Todd Trooien; South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

ABSTRACT

 Drought can have major impacts on rangeland productivity and remains highly unpredictable. The objective of this study was to determine the drought resistance and resilience of introduced cool-season pasture vs. native tallgrass pasture.  Two sites near Brookings, SD were used for the study: an introduced cool-season grass site dominated by Bromus inermis and Poa pratensis and a native site with cool- and warm-season grasses, and some forbs.  Three automated rainout shelters at each site simulated drought conditions by intercepting rainfall.  In 2013, 2 replicates of supplemental watering treatments were applied under each shelter at 50, 75, 100, and 125% of average growing season precipitation to 1-m2 plots. Outside the shelters, optimal and ambient precipitation treatments were applied to 1-m2 plots.  In 2014, the same treatments will be conducted to determine drought resistance, however half of the 50, 75, and 125% plots will return to 100% or average precipitation to study drought resilience.  Water was applied on a weekly schedule based on the 30-year average precipitation after being subtracted from the rainfall not excluded by the shelters.  After the first hard frost, biomass will be clipped by species, dried at 60°C, weighed, and combined into functional groups. Statistical Analysis will include two-way ANOVAs and mean separations to determine significant differences between treatments and sites.  First year data will be available at the end of the 2013-growing season.  This study will provide information to land managers and producers about the biomass production of introduced cool-season pastures vs. native prairie during drought and after drought.  We expect that native prairie will be more resistant to drought than introduced cool-season pasture, but may not be more resilient when normal or above-normal precipitation returns.

EFFECTS OF A DROUGHT AND FIRE ON PURPLE THREEAWN (ARISTIDA PURPUREA) SURVIVAL. Sarrah LaSuer, Leobardo Richarte*, Carlos Villalobos; Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

ABSTRACT

Purple threeawn is a grass species which is considered as undesirable to cattle production due to its low palatability and poor forage quality. This grass has been causing problems mainly in western grasslands in US, affecting negatively cattle production. There have been several attempts to control it using chemicals and fire but there is no information about the seasonal effect of fire on threeawn survival coupled to drought conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of a single fire treatment application during different phenological stages on purple threeawn (Aristida purpurea) survival rates in the Southern Great Plains. This research was conducted in the Texas Tech University, Native Rangeland, Lubbock, TX. Eighty plants were randomly selected regardless plant size at each phenological stage. Forty plants were burned individually using portable propane burner, which was calibrated using a combination of pressure (PSI) and time (sec) to simulate the temperatures present during a wildfire in a shortgrass prairie. Forty more plants were used as a control. Plants were identified individually with color flags and numbered tags. Mortality vas evaluated at the beginning of the 2011 growing season and 2 growing seasons later during the fall of 2012. Statistical analyses to detect possibly differences among treatments were performed using GLMMIX and CATMOD procedures in SAS. During the first mortality evaluation, on April of 2011, plant mortality was significant higher (P<0.05) on all burned treatments than on control plants, being the fire application during reproductive stage the treatment that promoted the greater mortality rates (25%). On the other hand, the second evaluation reveled that mortality rates on all treatments continued increasing, being the greater increase on those plants burned on post-reproductive stage (62.5%). The increase in mortality even on control plant suggests and adverse effect on plants survival of the severe drought conditions presented during 2011 and 2012 growing season. The results of this study can be considered by rage managers in order to design strategies to control purple threeawn on invaded rangelands on the South Great Plains of US.

THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT ON WILDLIFE REHABILITATION POPULATION. Ami Knox, Carlos Villalobos*; Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

ABSTRACT

Wildlife rehabilitation is an important field, dedicated to helping wildlife that have been adversely affected by a variety of factors, as well as helping scientists study the health and behaviors of animals in order to better manage wildlife populations. In October of 2010 Texas was officially listed as having drought conditions and has since experienced two of the hottest and driest years in Texas history. Although wildlife rehabilitators expect to receive greater numbers of animals during drought conditions it can be difficult for them to know what to expect as far as species, life stages of the species and quantities are concerned.  Wildlife rehabilitation records for the years 2010-2012 were collected from South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and NightWings, Inc. and reviewed. Because of the vast number of species received by the South Plains Rehabilitation Center and NightWings, Inc., rather than sorting animals by individual

species, animals were categorized by class, and then by habitat type, size, and age for those classes in which further categorization would help better classify the animals’ requirements for rehabilitation. The animal groups most affected by drought in 2011 were infant game mammals with a 450% increase from 2010, adult waterfowl and shorebirds with a 92.6% increase from 2010, fledgling raptors with a 75.7% increase from 2010, and juvenile small mammals with a 72.73% increase from 2010.  In 2012 the most affected groups were adult waterfowl and shorebirds with a 67.3% increase from 2011 and infant songbirds doves and other Aves with a 40.4% increase from 2011. By evaluating wildlife rehabilitation records for pre-drought years and drought years, we can determine which species populations are most affected and at what age levels and help wildlife rehabilitators better prepare for future droughts. 

SEASONAL WEATHER INFLUENCES ON YEARLING BEEF STEER PRODUCTION IN C3-DOMINATED NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS RANGELAND. Justin Reeves*1, Justin D. Derner1, Matt Sanderson2, John Hendrickson2, Scott Kronberg2, Mark Petersen3, Lance Vermeire4; 1USDA-ARS, Cheyenne, WY, 2USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND, 3USDA-ARS, Miles City, MT, 4USDA-ARS, Miles Coty, MT

ABSTRACT

In the face of an increasingly variable climate, long-term cattle weight gain datasets are rare, yet invaluable, for determining site-specific influences of seasonal weather patterns on cattle production. Here, we present a long-term (1936 – 2005) yearling Hereford steer data set collected at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (NPGRL) near Mandan, ND, USA. Data were analyzed using weighted AICc model averaging to examine the effects of spring (April – June) and summer (July – September) temperature and precipitation, as well as prior growing season (prior April – September) and prior fall/winter (prior October – March) precipitation on cattle production (kg/ha) under light (37.4 ±5.3 SD Animal Unit Days/ha [AUD] across all study years) and heavy (91.6 ± 22.2 SD AUD/ha) stocking rates. Because Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) invaded the grassland at NPGRL in the early 1980’s, we modeled cattle production separately for pre- (1936 – 1983) and post-invasion (1986 – 2005) years to determine if the plant community shift influenced sensitivity to seasonal weather patterns. Cattle production under heavy stocking was more sensitive to seasonal weather variability than under light stocking during both pre- and post-invasion years.  Interestingly, the magnitude and robustness of coefficients changed between the pre- and post- invasion years, with seasonal weather patterns explaining more cattle production variation during the post-invasion years. Though cattle sensitivity to seasonal weather patterns differed between light and heavy stocking for both pre- and post-invasion years, invasion status did change cattle response to weather. For example, cattle production in P. pratensis invaded pastures was more heavily influenced by cool, wet springs and wet prior grazing seasons than was production in un-invaded pastures. For cattle stocked heavily in native pastures, wet winters more strongly increased cattle production than in invaded pastures.

SEASONAL TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION EFFECTS ON COW-CALF PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE. Justin Reeves*1, Justin D. Derner1, Matt Sanderson2, Mark Petersen3, Lance Vermeire4, John Hendrickson2, Scott Kronberg2; 1USDA-ARS, Cheyenne, WY, 2USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND, 3USDA-ARS, Miles City, MT, 4USDA-ARS, Miles Coty, MT

ABSTRACT

Quantifying the effects of seasonal temperature and precipitation on cow-calf production on rangelands is challenging, as few long-term (>20 yr) studies have been reported. However, an understanding of how seasonal weather inconsistency affects beef production is needed for beef producers to better manage their herds on native rangelands to minimize enterprise risk with respect to climatic variability. Cow-calf beef production data collected at the USDA-ARS High Plains Grasslands Research Station near Cheyenne, WY, USA from 1975-2012 were tested using model averaging for effects of spring (April – June) and summer (July – September) temperature and precipitation, as well as prior winter (October – March) and prior growing season (April – September) precipitation on beef production. Two breeds were used at different times during the study period (Herefords from 1975 – 2001 and a Red Angus x Charolais x Salers cross from 2003 – 2012; there was no grazing in 2002) and examined separately to test for differential effects of seasonal weather by breed. Herefords were more sensitive to seasonal weather patterns than the crossbreds, with Hereford pair total beef production showing the largest effect sizes and Hereford cows showing the highest R2 value (0.66) among models. Wet springs and wet winters particularly increased Hereford beef production in this northern mixed-grass prairie, whereas beef production from the crossbreds did not show any weather effect patterns. The model structure used maximizes utility of these data to be built into decision support tools to help ranchers optimize stocking rates and minimize enterprise risk in advance of the grazing season.

WANING WETLANDS: EVALUATING THE LOSS OF CLOSED-BASIN PONDS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA&RSQUO;S SEMI-ARID RANGELANDS. Aaron J. Coelho*, Wendy Gardner, Tom Pypker; Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC

ABSTRACT

In the last 10-15 years there has been an observed loss of closed-basin ponds in British Columbia’s (BC) semi-arid rangelands. The loss of ponds has become a concern for cattle ranchers and may impact endangered wildlife and vegetation. The objectives of this study are to 1) evaluate if ponds located in a semi-arid regions of BC are diminishing and 2) determine if there is a correlation between the results obtained in objective one and climate change. For objective one, satellite imagery from eight sites across BC are being analysed using GIS software. The water surface area of ponds in each site are being mapped from three time periods between 1995 and 2012 to evaluate the change in water body number and size over time. Objective two is based on a meteorological case study of the Lac du Bois grasslands. For closed-basin ponds in semi-arid areas, precipitation, in the form of rain or snow, and evaporation are major components of the hydrological cycle. Precipitation is likely the main form of input and

evaporation the main form of output from these ponds.  The amount of precipitation in a given year can have a considerable effect on the recharge of ponds. Likewise, the amount of evaporation from a water body is sensitive to changes in weather. Weather data from the Lac du Bois area is being assessed for total yearly precipitation and potential evaporation is being calculated. The data from this study will create awareness of potential problems and assist in future water management decisions.

HAWAII RAINFALL AND FORAGE PRODUCTION INDEX: AN EVALUATION TOOL FOR DROUGHT AFFECTED RANGELANDS. Mark S. Thorne*1, John P. Hewlett2, Glen K. Fukumoto3, Matthew Stevenson4, Melelani Abran5; 1University of Hawaii - Manoa, Kamuela, HI, 2University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 3University of Hawaii-Manoa, Kona, HI, 4University of Hawaii-Manoa, Lihue, HI, 5University of Hawaii-Manoa, Kamuela, HI

ABSTRACT

Sustainable livestock production is dependent on reliable forage resources that maintain animal health and reproductive fecundity. Temporal and spatial variation in forage production in most range systems is closely linked to the timing and amount of precipitation.  Livestock producers often make grazing management decisions based on their knowledge of past or average forage production levels with little certainty that sufficient precipitation will fall in time to produce what is anticipated. The cumulative effects of inaccurate grazing management decisions are loss in soil fertility, increased rates of soil erosion, and establishment of weeds.  Research has linked global precipitation patterns with the occurrence of grass, shrub, and forested lands and provided regression functions relating Aboveground Net Primary Production (ANPP) with Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP). These tools are sometimes used to understand the impacts of drought on forage production for a given land unit. However, these globally derived functions are of limited use for making management decisions as they cannot account for temporal and spatial precipitation patterns that also influence forage production.  Thus, development of a rainfall and forage production index that accounts for temporal and spatial patterns in precipitation inherent to a given locale will greatly improve the management decision process. The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between local precipitation patterns with forage production in major rangeland ecosystems commonly grazed in Hawaii. Fifteen weather station and forage production exclosures were established across the state. Weather data were recorded hourly and forage production estimates were collected quarterly from all exclosures for three years. Regression analyses were used to develop the Hawaii Rainfall and Forage Production Index that will be useful for forecasting forage production and suitable stocking rates, drought planning and mitigation, development of prescribed grazing standards, establish soil erosion mitigation standards, and planning range improvement projects.  

CLIMATIC AND MANAGEMENT DETERMINANTS OF LIVESTOCK AND GRASS PRODUCTION IN SHORTGRASS STEPPE. Justin D. Derner*1, David Augustine2, Justin Reeves1, Daniel G. Milchunas3; 1USDA-ARS, Cheyenne, WY, 2USDA-ARS, Fort Collins, CO, 3Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of how climate and management influence livestock and perennial grass production is needed to address potential consequences of both increasing climate variability and the need to double animal protein by 2050 to accommodate a growing world population.  Here, we evaluate climatic and management determinants on livestock and grass production using a long-term (70 years: 1939-2008) grazing management study with three grazing intensities (light, moderate and heavy) in shortgrass steppe.  Climatic determinants of seasonal precipitation, but not temperature, were the primary influences on livestock production.  Current year (winter, spring, and summer) seasonal precipitation were all robust positive influences on livestock production across the 3 grazing intensities, whereas prior growing season was consistently a robust negative influence suggesting a poor quality forage feedback of remaining plant material from the prior growing season.  Sensitivity of livestock production to seasonal climatic variability increased with increasing grazing intensity, suggesting the adaptations in management to climatic variability will be most advantageous for producers employing heavy grazing intensities.  Counter to observed seasonal climatic and management effects on livestock production, perennial grass production was consistently influenced across the three grazing intensities by a robust positive influence of summer temperature.  Whereas no seasonal precipitation variables influenced perennial grass production with light grazing, spring precipitation was influential for moderate grazing and winter precipitation for heavy grazing.  Sensitivity of grass production to seasonal climatic variability was lowest with heavy stocking, indicating that this highly dominated Bouteloua gracilis plant community is more stable in terms of production and more resilient with increasing climatic variability.  The apparent contradiction in sensitivity between livestock and perennial grass production to seasonal climatic variability can be partially explained by the differential lag effect time of precipitation on vegetation and livestock production.

DO REMOTELY-SENSED BURN SEVERITY MAPS EFFECTIVELY DESCRIBE FIRE EFFECTS ON UNDERSTORY VEGETATION? Edward C. Rhodes*1, Diana Doan-Crider2, Jay P. Angerer3; 1Center for Natural Resource Information Technology, Temple, TX, 2Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 3Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Temple, TX

ABSTRACT

Mapping burn severity with before/after 30m LANDSAT imagery is a useful tool in characterizing large wildfires in forested areas.  Post-fire imagery used in classification is usually acquired 1-2 growing seasons post-burn to allow for delayed tree mortality.  While useful for measuring the loss of forested resources, how effective is this at describing effects on herbaceous understory components?  In 2011, the Rockhouse fire burned over 300,000 acres of Chihuahuan desert, including much of the Davis Mountains.  Two years post-fire, we field sampled 12 sites

in the Davis Mountains, using a burn severity map following Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity methodology to set up burn severity “treatments” consisting of unburned, light, moderate, and severe.  Sites were blocked on 3 NRCS SSURGO soil descriptions, giving a total of 12 sites sampled.  Variables sampled included ground cover (perennial grass, rock, litter, and bare ground), species richness by functional group, standing crop, one-hour litter accumulation, and plant density.  Data were analyzed in a randomized block design, using ANOVA and Fisher’s LSD. We detected few differences between the various severity levels.  Bare ground was the only ground cover variable significantly different (p = 0.0492).  Litter accumulation also varied between severity levels (p=0.0218), while total standing crop did not (p=0.6921).  Total and functional group species richness did not differ between treatments. Differences in plant functional density were not apparent as well. Our analysis 2-years post fire indicates that further exploration may be required in order to effectively characterize wildfire effects on understory vegetation through remote sensing.

USE OF ROTATIONAL STOCKING AND CULTURAL PRACTICES FOR SMUTGRASS CONTROL IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. Sharon F. Gamble*1, Joseph H. Walter2, Yoana C. Newman3, Dennis M. Mudge4, Pete Deal5, Matheus Baseggio3, Ashley Fluke6; 1IFAS, DeLand, FL, 2IFAS, Cocoa, FL, 3UF, Gainesville, FL, 4IFAS, Orlando, FL, 5Natural Resouces Conservation Service, Kissimmee, FL, 6IFAS, Kissimmee, FL

ABSTRACT

Habitat restoration with the use of Prescribed Fire may decrease Smutgrass vigor while enhancing nutritive value to cattle.  Smutgrass (Sporabolus indicus) is an invasive in Florida sandy soils.  Smutgrass becomes non-palatable with maturity.  This weed is prevalent in central and south Florida where temperatures seldom drop below freezing and hard frost events are infrequent.  Cattle avoid grazing smutgrass after the emergence of seed stalks and when leaves become tough.  However, young smutgrass growth is palatable to cattle and nutritious.  High stocking densities in combination with severe defolation have proven deletious for the grass.  This study evaluated the use of increased stock density and rotational grazing management for three years following a one-time defoliation by mowing or burning smutgrass infested pastures.

PLANT RECOVERY AFTER INTENSE PONDEROSA PINE FOREST FIRE IN NORTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA. Laura K. Snell*, David A. Wedin, Cameron L. Oden, Amanda M. Hefner; University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

ABSTRACT

The 2012 Region 24 Complex fire in north central Nebraska was the state’s largest fire in recent history.  With more than 76,000 acres burned, this fire provided a unique opportunity to study effects of fire intensity on post-fire succession.  In 2013, we looked at survival and recovery of plant species in plots ranging from open savanna to dense pine woodlands with eastern red cedar (ERC) understories.  Eighteen 30 m2 plots were split into nine subplots in which pre-fire tree basal area and density was reconstructed. Plant species were determined using a presence/absence method for the northwest 1 m2 of each subplot. Plots were chosen to represent a gradient of forest density (grassland to dense forest), slopes, and topographic positions

(footslope, midslope, and ridgetop). In a typical fire in this area, fire intensity should be correlated with ponderosa pine and/or ERC density, the area’s major tree species.  All ponderosa pine and ERC in the sample plots were killed due to the intense nature of the fire.  In contrast, bur oak suckering was common.  Perennial grass and forb regrowth was generally restricted to open grassland plots.  An annual-dominated post-fire community was found in all other plots, although there was a significant difference in species composition between conifer and broadleaf dominated plots. The long-term goal of this research is to understand the recovery of grassland, ponderosa pine, ERC, and broadleaf (e.g. oak) components of this landscape, as well as fire-driven transitions amongst these cover types.

FIRE MANAGEMENT POLICIES REDUCE POTENTIAL FIRE BEHAVIOR IN EXCESS OF CHANGES IN ECOLOGICAL FEEDBACKS. William B. Hiatt*, Dirac Twidwell, Andrew West, Abbey Ramirez, J. Taylor Winter, David M. Engle, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, J.D. Carlson, Tyson Ochsner, Erik Krueger; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

ABSTRACT

Knowledge on the potential fire behavior of an ecosystem provides the foundation for understanding how many plants respond to fire and for developing fire suppression strategies; however, fire behavior is often overlooked as part of experimental research, especially in rangelands. In this paper, we present (1) the results of a formal literature review that determines the extent to which experimental field studies have quantified fire behavior in tallgrass prairie; and (2) the results of a model that characterizes how contemporary changes in social-ecological feedbacks have altered the potential fire behavior of this ecosystem.  We conducted the literature review using a common scientific publication search engine, Web of Knowledge. Based on our search parameters, only 9 independent field experiments have quantified fire intensity, rate of fire spread, or maximum fire temperature in tallgrass prairie, which is surprising given that tallgrass prairie is one of the most extensively studied ecosystems in the world.  Data from these studies demonstrate the massive constraints modern fire management policies place upon natural resource managers in tallgrass prairie.  This effect was reflective of our modeling output.  Fire management policies decrease fire intensity and rate of fire spread considerably more than wholesale invasion of the cool-season grass tall fescue (Schendonorus phoenix) in native tallgrass prairie and was equivalent to 25 years of Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) encroachment.  We discuss the implications of constraining potential fire behavior and the extraordinary obstacles limiting the ability for rangeland managers to overcome contemporary fire management policies to burn in a broader range of fire conditions.

EFFECTS OF EARLY SPRING WILDFIRE ON CRESTED WHEATGRASS DOMINATED PASTURELAND AND RANGELAND OF SOUTH DAKOTA. Katherine C. Kral*1, Kevin K. Sedivec1, Amanda Gearhart2; 1North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2University of Idaho, Twin Falls, ID

ABSTRACT

The use of fire in South Dakota’s mixed-grass prairie has little documented publications on impacts. The ability to use fire as a management tool in the Dakotas could provide more cost-effective ways to control unwanted species like crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) while increasing native diversity and livestock grazing distribution. In 2008, frequency, density, phytomass, and basal cover were collected on 142 plots using two perpendicular 150m transects in the Grand River National Grasslands, Perkins County, South Dakota, USA. In April 2013, a wind-driven wildfire quickly spread over several pastures monitored in 2008. The same methods were replicated to compare cool- and warm-season graminoids, forbs, crested wheatgrass, and other introduced species on sandy and shallow sandy ecological sites. For sandy sites, both native dominated and crested wheatgrass dominated sites were chosen, three from within the burned area and three like plots within an unburned area for a total of 12 plots. On the shallow sandy sites, only native dominated sites were chosen, three burned and three unburned. Using a Student’s T-test, native, cool-season graminoids and crested wheatgrass were compared between years and then between burned and unburned sites. Burned and unburned treatments in the same year on the same ecological sites showed no differences (p>0.05) between cool-season graminoids and crested wheatgrass. Several changes were seen between years. Native shallow sandy unburned sites had more (p<0.05) Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa L.) from 2008 to 2013. There was a decrease (p<0.05) in sun sedge (Carex inops L.H. Bailey spp. heliophila (Mack.) Crins) presence on sandy crested wheatgrass sites burned and unburned. There was also a decrease (p<0.05) in threadleaf sedge (Carex filifolia Nutt.) presence from 2008 to 2013 on native sandy unburned sites. It may take more growing seasons to see the true effects of the wildfire on species frequency and density.

EFFECT OF SELENIUM CONCENTRATION ON FOOD PREFERENCE BY CATTLE AND SHEEP. James A. Pfister*, Zane Davis; USDA-ARS, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Selenium-containing plants are reputed to be unpalatable to livestock.  The objective of this study was to determine if sheep and cattle could discriminate between forages and feeds with different concentrations of Se.  In phase I,  freshly-harvested forages (intermediate wheatgrass, Thinopyrum intermedium;  alfalfa, Medicago sativa;  western aster, Symphyotrichum ascendens) with different Se concentrations were offered to cattle and sheep in preference trials. The Se concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 50 parts per million (ppm) in grass, 1.4 to 275 ppm in alfalfa, and 4 to 4,455 ppm in aster.  The Se concentration had no influence (P > 0.05) on the initial or subsequent preferences of sheep or cattle for grass or alfalfa.  Cattle developed an aversion to aster after consuming 95% of the offered plant material during the first brief exposure, and subsequently refused to eat any aster plants.    Sheep consumption of aster was variable, but their preference was not driven by Se concentration. In phase II, cattle and sheep were offered pellets

(each at 1.5% of BW) containing various concentrations of Se, for 8 h each d.  The first trial used pellets with 5 concentrations (0, 5, 25, 45, 110 ppm Se); 2 subsequent trials removed the 5 and 25 ppm Se pellets, respectively. In the 5-pellet trial, consumption of the 0 ppm Se pellet by cattle was greater on all days compared to all other Se pellets (P < 0.001). Cattle ate more (P < 0.001) of the 5 ppm pellet than the higher Se pellets on d 3, 4, and 5.  Sheep ate greater amounts of the 0, 5, and 110 ppm Se pellets compared to the 25 and 45 ppm Se pellets (P < 0.0001) on d 1, and sheep consumed primarily the 0 and 5 ppm Se pellets thereafter. In the 4-pellet trial, cattle and sheep consumed more (P < 0.0001) of the 0 ppm Se pellet than the 25, 45, and 110 ppm Se pellets.  In the 3-pellet trial, cattle consumption of the 0, 45, and 110 ppm Se pellets differed on d 2 and 3 (P < 0.001), except there was no difference (P > 0.95) in cattle consumption of the 0 and 45 ppm Se pellets on d 1. Sheep consumed primarily the 0 and 45 ppm Se pellets. We conclude that high Se concentrations in fresh forages had no effect on initial consumption by cattle or sheep. After initial exposure, cattle may have generalized an aversion based on shared flavors in the low- and high- Se asters.  When given Se pellets, initial responses were variable, but animals adjusted their intake over time to allow for detoxification when over ingesting Se.

IMPACT OF HIGH STOCKING DENSITY GRAZING ON HARVEST EFFICIENCY AND FORAGE TRAMPLING. Megan Mortellaro-Brown*1, Alexander J. Smart2, Sharon Clay2, David E. Clay2; 1SDSU, Brookings, SD, 2South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

ABSTRACT

High stocking density “mob” grazing is a grazing technique that recently has received attention from producers regarding its impacts on harvest efficiency and trampling vegetation to improve soil carbon.  The objective of this study was to determine how high and ultra-high stocking densities from grazing cattle would affect harvest efficiency and forage trampling. The study was conducted in 2012-2013 on a smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermus L.) pasture near Brookings, South Dakota. Two replicate treatments consisting livestock grazing at five stocking densities (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 thousand kg of live weight per ha) for 2 consecutive years were compared.  Biomass samples were collected pre- and post-grazing to determine harvest efficiency and forage trampling.  After collection, samples were dried and weighed. Preliminary analysis shows that harvest efficiency and trampling increase non-linearly with increased stocking density.

INFLUENCES OF LITTER ON SOIL MOISTURE AND TEMPERATURE IN A HIGH STOCKING DENSITY GRAZING SYSTEM. Emily R. Helms*, Alexander J. Smart, Sharon Clay, David E. Clay, Michelle Ohrtman, Jiyul Chang; South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

ABSTRACT

High stocking density or “mob grazing” is an intensive grazing management system where cattle move frequently (once to many times/day) from paddock to paddock. “Mob” graziers claim improvements in grassland ecological function.  The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of mob grazing on litter decomposition, soil moisture retention, and soil temperature.  This study was conducted at Quinn, Chamberlain, Eureka, and Volga, South Dakota.  Each study

site had different stocking densities, grazing dates, vegetation composition, and climate conditions.  The treatments were ungrazed, bare-ground (litter removed), and mob grazed.   Soil sensors measuring temperature and soil moisture were monitored every hour and were installed at a 5.1 cm (2 inch) depth.  Surface litter bags were installed on the treatments post grazing.  Two types of litter bags with two replicates were installed on every treatment: old litter (vegetation from previous grazing already on the soil surface) and new litter (standing vegetation that would become litter due to trampling during the current grazing season).  Litter bags were removed at first frost to determine overall decomposition at each site.  Data from 2013 is being analyzed and will be reported in the study.  Soil moisture and temperature data will help describe the environmental conditions that affect nutrient cycling (litter decomposition) of grasslands grazed at a high stocking density in the Great Plains.

ULTRAHIGH STOCKING DENSITIES ON NEBRASKA SANDHILLS MEADOW. Miles D. Redden*1, Walter Schacht2, Jerry Volesky3, Ben Beckman2; 1University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 2University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 3UNL West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NE

ABSTRACT

Mob grazing using ultrahigh stocking densities is promoted as a tool to increase the health and productivity of grasslands by increasing nutrient cycling and increasing soil organic matter.  Mob grazing can be defined as a strategy in which area available to grazing animals is restricted to achieve stocking densities of 225,000 kg/ha or greater. No research has been conducted on the effect of stocking density on vegetation trampling and harvest efficiency even though these are central to the claims used to promote mob grazing.  The objective of this study was to compare utilization, including vegetation disappearance and trampling, among different high and ultrahigh stocking densities on Sandhills subirrigated meadow.  Treatments included four stocking densities:  900,000, 450,000, 225,000 and 112,500 kg/ha.  Each treatment was applied by yearling cattle for one day, to each of two replications in June and July 2012 and 2013.  Stocking rate was equal among treatments within years but varied between years based on available forage. Different stocking densities were achieved by altering the size of pastures and number of times cattle were moved each day.  Utilization, trampling and harvest efficiency were determined by clipping standing live and trampled vegetation in paired plots before and after grazing. We hypothesized that increased stocking density would result in increased trampling and reduced harvest efficiency.

GRAZING METHOD EFFECTS ON SURFACE LITTER DECOMPOSITION RATES IN THE NEBRASKA SANDHILLS. Ben Beckman*1, Walter Schacht1, Jerry Volesky2, Rhae Drijber1, Miles D. Redden3; 1University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 2UNL West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NE, 3University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

ABSTRACT

Recent trends in livestock grazing have led to increased use of higher stocking densities, shorter grazing periods, and greater focus on recovery length, culminating in the practice of “mob grazing”  with stocking densities of 225,000 kg per ha or more and daily movement of livestock

through multiple paddocks. Proponents of the practice claim increased plant production, soil development, and nutrient cycling rates because of the spatial uniformity of intensive trampling resulting from ultrahigh stocking densities.  The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of grazing method on litter decomposition rates on subirrigated meadows in the Nebraska Sandhills. The study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 and grazing methods included two replications of mob grazing (224,170 kg/ha), 4-pasture rotation (6,725 kg/ha in 2012 and 4,483 kg/ha in 2013), and an ungrazed control. Cattle grazed the treatment pastures for 60 days from early June to early August. Wire mesh bags containing 1.5 g of stem and leaf material of quackgrass  (Elymus repens L.) were placed in 4 locations per treatment replication in June and July. The bags were placed on the mineral soil surface, either in grazing exclosures to determine long-term grazing effects or in a mob-grazed paddock the day after a grazing event to determine post grazing effects.  Four samples were retrieved per treatment replication after 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, the end of the growing season (November), and the beginning of next year’s grazing season (May).  Samples were dried and weighed to determine plant biomass loss, calculate decomposition rates, and analyzed for nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) content. Treatment comparisons of decomposition rates, N content, and C content will be presented.

ANIMAL-DRIVEN ROTATIONAL GRAZING PATTERNS IN A SEASONALLY GRAZED NEW MEXICO RANGELAND PASTURE. Mohammed N. Sawalhah*1, Andres F. Cibils1, Chuan Hu2, Huiping Cao2, Jerry L. Holechek1; 1Departmant of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2Department of Computer Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

ABSTRACT

GPS data collected over four years on 52 young cross-bred cows grazing a 146 ha pasture were used to determine whether cattle establish patch scale rotational patterns within pastures. Cow positions at 5-min intervals were recorded with GPS collars during 25 d in late winter/early spring. Estimated per capita forage allowance (PCFA) was 347, 438, 1104 and 1884 kg of herbage per cow in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 respectively. Cumulative winter/early spring precipitation (CPPT) was low in 2004 and 2006 (35 and 30 mm, respectively) and high in 2005 and 2007 (119 and 112 mm, respectively). Structured Query Language (SQL) codes developed specifically for this study were used to a) select GPS points associated with movement velocities ranging between 1 and 20 m/min (assumed grazing locations); b) overlay location data on a pasture map subdivided into 30x30m pixels; and c) calculate percent grazed pixels (% GP), pixel residence time (RT), revisit rate (RR), and return interval (RI) for each animal. On average, cows grazed 31±5.9% of all available pixels (% GP) for 21±3.7 min (RT), revisited grazed pixels 1.6±0.18 times (RR), and returned to previously grazed pixels after 5±2 days (RI). As PCFA increased, % GP decreased (r= -0.42, P<0.01) and pixel re-visits occurred at longer time intervals (r= 0.73; P<0.01).  Pixel RT and RR were not associated with PCFA; however RT decreased (r= -0.46; P<0.01) and RR increased (r=0.6, P<0.01) significantly with increasing CPPT.  Cows in this study grazed on average a third of the pixels available to them and visited each grazed pixel more than once.  Similar amount of time was spent in each pixel in years with high vs. low PCFA yet in rainy years, cows rotated more rapidly spending less time grazing in each pixel and revisiting grazed pixels a higher number of times.

TARGETED CATTLE GRAZING WITH LOW-MOISTURE BLOCK PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT AND HERDING IN THE SOUTHWEST USA. Mitchell B. Stephenson*1, Derek W. Bailey1, Retta A. Bruegger2, Larry Howery3; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2Colorado State University, Grand Juntion, CO, 3Univeristy of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

ABSTRACT

Targeted cattle grazing has been suggested as a potential tool to reduce fine fuels and alter vegetation characteristics. However, within the western United States the use of fencing and water to target cattle grazing is often cost and time prohibitive or logistically not feasible. Low-moisture block protein supplement (LMB) and low-stress herding (LSH) are effective in manipulating distribution of grazing cattle in large, topographically diverse pastures without additional fencing or water. These techniques were used to evaluate the effectiveness of targeting cattle grazing on dormant, lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana NEES) dominated Sonoran desert rangeland, Chihuahuan desert rangeland, and Juniper/Ponderosa pine mountain rangeland. Supplement was placed at travel distances ranging from 1.1 to 3.6 km from water. Cattle (41 to 58 hd) were herded to supplement every other day for 7 to 10 d. Time cattle spent within 50 m, 150 m, and 300 m of the supplement did not differ between the study areas (P ≥ 0.11). There were no differences in the percent reduction of perennial grass standing crop between the different rangelands (mean of 48.7 ± 5.5 % SE reduction, P = 0.83). However, variations in environmental factors in different years affected the reduction in standing crop and time cattle spent near supplement. Overall, it was concluded that targeted cattle grazing using LMB and LSH was effective in reducing fine fuels at moderate levels (~40 to 50%) on diverse rangelands. This may be particularly important for areas of large pastures where utilization is generally low because of rough topography or at locations farther than 1 to 2 km from water.

STRATEGICALLY PLACED MINERAL MIX SUPPLEMENTS AND TRADITIONAL SALT PLACEMENT ON GRAZING DISTRIBUTION IN ITALIAN ALPS. Marco Pittarello*1, Massimiliano Probo1, Derek W. Bailey2, Michele Lonati1, Giampiero Lombardi1; 1University of Torino, Torino, Italy, 2New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

ABSTRACT

Traditional livestock practices have changed in the Italian Western Alps resulting in a reduction in grassland and an increase in shrub cover. A study was conducted in Val Troncea Natural Park (Piedmont, Italy) to compare the effects of strategically placed mineral mix supplement (MMS) and traditional salt (NaCl) placement (TS) on cattle distribution. During the summer, 11 cows were tracked in three enclosures with Global Positioning System collars. Salt (TS) was placed on traditional rocks within flat and herbaceous areas, while 5-kg blocks of MMS were strategically placed on five poles along 50 m transects in steep and shrub-encroached sites to lure cattle to historically underused areas. Grazing within each enclosure was divided into two equal periods, one with TS and the other with MMS. For each treatment site a paired control site was identified, and vegetation structure surveys were performed in the 50 m radius surrounding areas of MMS and their respective control sites. Cows spent more time (P<0.001) near TS than MMS

placements. Both TS and MMS placement areas were used more than associated control areas (P<0.01). Herbaceous height near MMS was less (P<0.001) than associated control areas. After grazing, herbaceous and shrub cover declined (P<0.05) and bare ground cover increased near MMS sites, while no changes (P>0.05) were detected in associated control sites. This reduction likely occurred as the result of trampling and grazing and should help reduce the rate of shrub encroachment in the treated area. Although cows used gentle terrain near TS more than MMS placements in steep terrain, the latter should be more useful for increasing cattle use of underused, steep and shrub-encroachment areas.

PLANT COMMUNITY PATCH SIZE AFFECTED BY GRAZING INTENSITY IN THE MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE. Ryan F. Limb*1, Jack E. Norland1, Bob Patton2, Jay Volk3; 1North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2North Dakota State University, Streeter, ND, 3BNI Coal, Center, ND

ABSTRACT

Grazing intensity has been identified as a major factor influencing rangeland vegetation composition. Differing grazing intensities can produce patchiness in vegetation, but quantifying that patchiness has been problematic. A new method called the dissimilogram is similar to geostatistical analyses in that it can identify spatial patterns in the vegetation by incorporating the multivariate nature of vegetation into the spatial analysis. Dissimilograms determine the inherent small scale dissimilarity of vegetation along with the average patch size and the highest mean dissimilarity between patches. Dissimilograms were calculated for an existing grazing intensity experiment on mixed-grass prairie in south central North Dakota with these season-long grazing intensity treatment levels: no grazing, moderate grazing (2.7 AUM ∙ ha -1) and extreme grazing (6.9 AUM ∙ ha -1) in 2004 and repeated again in 2013.  The small scale dissimilarity for moderate grazing was significantly higher (p>0.05) compared to no grazing and extreme grazing.  The dissimilogram for moderate grazing increased to a sill at the 14 m lag indicating a 14 m average patch size while the dissimilograms for both no grazing and extreme grazing constantly increased to the highest lag (36 m). Only at the highest lags did the no grazing and extreme grazing have dissimilarities similar to moderate grazing. Moderate grazing appears to promote small scale vegetative diversity and patchy heterogeneous vegetation with an average patch size of 14 m while no grazing and extreme grazing intensities were similar with lower small scale diversity and a more homogeneous vegetation composition.

GRAZING BEHAVIOR DIFFERENCE OBSERVED AMONG FIVE CRESTED WHEATGRASSES: KIRK, FAIRWAY, PARKWAY, HYCREST AND NORDAN.Alan D. Iwaasa*1, Paul Jefferson2, Edward Birkedal3; 1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, Canada, 2Western Beef Development Centre, Humboldt, SK, 3Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, SK

ABSTRACT

It is estimated that more than four million hectares of crested wheatgrass (CWG) have been seeded in the North American West and it is recognized as an invaluable spring forage resource. A study was conducted evaluating the forage preferences of steers grazing (late boot to early heading stage) five different crested wheat grasses: Kirk, Fairway and Parkway [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn], Hycrest (A. cristatum x A. desertorum) and Nordan (A. desertorum) in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003 at Swift Current, Saskatchewan.  Objective of this study was to compare grazing behavioral differences among five CWG cultivars.  Each CWG cultivar was randomly seeded in 1995 into a 13.6 m x 297 m strip (0.1 ha) and replicated four times for a total of 20 strips.  Observations of animal distribution and grazing activity were recorded at 15-minute intervals during the first two days of each yearly grazing period (4-5 days).  All CWG cultivars were grazed at the late boot to early head stage.  Animal grazing frequencies for each CWG cultivar were converted to percentages (Grazing%) for each grazing time period [morning (sunrise-1200 h), afternoon (1215-1700 h) and evening (1715-sunset)].   Grazing% for the two tetraploid CWGs were similar with Nordan having higher (P<0.05) Grazing% compared to the hybrid and diploid CWGs.  For forage qualities, significant Cultivar (P<0.01) and Year (P<0.0001) main effects were observed.  Most of these effects can be attributed to precipitation and temperature differences associated with years.  This study may have important implications in selecting a CWG that has better pasture utilization potential and animal production.

TOXIC PLANTS FOR CATTLE OF THE GENUS ASTRAGALUS IN THE SONORAN RANGELANDS. Francisco G. Denogean B.*, Felix Ayala-A., Salomon Moreno M., Fernando A. Ibarra F., Martha H. Martin R.; Universidad de Sonora, Santa Ana, Sonora, Mexico

ABSTRACT

The genus Astragalus is the most numerous of the legumes, globally there are more than 2,000 species. In North America, there have been identified 368 species and 184 varieties, the seeds can remain alive in the soil for up to 50 years. Many of these species are toxic to cattle, sheep, horses, and wildlife. Currently, there are three toxic syndromes associated with the consumption of Astragalus in livestock: a. acute and chronic poisoning by nitro-compounds; b. acute and chronic poisoning by selenium; c. poisoning by alkaloids. Poisonings cause serious economic losses in livestock, not just by deaths, but for problems associated with nutrition, production, and reproduction. Our objectives were to identify the species of Astragalus in the Sonoran rangelands, and to recommend management practices that reduce damages in these areas. The study included 15 major vegetation types in the state: 4 were selected on forests, 4 on grasslands, 6 on scrublands and 1 in deciduous forest. In each vegetation type, five sampling sites of 1 ha (20 x 500 m) were randomly selected, and were monitored to identify the presence of Astragalus in the summer of 2009 and spring of 2010. Our results indicate that in these vegetation types there

are 12 species of Astragalus toxic to livestock. In 75% of the total sites we found species growing in both spring and summer. We conclude that the diversity and dispersion of toxic species of Astragalus are affecting production in rangelands and present a serious threat to livestock in the state of Sonora.

METABOLISM OF TALL LARKSPUR TOXIN BY WILD RUMINANTS. Kelsey Westveer, Carl Yeoman, Craig Carr*; Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

ABSTRACT

Poisonous plants are a major production cost to beef producers in western North America.  Tall larkspur (Delphinium occidentale) is considered one of the most important poisonous plants to beef cattle production as death losses can reach 15% in pastures where larkspur is present.  No practical approach to combating larkspur toxicity exists except removing the plant with herbicides, or restricting livestock use of pastures until toxin levels have diminished.  Although native ruminants forage on ranges with tall larkspur present it is not known if these animals can metabolize the toxins found in larkspur.  To better understand potential pathways of toxin metabolism, we evaluated microbial metabolism of the tall larkspur toxin methyllycaconitine (MLA) by incubating tall larkspur extract in rumen fluid and quantifying the change in MLA concentration after 48 hrs.  Samples of rumen fluid from five different species were used in this study including elk, bison, white-tailed deer, cattle, and domestic goats.  While white-tailed deer had the least residual MLA present after incubation (84.33% remaining), most wild species demonstrated a decrease in MLA over the 48 hour incubation.  These data suggest that wild ruminants may exhibit microbial-mediated degradation of MLA.  Although further research is needed to improve our understanding of these dynamics, this initial study hints at the potential to isolate microbes capable of degrading a toxin responsible for livestock casualties.

57. PROMISING NEW PIS OF MEDICAGO SATIVA SUBPP. FALCATA THAT REGENERATE FROM ROOTS. Derek Kannenberg*1, Lan Xu1, Arvid Boe1, Patricia Johnson2, Roger Gates3; 1South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 2South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD, 3South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD

ABSTRACT

Alfalfa is one of the most productive forage species and a major component of feed for dairy and beef cattle in North America.  In addition, alfalfa provides ecosystem services through improving soil nitrogen condition, being pollinator sources, and providing potential biofuel.  In the semiarid northern Great Plains, alfalfa establishment and persistence are generally poor due to grazing, disease, drought and cold conditions.  However, Medicago sativa subsp. falcata (yellow-flowered alfalfa) has showed its capability to produce adventitious shoots on the roots, which presents a potential source of vegetative regeneration.  This ability could be considered as favorable traits for increasing stress tolerance.  The objective of this study was to identify promising new PIs of Medicago sativa subsp. falcata that have capacity to regenerate from roots.  Seven falcata PIs were randomly selected from the National Plant Germplasm System and Persist II (M. sativa) as control.  About 20+ healthy 1-yr old plants for each entry were selected.  Each root was cut into segments 6cm long, originating 1cm or 7cm below the cotyledonary node.

Four root segments of each entry were planted upright in 15 cm dia. plastic pot filled with Miracle Gro potting soil.  Pots maintained in a greenhouse with 16h light/8h dark photoperiod, and 24±3°C temperature, and misted daily.  Number of root segments producing adventitious shoots counted weekly for 19 weeks following planting.  Six PIs populations produced adventitious shoots from roots.  The frequency of generating adventitious shoos from roots ranged from 3.8% to 57% among the 6 populations.  There were 66.7% to 100% produced adventitious shoots survived and developed into new individual plants.  Some of these survived plants successfully reproduced seeds.  Such discovery would be useful for the potential materials for development of germplasm suitable for grazing persistence, drought, cold tolerance and disease resistance.

PERFORMANCE OF SANTA INES LAMBS UNDER DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUPPLEMENTATION GRAZING IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMIARID. Aldo Sales*1, Sara R. Miranda Rufino2, Leobardo Richarte1, Carlos Villalobos1; 1Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 2Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Brazil

ABSTRACT

 The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of lambs Santa Ines breed supplemented with different food sources in the scrubland conditions in the Brazilian semiarid. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with four treatments and six replications totaling twenty-four non-emasculated males, with an initial mean body weight of 19.9 kg + 3.12 kg. These animals were grazing in the scrubland until achieve mean body weight of 30 kg. The food supplementation was based on corn, soybean and mineral mixture in the proportion: (MM) (123.8 g of Ca/kg, 68 g of P/kg, 12 g of S/kg, 600 ppm of Cu, 100 ppm of Co, 368 ppm of Fe, 120 ppm of I and 12 ppm of Se, 600 ppm of Mn and 600 ppm of Zn). Treatments were: T1/NaCl (200 g/day of energetic-protein with NaCl); T2/CMM (200 g/day of energetic-protein-mineral); T3/CMM (300 g/day of energetic-protein-mineral) and T4/SMn (300 g/day of energetic-protein-mineral without Mn). Animal response was evaluated every 15 days, Liveweights were obtained following an overnight period without water and feed.  The paddock occupation was limited in function of the grazing pressure, without allowing forage availability inferior to 60% in proportion to the forage availability at the begging of the study. Analysis of variance (P>0.05) were performed on the data. The animals fed with the diets T3 and T4 presented performed better than the animals on T1 and T2, probably due to the poor quality nutritional condition of forage. There was no difference between T1 and T2; this suggests that the addition of a mix mineral in the diet of labs of the Santa Ines breed raised under extensive system conditions in the semiarid Brazilian is not recommended when the supplementation concentration is lower than 200g/da. 

FLORIDA GRAZING LANDS COALITION AND USDA-NRCS-PARTNERS IN DEVELOPING TOOLS FOR FLORIDA PASTURELAND AND RANGELAND. Chad George*1, M J. Williams2, Rick A. Robbins1; 1USDA-NRCS, Gainesville, FL, 2USDA-NRCS, Brooksville, FL

ABSTRACT

The Florida Grazing Lands Coalition (FGLC) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) have have worked closely together in developing two new management tools to help Florida landowners make "in the field" management and planning decisions for range and pastureland.  The Florida Grazing Stick and the Forage Suitability Groups (FSG's) are two new tools designed to help ranchers optimize forage and cattle production.  The Grazing Stick is a tool that can be used in the field to help ranchers monitor stubble height and make quick real time decisions to Start or Stop a grazing event.  The Florida FSG's are used in the planning and development of improved forage pastureland, these documents are based on similar soil groupings that help ranchers in choosing suitably forage species for planting, provide estimated forage production and gives soil group limitations affecting production.

DATA DRIVEN INTERPRETATIONS: FORAGE SUITABILITY GROUPS - FROM NASIS TO PROGRAM APPLICATION. Rick A. Robbins*1, M J. Williams2, Chad George1, Tom Weber1; 1USDA-NRCS, Gainesville, FL, 2USDA-NRCS, Brooksville, FL

ABSTRACT

Florida is one of the few states east of the Mississippi River to undertake the development and field application of Forage Suitability Groups.

This poster  illustrates the overall developmental process  for defining soil property ranges for specific Forage Suitability Groups (FSG).  Primary steps  include NASIS SQL development,  PC-ORD assigned groups, analysis in Excel, FSG group refinement, data entry of FSG’s in NASIS,   and the final product  being spatial maps and  FSG reports in section II of the Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG), and the Web Soil Survey. 

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS - GRAZING ON PUBLIC LANDS. Debbie Blanco*, Chris Meyer; Sarasota County Government, Sarasota, FL

ABSTRACT

Public/Private Partnerships – Grazing on Public LandsSarasota County, Florida, usually known for its arts, culture, and beautiful beaches, has another side to it of which many visitors and even residents are unaware. Cattle have historically grazed the county since the mid-1800’s when early settlers moved to the area. So as not to lose that rural heritage, county commissioners have approved cattle grazing on appropriate lands bought under the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP).Multiple uses, including cattle grazing, can occur on public lands, provided those uses are compatible with the purposes for which the lands were originally acquired. Similar to prescribed burning and mechanical vegetation reduction, cattle grazing can be a valuable part of a larger land management plan, providing another method for managing public lands in an efficient and cost effective way.County staff identified purchased lands that included improved pasture and, with the help of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), set up a grazing program and asked cattlemen to submit proposals for grazing those pastures. Rather than implement a simple lease, the goal was to ensure that cattle grazing contributed to established land management goals while offsetting management costs through best management practices. In-kind services provided by the cattlemen might include: 

Fence, road and other structural maintenance Fire break development and maintenance Roller chopping for vegetation reduction Invasive or exotic plant species monitoring and control Property security Pasture and trail mowing

 These in-kind services will be the main economic benefit of grazing contracts creating a win-win situation for both the cattle producer and the county. 

GRAZING SYSTEMS EFFECTS ON STAND LONGEVITY FOR NEWLY DEVELOPED SAINFOIN POPULATIONS IN PURE AND MIXED STANDS. Alan D. Iwaasa*1, Surya N. Acharya2, Edward Birkedal3, Russ Muri3; 1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, Canada, 2Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, 3Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, SK

ABSTRACT

Pure and mixed sainfoin (S)/alfalfa (A) tests (S: Nova, LRC-3900, LRC-3901 and LRC-3902, A: AC-Grazeland) were established in 2008 using a RCBD with four replications small plot design at Swift Current, Saskatchewan.  Objective of this study was to determine persistence of new sainfoin populations when grown in pure and mixed stands with alfalfa in western Canada under different direct grazing systems.  Continuous grazing treatment consisted of placing two yearling cattle on one small plot design from the beginning of July to October.  Rotational grazing treatment placed 10 yearling cattle on a different small plot design for about five days at the beginning of July.  If sufficient regrowth occurred a second grazing would occur.  In the spring, segment plant counts per m2 were determined from 2009 to 2012 for each grazing system pure and mixed small plots.  Also at the time of grazing, samples from each plot were taken for determination of species composition.  For continuous grazing there was no interaction and significant main effects of the sainfoin population (P<0.05) and year (P<0.0001) were observed.  After four production years there was no difference in average plant count decline between pure and mix Nova compared to the other sainfoin populations.  Plant count drops for the mixes versus pure were higher (P<0.05).  For rotational grazing there was no interaction and only main effects year (P<0.0001) was significant.  Rotational grazing does not appear to affect stand longevity among the different pure and mix sainfoin populations as did continuous direct grazing.  Average percent of sainfoin as a proportion of the DM yield in mixes after four grazing seasons was greater than 20%.  Studies have shown that 15% or more sainfoin in an alfalfa mixture can eliminate risk of pasture bloat.  Results showed that the new sainfoin population persistences are similar to Nova under either grazing systems. 

TWENTY YEARS OF REOCCURRING SEASONAL RANGELAND GRAZING MODIFIES PLANT COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS IN NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS. Jennifer M. Muscha*, Mark Petersen; USDA-ARS, Miles City, MT

ABSTRACT

Grazing of native range in the same season occurs due to logistics and convenience of livestock management.    Records of 100 pastures used by beef cattle has been recorded since 1991 at the 22,257 ha USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL Miles City, MT, where native vegetation is predominately western wheatgrass (Pascopyron smithii), needle and thread (Heterostipa comata), and blue grama (Bouteloua gracillis) grasses normally receiving 350 mm precipitation annually.  We sampled canopy and basal cover in pastures that were grazed over 60% and less than 20% of the time in spring (April-June), summer (July-October), and winter (November-March) and those without a dominant season of use (SOU) in loamy and clayey ecological sites (ES).  Three 50 m transects were sampled for basal and canopy cover at 3 sites in each pasture for each SOU and ES. ES, SOU, percentage use (%U)(H from 62-77%, L from 9-17%, NONE for sites without a dominant SOU) and their interactions were evaluated and analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS 2009) as a 2 x 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments.  Percent bare ground (P<0.05) was greater on clayey (56±2.9%) than loamy ES (46±2.9%).  SOU x %U interacted (P<0.05) to influence percent of bare ground in pastures grazed primarily in summer having the lowest amount of bare ground cover (32±6%).  Litter cover was affected by ES*SOU, ES*%U and SOU* %U interactions (P<0.05).  Cool season grass cover was highest (P <0.05) in pastures grazed primarily in winter (79±3.7%) and lowest (P<0.05) in pastures grazed primarily in spring (32±3.7%).  An ES*SOU*%U interaction (P<0.05) altered warm season grass cover.  Annual grass cover was impacted (P<0.05) by an ES*%U interaction.  Annual grass cover was highest (P<0.05) on clayey ES without a dominant SOU (25±2%). Intentional recurrent SOU can change proportions of bare ground, litter, and species composition in northern mixed grass prairie. 

DO ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES INFLUENCE OVERNIGHT WEIGHT LOSS OF YEARLING STEERS IN SEMIARID RANGELANDS? Justin D. Derner*1, Matthew C. Mortenson1, Mark West2; 1USDA-ARS, Cheyenne, WY, 2USDA-ARS, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

In order to measure the weight gains of free-ranging livestock, animals are frequently corralled and confined overnight prior to weighing.  Animals may take several days to recover from this overnight loss in weight associated with dehydration and excretion of urine and feces.  Quantitative estimates of the magnitude of this overnight shrink for livestock across the grazing season could provide temporal weight gain data without the associated stress of shrinking and regaining weight for the grazing animals each time they are weighed.  We determined shrink losses for crossbred yearling steers grazing shortgrass steppe at the Central Plains Experimental Range (Nunn, Colorado, USA) for each of four weigh dates (June, July, August, September) in the 2009-2012 summer grazing seasons (total of 16 weighings) to assess if environmental variables including 1) average relative humidity, (2) maximum, minimum or average air temperatures, (3) number of hours where hourly average air temperatures exceeded 26.7 °C, and

(4) cumulative air temperature determined by adding hourly average values for the entire shrink period influenced these shrink losses.  Overnight shrink in yearlings was insensitive to environmental variables during the summer grazing season in shortgrass steppe.  Mean values from the different weigh dates across the four study years provide “pencil shrink” percentages that can be used for grazing studies and land managers (8.8-9.0% shrink values for June, July and August, and 7.1% for September) in semiarid rangelands.  Use of these “pencil shrink” percentages (1) eliminates the need for overnight holding of livestock in a drylot which increases animal well-being by removing stresses of losing the weight overnight and regaining this lost weight, and (2) provides an approach to more readily measure temporal weight gain data within a grazing season.

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY PREFERENCE OF CATTLE WHILE GRAZING OR RESTING. Donald Thompson*1, John Church2; 1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Canada, 2Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC

ABSTRACT

Cattle locations were recorded every 5 minutes with GPS collars for four summers on bunchgrass range in interior BC, Canada.  Six 65 ha pastures were used in the trials which contained a mosaic of plant communities due to the hilly topography.   The locations of GPS fixes were overlaid on vegetation polygons prepared from traversing major plant community boundaries with a hand-held GPS unit.  An activity classification model was developed to differentiate grazing and resting behaviour based on distance travelled between fixes.   Plant community preference was tested in the initial few days using the chi square test,  comparing the number of fixes observed in a plant community type to what would be expected based on its relative area.  Grazing preference was greatest for lotic plant communities dominated by Kentucky bluegrass or saltgrass, with least preference for the upland bluebunch wheatgrass community.  However due its large area, the number of grazing fixes was greatest for the bluebunch wheatgrass community.   Resting sites were almost entirely in the lotic plant communities.   Cattle may concentrate mineral nutrients gathered from upland plant communities by defecating in these resting sites. 

ASSESSING TRADE-OFFS AMONG ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN A PAYMENT-FOR-WATER SERVICES PROGRAM ON FLORIDA RANCHLANDS. Elizabeth H. Boughton*1, Patrick J. Bohlen2, Angelica Engel3, John Fauth2, Greg Hendricks3, David G. Jenkins2, Greg Kiker3, Pedro F. Quintana-Ascencio2, Sanjay Shukla4, Hilary Swain1; 1Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL, 2University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 3University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 4University of Florida, Orlando, FL

ABSTRACT

Enhancing ecosystem services provided by agricultural lands is of much interest, but little research has examined how management for specific services affects others. We evaluated trade-offs among ecosystem services in an existing payment for ecosystem services (PES) pilot program in the Northern Everglades that is paying ranchers to retain water on their lands.  In addition to water storage, ranchlands offer multiple ecosystem services, including forage

production, a mosaic of wetland and upland habitats, and associated biodiversity. Our objectives were to: (1) quantify biodiversity and forage production in 15 wetlands on four ranches, three of whom were participating in the pilot PES program, the Florida Ranchland Ecosystem Services Project (FRESP); (2) evaluate whether enhanced water storage created synergies or trade-offs for the ecosystem services of biodiversity or forage production; and (3) determine whether enhancing water services affects stressors such as pests (mosquitoes) and invasive plants and animals, thus detracting from services provided. A spatially distributed hydrological model (MIKE_SHE) was used to evaluate the baseline,PES, and other alternate water management scenarios (different discharge elevations) on surface and groundwater fluxes and inundation (upland and wetland) characteristics. Spatially explicit water level and flow predictions were used to summarize water depth, inundation area and hydroperiod in the 15 wetlands under alternate water management scenarios. We analyzed the relationships of species richness and abundance of biodiversity measures (macroinvertebrates, amphibians, fish, native plants,) and stressors (mosquitoes, non-native plants) to hydrological variables. The relationships and the associated impacts on production (forage), biodiversity and stressors will be used within a decision support system for trade-off analysis of ecosystem services and water storage.  Ultimately, our data will refine decision tools to evaluate trade-offs among multiple ecosystem services at scales relevant to ranchers and decision makers.

LONG-TERM HYDROLOGIC INTERACTIONS IN JUNIPER WOODLANDS: AN UPDATE ON THE 20-YEAR PAIRED WATERSHED STUDY IN EASTERN OREGON. Carlos G. Ochoa*, Grace L. Ray, Tim Deboodt, Michael Fisher, John Buckhouse, Michael Borman; Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

ABSTRACT

The objective of this paper is to present ongoing results and future directions regarding hydrologic interactions in a 20-year paired watershed study in Juniper woodlands of Eastern Oregon. Beginning in 1993, this study led by Oregon State University and with the support of Crook County SWCD, the Hatfield High Desert Ranch and the Prineville District BLM has provided valuable information concerning how different components of the water budget have responded to overstory vegetation removal. Data for precipitation, spring flow, shallow groundwater level, and ephemeral stream runoff have been collected. Comparison of pre-treatment data versus post-treatment data shows a positive trend in spring flow. As previously reported by Deboodt et al. (2008), an increase in late spring flow of more than 200% has been observed in the treated watershed. Also, higher soil moisture in the deeper profile and greater shallow groundwater levels observed suggest that Juniper removal may have a positive effect in soil moisture recharge and subsurface flow processes.  The interactions between surface water and shallow groundwater are being studied in more detail. Additional monitoring wells will be added to the study to better understand the magnitude and directionality of groundwater flow. Also, the hydrologic connectivity between the upland-stream-valley-groundwater continuum within the watershed is being explored using a systems approach. Ongoing and future data collection and analysis will provide critical data for the better understanding of hydrologic processes and the quantification of different water budget components in Juniper woodlands.

A COST EFFECTIVE RIPARIAN MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT METHOD. Gregg Simonds1, Eric D. Sant*2; 1ORC, Park City, UT, 2Open Range Consulting, Park City, UT

ABSTRACT

Riparian areas provide environmental values. Not only are they essential habitats for big game, song-birds, reptiles and fish, but they also play a crucial role in cleaning and storing water. Although riparian areas occupy only 1% of a watershed, they reflect the functioning of the entire watershed. Monitoring their condition and trend is foundational to managing their values for natural and societal benefits. Unfortunately, the methods used to assess riparian areas are not statistically valid or economically feasible. The consequences are an obliviousness of the results of management actions.  We present an alternative approach to assessing riparian areas using remote sensing technology that quickly, cheaply, and effectively assesses the basic landcover components of riparian functionality. This method captures, in space and time, the actual ground condition of the vegetation being measured. Because of this, it maintains a visual history of vegetation condition allowing other investigators the ability to repeat the observation or use other sampling techniques to extract improved or additional information.  This repeatability of measurements makes field observations more transparent.  Traditional vegetation sampling without imagery cannot be repeated since other observers cannot return to the same geographic point and time. Because the method is imagery-based, it can be used to assess these basic conditions back in time 30 years. Additionally, the method has been extensively validated via traditional on the ground monitoring methods as well as by professional management personnel. Our technique, applied across time, has great potential to place land cover change and rangeland health in a contextual perspective that has not been available before.  In this way, past management practices can be evaluated for their effectiveness in altering rangeland condition and with this hindsight, improved management prescriptions can be developed.

CREATED PONDS AS INDICATORS OF RESTORED SIERRA NEVADA MEADOW HYDROLOGY. Adam M. McMahon, Sherman R. Swanson*; University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV

ABSTRACT

Stream degradation has led to extensive restoration of wet-meadow systems in the Sierra Nevada. Pond-and-plug restoration reconnects the stream with its historic floodplain and dams eroded gullies into a series of ponds that fill with water. Elevated groundwater tables and stream flooding return riparian functions and wet-meadow vegetation. Little research has examined the impacts of these anthropogenic ponds on the hydrology of meadows, or the ponds as a potential loss of water to air via evaporation. In addition, ponds provide an opportunity to study proposed hydrologic models of groundwater flow in meadows. Meadows may act as a “sponge, valve, or drain” by absorbing and then releasing groundwater through the season, by recharging the meadow with groundwater through springs, or by allowing percolation of groundwater to deep aquifers. We measured groundwater and pond surface elevations and ponds’ areas along with above and below meadow stream flow through a summer following a winter with 30% less snowpack than average.  Pond evaporation accounted for 2-8% of meadow ET.  Evaporation

accounted for 40-70% of measured pond declines with the remaining decline attributed to seepage to meadow groundwater. Pond and groundwater declines were highly correlated, with R-squared values generally greater than 0.9. Spatial and temporal variations in pond elevations indicate possible areas with and without groundwater inflow into meadows. Groundwater storage, inflow, and outflow were evident, but most meadows exhibit heterogeneity in groundwater flow. Prior to historic incision, some meadows may have had only seasonal outflow. The periods and amounts of augmented base flow from restored meadows vary among project areas. Monitoring of sites will continue through 2013 and hopefully 2014 water years to compare water movements in wetter and dryer years.

SEVEN YEARS OF CHANGE IN THE WRIGLEY WATERSHED, CATALINA ISLAND, CA. Jang Seo1, Valerie C. Anderson*2, Kristina Y. Furukawa3; 1University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 2University of Southern California, Saint Cloud, FL, 3University of Southern California, Petaluma, CA

ABSTRACT

The USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Science consists of a 14 acre facility near Two Harbors on Catalina Island. The island is home to American Bison (Bison bison), Black Buck Antelope (Antelope cervicarpa) and Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) that graze on the native range on the undeveloped parts of the island. Development on the island is primarily occuring in the basins, and we wanted to show what impact recent development in a single basin had had on the flow within its watershed. The watershed that contains the Wrigley Institute was analysed in ArcMap 10.2 for changes in flow that have occurred as a result of the expansion of the Institute since 2006.  A digital surface model with 5 foot resolution from LiDAR data was run through a tool we created for model builder to determine stream order. We updated the DSM with data collected within the watershed using a Trimble GeoXH 6000 and an external 2m GNSS receiver. This new data was then used to update the DSM for 2013 and our model was rerun to incorporate the new elevations. Our model showed that the addition of a new building complex has altered the flow of water up to 627 ft from the building site.  One of the biggest overall changes we observed was the change in stream order. Between 2006 and 2013, magnitude 5 streams have more than doubled in number from 25 to 62.

LEARNING FROM THE LAND: TESTING A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO STM DEVELOPMENT. Retta A. Bruegger*1, Maria E Fernandez-Gimenez2, Jennifer Timmer2, Crystal Yates-White Tipton2, Cameron L. Aldridge3, Emily Kachergis4; 1Colorado State University, Grand Juntion, CO, 2Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 3Colorado State University/ USGS, Fort Collins, CO, 4Bureau of Land Management, Denver, CO

ABSTRACT

We have developed an interdisciplinary, participatory research approach focused on developing, applying and evaluating the use of state-and-transition models for rangelands in Colorado and Wyoming. State-and-transition models (STMs) are tools that represent our best available knowledge of how different types of vegetation communities may change over time in response to management (e.g., grazing) and disturbances (e.g., fire). STMs have been adopted by the

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and US Forest Service (FS) as the basis for rangeland monitoring and assessment throughout the US, however past research indicates that only 30% of ranchers in Colorado and Wyoming have heard of STMs, and only 3% use them in management. Our research builds on past work to bridge the gap between STM development and application, by working closely with producers and agency staff at each of the five project locations.  This poster details the participatory approach during our initial year of the project. We have hosted meetings with stakeholders including ranchers, representatives of the NRCS, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, BLM and others. Based on input from stakeholders on priority ecological sites and management concerns, we have conducted low-intensity and high-intensity data collection in three of the five project locations, and hosted meetings and participatory workshops to integrate local and expert knowledge into draft STMs. Over the next two years, we will continue to collect field data at a diversity of ecological sites, holding workshops and meetings, and developing several draft STMs which include the novel integration of wildlife responses (habitat, occurrence and abundance) into models, with the ultimate goal of producing a handbook on participatory STM development.

AN ECOLOGICAL SITE DESCRIPTION OF BUR OAK (QUERCUS MACROCARPA) COMMUNITIES IN THE NORTHERN PLAINS. Tim Halberg*, Kevin K. Sedivec; North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

ABSTRACT

Forest land comprises 3-5 % of the Northern Plains (NP).  Bur oak communities represent 10-15 % of these forest lands. The purpose of this study is to determine the key characteristics of these forested types. Those include: Plant associations, soil characteristics, and the hydrologic function of these areas. Forest Inventory Analysis data was used to determine locations of Bur Oak forests within the NP.  Plant association data were collected during vegetation transects and monitoring. Soil profiles established the characteristics necessary to describe key elements of the bur oak forests. Climate data was used to determine precipitation zones associated with the bur oak communities. The draft Ecological Site Description will include the following information: Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) within the NP, a State and Transition Model, physiographic and landscape features, plant community associations, and biomass production.

REMOTE ECOLOGICAL SITES. Elizabeth M. Powers*; NRCS, Palmer, AK

ABSTRACT

This poster will highlight the development of ecological sites and ecological site keys for initial surveys and surveys in remote areas.  Ecological Site Descriptions for remote areas begin with premapping efforts, concept development, and producing an draft ecological site key.  After the preliminary concepts and ecological site key has been developed, the ecologists and soil scientists work with eachother to collect soil and vegetation.  Throughout the field season, the key and concepts are refined as data is collected.  Following data entry, the ecosite and soil component data is aggregated and draft State and Transition Models and narratives are developed.  The poster will highlight the ESD process and provide an example state and transition model.

CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP TOOLS IN THE WESTERN U.S.: RESEARCH GAPS AND IMPLICATIONS, AN ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE. John A. Tanaka*; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

Applying conservation and stewardship tools is challenging. Those that design the tools have the best intentions to achieve their goals. Yet, in many cases, private landowners do not always readily adopt those tools. The causes for this behavior may lie in both social and economic issues.  Understanding these causes and finding solutions will require new research.  Such research should focus on areas such as understanding landowner motives, how opportunities are perceived, how tools can best be incorporated into landowner objectives, economic impact of applying the tools, and assistance tools that could be developed among many others.  Without this sort of applied research, finding solutions and tools that will be widely applied will remain difficult.

CONSERVING GOPHER TORTOISES ON PRIVATE LANDS IN FLORIDA: A PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PILOT PROGRAM. Deborah Burr*; FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tallahassee, FL

ABSTRACT

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is endemic to the south eastern United States and occurs in habitats with well-drained sandy soils with open canopies. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species and more than 350 other species rely on the extensive burrow it maintains. The species is federally listed as Threatened west of the Mobile and Tombigbee Rivers, and is a Candidate for federal listing in the eastern portion of the range. The gopher tortoise is state-listed as Threatened in Florida. Non-regulatory, voluntary incentives for private landowners to conserve the species and its habitat are a priority focus of Florida’s Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. A Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot program is one of the priority incentives and has recently been implemented in a test phase. The objective of this PES pilot program is to incentivize landowner participation in conserving imperiled wildlife by continuing habitat management and land use practices that provides habitat for gopher tortoises. A total of eight landowners in southwest Florida have enrolled in this initial effort. The PES protocol is currently being tested over the course of 12-18 months. During this initial phase, methods and measurements are adapted based on data and feedback collected. Landowners are compensated based on the amount of suitable gopher tortoise habitat that occurs on their land using a regionally-adapted priority habitat model in combination with field verification. There is concern that the discrepancies in soils data present a challenge in identifying priority gopher tortoise habitat. As the test phase of this pilot program continues, habitat metrics and ecosystem valuation will be refined and improved. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission anticipates building on the lessons learned and successes of this pilot effort, and further exploring the use of PES to incentivize other wildlife conservation efforts in Florida.

SOUTH EAST ALBERTA CONSERVATION OFFSET PILOT PROJECT; A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO DEVELOPING TOOLS AND TESTING A VOLUNTARY OFFSET OF INDUSTRIAL IMPACTS ON NATIVE PRAIRIE.Karen A. Raven*1, Rob F. Dunn2, Tom W. Goddard3; 1Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton, Canada, 2Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Lethbridge, AB, 3Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton, AB

ABSTRACT

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is engaged in delivering a voluntary conservation offset pilot in south-east Alberta in collaboration with industry and landowners. The pilot is being delivered in partnership with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, University of Calgary and LandWise Inc. The development of conservation and stewardship tools to enable achieving conservation values on private land has been identified as a priority in Alberta’s Regional Planning process. This pilot project focusses on the development of a voluntary offset for new industry development impacts on private and publicly owned native prairie within the Dry Mixedgrass Natural Subregion (Brown soil zone) of Alberta.  This area is home to a significant number of species at risk.  It is proposed that participating companies will offset their development impact by purchasing contracts with private landowners who are willing to convert annually cultivated land into native perennial species consistent with the plant community expected for that parcel.  The contracts with farmers, and establishment of the native perennial species, will be managed through a third party as will verification and monitoring to ensure sustainable management and habitat outcomes.   The presentation will focus on the overall collaborative approach including key tools that have been developed as well as the challenges and opportunities of developing and implementing a project of this nature.

POLICY DEMANDS AND IMPLICATIONS TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MARKET BASED CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP TOOLS. Tom W. Goddard*; Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton, AB

ABSTRACT

Governments in Canada and other jurisdictions have some policies in place to encourage conservation and stewardship of resources and are analyzing current and future policy needs to encourage stewardship of resources in efficient and sustainable methods.  The policy landscape in Alberta and Canada will be introduced as it impacts the current and future developments of market based conservation and stewardship tools with emphasis on offsets.  Policy will be examined through different lenses and frameworks to illustrate strengths and weaknesses.  Private policy development will be reviewed and contrasted with public policies.  Issues of conflicts and complementarity will be discussed. 

GETTING ECOSYSTEM MARKETS TO SCALE: IS IT POSSIBLE? LESSONS FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. Todd Gartner*; World Resources Institute, Washington, DC

ABSTRACT

Ecosystem markets have been moving along slowly for a long time. The first markets showed up in the 1970s and 1980s. There are several great examples of local successes for water and biodiversity markets. Will these ever scale up into something that provides significant conservation, and becomes a standard policy tool? We think it is possible, but there are some significant challenges. This presentation will provide an overview of some of those challenges illustrated by stories from Pacific Northwest. Some of the challenges include:

Policy implementation for the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act are decentralized to states, and often even to district offices within states. This creates inconsistent application of preferences and rules around market design and operations;

Watersheds and states are unique, but there are a lot of commonalities across market design elements. It may be that only 10-20% of a market design needs to be adjusted to move from Washington to Montana, but how do we get over the strong feelings of local uniqueness;

Many areas are missing the key capacities and financing to make markets work at scale; and

There is a tension between theoretically wanting standardization while still wanting to maintain the flexibility of individual program control.

CONSERVATION OFFSET RATIOS TO ADDRESS IMPACTS OF INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ON NATIVE PRAIRIE IN ALBERTA. Ron L. McNeil*1, Kevin A. France2; 1LandWise Inc., Lethbridge, AB, 2Government of Saskatchewan, Regina, SK

ABSTRACT

Conservation offset ratios are based on the premise that restoration recovery after industrial disturbance varies with range site.  Appropriate ratios were evaluated for range sites in the Dry Mixedgrass and Mixedgrass Natural Subregions of Alberta.  Proposed offset ratios are different for each natural subregion due to climatic and soil differences and are are based on relative rates of restoration.  Disturbance of highly sensitive range sites require a larger offset area because they are more difficult to restore.  The proposed offset being provided as part of a pilot project is the conversion of marginal cropland in prioritized areas to perennial native cover, in order to restore important ecological functions.  Verification of the footprint impacted directly by industry in development areas will rely on detailed mapping of the Alberta Grassland Vegetation Inventory (GVI).  GVI is completed in the southern region of Alberta and uses range sites to distinguish differences in native grasslands. Ratios were initially established independently by each of the authors, based on knowledge of

restoration rates gained from long term monitoring projects and scientific investigation, including the use and application of the 2010 native grasslands reclamation criteria, range health assessment, plant community succession models, and range plant community guides. Values for the ratios were refined based on recent research, interpretations from detailed investigations, and expert knowledge and opinion.  The authors subsequently collaborated to adjust to common values.  

CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP TOOLS IN ALBERTA CANADA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CUMULATIVE EFFECTS MANAGEMENT. Marian Weber*; Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, Edmonton, AB

ABSTRACT

Alberta is a dynamic province in Canada that has been experiencing rapid economic and population growth over the last decade. Alberta’s Land Use Framework (2008) is the overarching policy for how the impacts of growth will be managed, with a focus on regional planning, and the management of cumulative effects within a watershed context. In 2009, Alberta passed the Alberta Land Stewardship Act which created the legal support for the LUF, and included enabling legislation for a number of market based “conservation and stewardship tools” that could be used to achieve conservation objectives on private and public lands. Implementation of these tools requires consideration of a number of design issues to ensure that environmental markets live up to the desired goal of meeting conservation objectives in a cost effective manner. In this talk we outline the key challenges, focusing primarily on issues related to coordination and aggregation of individual decisions within markets for the management of cumulative effects over time.

CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETS IN THE U.S. Christopher Hartley*; USDA, Washington, DC

ABSTRACT

Environmental markets can increase conservation activities and reduce pollution more efficiently than other policy tools. Several local and regional markets have been established in the United States; however, development of national and transnational programs remains elusive. The future success of environmental markets depends upon the development of reliable, scientifically defensible metrics and monitoring protocols to ensure that credits represent real environmental benefits and on the ability to coordinate efforts and enhance consistency across local, state and federal jurisdictions. This presentation will elaborate on current environmental market policies, structures and drivers, and identify the challenges and implications for environmental markets in the United States drawing examples form rangeland and livestock operations.

TOWARDS A DESIRED STATE OF SUFFICIENTLY CONSERVED GRASSLANDS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA: SHARING BENEFICIAL PRACTICES. Sarah Heiberg, Karen Richardson*; Commission for Environmental Cooperation, Montreal, Canada

ABSTRACT

Ranchers and other grasslands users, including conservation groups and governments, have developed place-based beneficial management practices to maintain healthy grasslands and sustain grazing livestock across North America. Most of these however, have been developed in isolation from one another and have not been widely disseminated across North America. The North American Grasslands Alliance, an affiliation of grassland experts from Canada, Mexico and the United States, supported by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, compiled over 100 beneficial management practices through a meta-analysis of documents regarding grassland stewardship from ranchers, ranching associations, conservation organizations, government programs and academic institutions from 1993 – 2012. These practices, organized into eight management categories, are showcased through a web-based tool aimed at grassland users in all three countries. This paper will discuss five overarching priorities that emerged through an analysis of the solutions and barriers to the successful uptake of practices. The analysis includes actions that help or hinder progress towards implementing the priorities, and examples of tasks and activities that could be undertaken to enable wider adoption of practices across North America.

EXPANSION OF FERAL SWINE IN THE UNITED STATES. Joseph L. Corn*; University of Georgia, Athens, GA

ABSTRACT

The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) began producing nationwide feral swine distribution maps in 1982 by working directly with state and territorial natural resources agencies.  In 1982, 17 states reported feral swine; by 2004, 28 states were reporting feral swine.  In 2008, SCWDS, in collaboration with CRMS, developed and implemented the National Feral Swine Mapping System (NFSMS).  The NFSMS is an internet-based data collection system used to collect and display current data on the distribution of feral swine in the United States.  These distribution maps are produced using data collected from state and territorial natural resources agencies, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services, and other state/federal wildlife and agriculture agencies.  The map is available to be viewed by the public on the NFSMS home page.  Distribution data submitted by agency personnel are evaluated by SCWDS on a continual basis, and the distribution map is updated with verified additions on a monthly basis.  Feral swine populations and/or sightings are designated either as established breeding populations, or as sightings, but only established breeding populations are included on the map and in the total of the number of states with feral swine.  Over 600 additions have been made to the national distribution map through the NFSMS since January 2008.  The NFSMS is accessed via the internet at http://www.feralswinemap.org/.  Although the distribution of feral swine continues to increase in the United States, the number of states reporting established populations dropped from 37 in 2011 to 36 in 2013 as feral swine were eradicated from Nebraska. 

Expansion of feral swine is due to several factors including intentional release of feral swine into new areas, escape of penned feral swine, and natural expansion of extant populations.  Implications of expansion include risk of disease transmission and damage to natural areas and agriculture.

A ONE-HEALTH APPROACH TO FERAL SWINE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE. Thomas J. DeLiberto*1, Mark W. Lutman1, Kerri Pedersen1, John A. Baroch1, Brandon S. Schmit2, Sarah N. Bevins3; 1USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO, 2USDA/APHIS Widlife Services, Fort Collins, CO, 3Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

The need for re-establishing the "one-health" approach toward managing emerging infectious diseases is becoming increasingly important as the interactions among wildlife, livestock, and humans intensify. These interactions can exacerbate the potential for disease transmission and often lead to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals.  Diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis, rabies, monkey pox, influenza, SARS, and others, have demonstrated the importance for conducting comprehensive surveillance programs that include coordination across animal and human health agencies. The USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services uses a "one-health" approach to investigate bacterial, viral, and parasitic zoonoses in feral swine (Sus scrofa).  This project serves as an appropriate model for the "one-health" approach to manage infectious diseases.  An overview of this comprehensive feral swine disease surveillance project will be discussed.  Results from surveillance in over 35 states will be shared, including a discussion of classical swine fever, brucellosis, influenza, pseudorabies, toxoplasmosis, trichinosis.

SIMILARITIES IN PATHOGEN COMMUNITIES AMONG CATTLE AND FERAL SWINE IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. Samantha M. Wisely*1, S. Andrew Satterlee1, Raoul K. Boughton2, Nicholas A. Be3, Michael P. Milleson4, Brittany A. Bankovich1; 1University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 2Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL, 3Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 4USDA APHIS WS National Wildlife Research Center, Gainesville, FL

ABSTRACT

Feral swine pose a substantial risk of disease transmission to livestock. Understanding the community of pathogens available for transmission by swine at both the local and regional scale is important for determining the risk feral swine pose to the cattle industry. We conducted a survey of blood and fecal microbes of 10 cattle from South Florida and 35 feral swine from 7 sites in the southeastern United States to address the following questions: 1) Which microbes do cattle and swine share? 2) What is the most frequent route of acquisition of shared microbes among cattle and swine? 3) Does proximity explain similarity in microbial community composition? We used a custom printed microarray spotted with 2 million sequences from >6000 microbes representing bacteria, viruses, protozoans and fungi. We detected 137 different

microbial taxa in feral swine, 16 (12%) of which were shared with cattle. Two viruses shared among cattle and swine, herpesvirus, and T-cell lymphotropic virus, have strains that are pathogenic to cattle or swine. 56% of shared microbes were soil-associated bacteria; 38% were gut microbes, and the rest were bovine or porcine associated pathogens with a direct route of transmission associated with bodily fluids. None of the shared microbes in feral swine came from the same ranch as the cattle; however, among only feral swine, geographic distance explained microbial community similarity at the regional scale. Results suggest that the microarray approach is a fast and economical way to detect potential pathogens; however resolution to taxonomic level of strain or even species is lacking and requires further confirmation. Cattle and feral swine shared numerous soil and water-borne microbes in their feces illustrating the ease of pathogen acquisition from the environment.

FERAL SWINE DISTURBANCE IN FLORIDA PRAIRIES ALTERS PLANT COMMUNITY COMPOSITION AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. Elizabeth H. Boughton*, Raoul K. Boughton; Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL

ABSTRACT

The invasive feral swine (Sus scrofa) is a species that creates soil disturbances vastly different from any native omnivore in southern grasslands in the United States. Large soil disturbances are known to create opportunities for weedy and non-native species and may favor disturbance-adapted plants. 

In a long-term plant diversity experiment (2002-present) aimed at investigating season of burn and nutrient addition on plant community composition and productivity, composition had been monitored in 48 permanent plots since 2002 and plots were not impacted by feral swine until February 2012 when swine breached the fence and rooted in half of the permanent plots.  Our objectives were to 1) assess preference of feral swine for season of burn and nutrient addition and 2) examine the impacts of feral swine rooting on wet prairie vegetation.

Feral swine avoided recently burned plots and rooted significantly more in nitrogen addition plots. In rooted plots, we observed a large increase in cover of redroot, (Lachnanthes caroliana), a plant known as a poisonous forage. Of the 2,459 m2 rooted by swine, 92% of the area was covered by a dense monoculture of redroot in less than 5 months. In rooted plots, there was on average an additional 40% cover of redroot and a reduction of 20% cover in the dominant bunchgrass whereas there were only slight changes in non-rooted plots from the prior year’s species composition.  Composition in rooted plots was substantially different from unrooted plots.

Feral swine disturbance significantly alters plant composition in wetland communities and thus changes the array of ecosystem services provided by these important ecosystems.  Wet prairies dominated by bunchgrasses provide valuable forage during the dry season; an ecosystem service that is compromised when impacted by feral swine.  A comprehensive understanding of feral swine impacts on vegetation and ecosystem services is critical for rangeland management.

PLANT COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO FERAL SWINE DAMAGE IN IMPROVED AND SEMI-NATIVE PASTURES IN SOUTH FLORIDA. Brittany A. Bankovich*1, Samantha M. Wisely1, Elizabeth H. Boughton2, S. Andrew Satterlee1; 1University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 2Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL

ABSTRACT

Rooting by feral swine (Sus scrofa) damages pastures, crops, and native vegetation; however, time needed for plant communities to recover after rooting is unknown.  We compared plant species composition in pastures rooted by feral swine to undisturbed areas of pastures over twelve months.  We observed plant community responses in two types of pasture in south Florida rangelands, improved and semi-native. Improved pasture consisted of planted Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum), and semi-native pasture was a mixture of native grasses, wetland plants, and planted forage ( Andropogon virginicus, Andropogon virginicus glaucus). 216 permanent Daubenmire plots established along 18 transects in 4 pastures of both types were assessed monthly for changes in plant species composition in paired sites with and without rooting. Preliminary results suggest reduced palatable forage in rooted patches compared to undisturbed patches, and an increase in unpalatable forage (Carolina redroot, (Lachnanthes caroliana) in semi-native pastures. In semi-native pastures, forage grasses remained <5% of coverage in rooted sites (March to June), but increased from 29% ± 28% (A. virginicus glaucus) and 36% ± 29% (A. virginicus) to 48%±23% in unrooted areas during the same time period. Carolina redroot increased from 4%±4% coverage in rooted patches (March) to 46%±22% (June) in rooted areas, but did not increase in undisturbed areas . In improved pastures, Bahia grass covered 6 ± 6%  of sampled areas in rooted sites (April) compared to 19 ± 11%  (August). Bahia grass made up 61 ± 28% of improved pasture in unrooted areas (April), and increased to 84%±20% (August). Unpalatable forage dominates areas rooted by swine in semi-native pastures, and there is a decline in overall forage in improved pastures. We will determine the amount of forage lost per meter square area in rooted areas to estimate monetary losses of forage grasses to swine damage in South Florida.

EFFECTS OF FERAL PIG DISTURBANCE ON NUTRIENT FLUXES IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA DEPRESSION MARSHES. Cyndi A. Gates*1, Mark W. Clark2; 1University of Florida/Southwest Florida Water Mgt. District, Brooksville, FL, 2University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

ABSTRACT

Intense rooting of soil by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) when foraging often results in large areas of bare ground and incorporation of litter and plant material into soil.  Research in uplands has shown higher levels of nitrate and ammonium in disturbed (rooted) soils as compared to undisturbed (unrooted) soils due to alteration of nitrogen transformation processes.  Some of these same studies indicated that phosphorus was lower in rooted soils.  Rooting disturbance by pigs has been implicated in water quality declines due to increased erosion, spread of pathogens and increased nutrient loading; however, relatively little work has been done regarding changes in nutrient flux in isolated wetlands as a result of pig disturbance.

 Three depression marshes were selected for our study at locations within Polk and Pasco counties in Florida.  Selection was based on similarity of the following: soil type, severity of disturbance (moderate), time since last disturbance (4-6 months), and similarity of hydrologic zone of disturbance.  We looked at the potential effects of rooting on nutrient flux by collecting 20 cm deep soil cores in 7 cm diameter tubes from areas of mounded soil, nearby ground soil (typically the source of the mounded soil), and undisturbed control sites.  Each core was flooded with 25 cm deep rain water then samples from the water column were collected at 1, 2, 5, and 7 days post-flooding to examine the flux of nitrate/nitrite (NOx-N), ammonium (NH4-N), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP).   Total phosphorus and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) flux rates were sampled at 1 and 7 days post-flooding.  The mounded and ground soil treatments had significantly higher cumulative flux rates than the control for NH4-N.  The mounded soil treatment was also significantly higher than the control for TKN and SRP.  Implications of our findings as well as general impacts to plant communities will be discussed.

COMMUNITY ECOLOGY OF ANTHROPOGENICALLY PROVIDED SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES ON A COMMERCIAL CATTLE RANCH IN SOUTH FLORIDA. S. Andrew Satterlee*1, Samantha M. Wisely1, Raoul K. Boughton2, Brittany A. Bankovich1; 1University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 2Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL

ABSTRACT

Commercial livestock operations in subtropical Florida provide supplemental resources for domestic cattle (liquid molasses).  Operations leasing hunting rights provide additional supplemental resources for Florida wild turkey and white tailed deer (food plots).  These practices inadvertently attract non-target species such as invasive feral swine.  Three hypotheses were tested in this study: 1) different supplemental resources result in unique communities of “supplemental resource users” 2) supplemental resource stations result in communities which would not otherwise exist on the agro-ecological landscape 3) species within these communities display unique activity patterns.  Digital scouting cameras were placed at supplemental resource stations (n=10), paired non-supplemental resource station (n=10) and food plots (n=3) on Buck Island Ranch in Highlands County, south Florida to investigate species diversity, composition, and activity patterns of users.  Preliminary data collection resulted in >15,000 photos at liquid molasses stations and food plots.  At liquid molasses stations primary users were cattle and feral swine, representing up to 95% and 33% of activity peaking at 8:00am and 11:00pm respectively.  Secondary users were sandhill crane, American crow, raccoon, opossum and coyote.  At food plots primary users were feral swine, Florida wild turkey and white-tailed deer, representing up to 56%, 37% and 26% of activity peaking at 6:00pm, 4:00pm and 5:00pm respectively.  Secondary users were raccoon, armadillo, opossum and cattle.  Invasive feral swine have the potential to transmit disease to domestic species as well as native wildlife.  This study will increase our understanding of how invasive feral swine, domestic cattle and native wildlife utilize supplemental resources within an agro-ecological setting.  This information is critical in understanding disease dynamics at the landscape scale as anthropogenic activities continue to impact natural ecosystems. 

ACTIVITY PATTERNS AND HOME-RANGE ESTIMATES FOR FERAL SWINE (SUS SCROFA) IN SUB-TROPICAL RANGELANDS. Raoul K. Boughton*1, S. Andrew Satterlee2, Brittany A. Bankovich2, Tyler A. Campbell3, Eric A. Tillman4, Michael P. Milleson4, Elizabeth H. Boughton1, Samantha M. Wisely2; 1Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL, 2University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 3East Wildlife Foundation, San Antonio, TX, 4USDA APHIS, Gainsville, FL

ABSTRACT

Rangeland productivity in Florida subtropical environments is predominantly driven by monsoonal seasons with a dry winter/spring and a wet summer/fall. The “wet” runs from early July until the middle of October and during the harsher dry winter ranchers provide supplemental food to livestock. Feral swine are also attracted to the supplemental feed. To understand fine scale landscape use, daily activity patterns, and home range size of feral swine during the dry season we deployed 20 GPS fitted collars to collect location data from January 10 – May 15 2013 on 10 sows and 10 boars trapped at dispersed locations on the 10400 acre MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research Center.  On average >5000 points were recorded for the 19 collars retrieved, with 15 minute resolution during high activity periods from 1600-1000 and hourly during middle of the day from 1000-1600.We estimated home range based on the utilization distribution of 95% of kernels with a bivariate normal kernel estimator and reference bandwidth smoother. During the dry season home ranges for females were 161± 106 ha and for males 337 ± 242 ha and home range size increased with individual estimated mass.  Feral swine spent considerable time bedded down in vegetative dense dry wetlands during the inactive daytime and often returned to the same wetland over consecutive days.  The most active periods of feral swine were a few hours either side of sunset and sunrise and during active excursions we measured the time feral swine spent at supplemental food sources. Home ranges of feral swine in subtropical Florida are relatively small suggesting ample local food during the dry period, which may be inadvertently supplied by ranchers. Knowledge of home range and activity patterns is important for understanding feral swine use of rangelands and how ranching practices influence swine behavior.

PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE METRICS FOR ASSESSING THE NEED AND EFFICACY OF MANAGEMENT ACTIONS TOWARDS WILD PIGS. Richard Engeman*; USDA/APHIS/WS/National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

Feral swine are a highly destructive species in many places around the world. Consequently, they are subject to many forms of management actions to reduce their negative impacts. Quantifiable metrics allow informed decisions on courses of actions and the evaluation of benefits produced by those actions. The variables most useful for assessing management actions include monitoring both population and damage levels. Because most actions against feral swine are carried out by operational field personnel rather than by researchers, metrics of abundance are most useful if they are: 1) practical to apply, 2) easy to understand, 3) sensitive to changes or differences, 4) rely on few analytical assumptions, and 5) permit valid statistical comparisons among results.

Here, methods meeting these criteria for both monitoring swine abundance and assessing damage in natural environments are described. A passive tracking index has been a useful, low-labor method for monitoring wild pig populations in many places around the world. Likewise, an optimized line intercept sampling method is straight-forward to apply, produces quality damage estimates, and has low impact when used in sensitive habitats. Many other methods exist, but these two represent quality starting points when considering means to monitor the efficacy of management actions towards feral swine.

DEVELOPING TOOLS FOR DETECTING FERAL SWINE AND THEIR IMPACTS TO WILDLIFE AND AGRICULTURE. Antoinette J. Piaggio*1, Kelly E. Williams2; 1USDA/APHIS/WS/ National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, 2Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

Documenting the presence of invasive feral swine (Sus scrofa) and identifying their impacts  is critical for successful management strategies. This effort can be advanced through the development of molecular tools. Control of feral swine can be costly and success can be rapidly reversed by remnant populations. In areas where control has been applied, it is critical to detect repopulation as soon as possible before the population rebounds.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a relatively new approach for detecting the presence of a target species through sampling water, soil, and even air. We are developing an eDNA test where feral swine activity can be detected through water samples. Feral swine are often associated with water due to their physiology. Thus they spend significant time wallowing in wet areas and thus allow a unique opportunity for eDNA detection without the need to invest time and money in trapping. In areas where there is no concern about domestic swine having access to a water source or watershed, a positive test will allow managers to detect feral swine. We will also use water samples and a whole genome sequencing approach to document the impact of feral swine on water quality and subsequent pathogen transmission to livestock and agriculture. We will use whole genome sequencing to detect pathogens known to be transmitted by swine. We will use a paired approach for sites in the same habitat and include pairs from states where there are few feral swine and long-term populations for comparison. Finally pathogen detection will be examined before and after control of feral swine populations to test to see if control helps reduce swine related pathogens in water sources.

HAVING A SAY: CREATION OF SRM ADOVCACY PAPERS. Carol Blocksome*; Great Plains Fire Science Exchange, Manhattan, KS

ABSTRACT

SRM by-laws specifically mention policy statements, position statements, and resolutions as a way to speak for the profession of range management (Article XI, d).  There is a need to review the purpose for which these documents are intended, and to evaluate if they are achieving their goals.  New opportunities for interacting with the public have emerged, along with the need to

respond more quickly.  Members have questioned the ability and need for SRM to speak for the entire membership.  Join us for a review of how documents are currently produced, what improvements might be needed, and a blueprint for the future of SRM advocacy.

CEAP GRAZING LANDS: OVERVIEW AND VISION FOR RANGELAND MODELING. Loretta J. Metz*; USDA-NRCS, Temple, TX

ABSTRACT

CEAP is a multi-agency effort to quantify the environmental effects of conservation practices and programs and develop the science base for managing the agricultural landscape for environmental quality. Project findings are used to guide USDA conservation policy and program development and help conservationists, farmers and ranchers make more informed conservation decisions.  Assessments in CEAP are carried out at national, regional and watershed scales on cropland, grazing lands, wetlands and for wildlife. This work contributes to building the science base for effective conservation, and includes research, modeling, assessment, monitoring and data collection, outreach, and extension education. The Grazing Lands component of CEAP began in 2006 with a combined bibliography (2006) and individual literature syntheses completed for rangelands (2011) and pasturelands/haylands (2012). Using these documents and effective partnerships as springboards, CEAP-Grazing Lands is now developing computer modeling methods and protocols to simulate and quantify the environmental effects of conservation practices on grazing lands.   This presentation provides an overview of emerging CEAP modeling to be applied to western U.S. rangelands. These lands are unique in their heterogeneity of plant communities, soil and climate, wildlife habitats, resistance and resilience factors, functionality mechanisms, spatial and temporal management scales, multiple uses, economics, and provision of various societal goods and services. Modeling is intended to capture multiple resource concerns and treatment scenarios, including wildlife habitat.  CEAP Wildlife component assessments conducted on western rangelands described in the following presentations inform CEAP Grazing Lands modeling efforts.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES ON PRIORITY BIRDS THROUGHOUT THE MOUNTAIN WEST. Daniel Casey*1, Charles Rewa2; 1American Bird Conservancy, Kalispell, MT, 2NRCS - RIAD, Beltsville, MD

ABSTRACT

Conservation programs and practices administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Services Administration (FSA) clearly have the potential to deliver bird conservation benefits across broad geographical scales and in multiple habitats.  American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and the NRCS Resource Assessment Division used the Habitat and Populations Strategies (HABPOPS) database developed for the Intermountain West Joint Venture (IWJV) to assess the effects of conservation program and practice delivery across the intermountain West.  We developed estimates of the predicted population response (change in

carrying capacity) for five bird species primarily dependent on grassland and sagebrush-dominated habitats: Long-billed Curlew, Grasshopper Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Sagebrush Sparrow and Sage Thrasher. Predicted population responses were compared to population objectives for portions of the three Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) comprising the majority of the IWJV landscape. These population estimates defined the scope of potential influences of practice delivery on selected land units where 13 selected conservation practices were delivered under the EQIP, WHIP and CRP programs. We estimated that 1.5 – 4.3% of the populations of each of these five bird species occurs on the lands where our selected practices were implemented, and that practice delivery met 1 -6% of the IWJV objective increases for the analysis area populations.  Potential increases on the order of 1-6% based on 7 years conservation practice implementation may be adequate progress toward the 30-yr population objectives for these species, but more targeted application of specific conservation measures is needed. For example, our analysis predicts that conservation measures implemented under the Sage Grouse Initiative (conifer removal, grazing system implementation, weed management and revegetation) have resulted in potential subregion (state/BCR) increases meeting as much as 25% or more of objectives for Sage Thrashers. Our HABPOPS decision-support tool will allow continued conservation planning and effects analysis, and focal areas have been identified for enhanced program delivery.

MULTIPLE-SCALE BIODIVERSITY METRICS TO ASSESS CONSERVATION PRACTICE EFFECTS ON GRAZING LANDS IN THE SOUTHWEST. . N F. East*1, Kenneth G. Boykin1, Virginia A. Seamster1, Rachel K. Guy2, David Goodrich3, William G. Kepner4, Mark C. Andersen1, Darin Kopp1, Allison K. Leimer1, Elizabeth A. Samson1; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 3USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ, 4U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, NV

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the cumulative effects of conservation practices on individual species and biodiversity. The Conservation Effects Assessment Project, a nationwide effort conducted by the National Resource Conservation Service, seeks to quantify these effects. A first step towards assessing the effects of conservation practices is to identify a set of biodiversity metrics and species that are of conservation interest. Models of conservation practice effects can then be developed for these conservation priorities. Additionally, species-level models can provide information regarding the potential effects a conservation practice can have on a group of species that share similar ecological requirements (e.g., grassland obligates). We present a general method for characterizing a site in a broader ecological context and identifying biodiversity, species, and land cover-based conservation priorities. We applied this method to the Bureau of Land Management’s Las Cruces district in New Mexico, though the method can ultimately be applied to any area in the United States. Species and land cover data were obtained from the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project. The method for ecological site characterization was robust to consideration of ecological contexts (i.e., site surroundings) defined using different types of boundaries. We identified 46 natural land cover types, 22 biodiversity metrics, and 18 focal species as conservation priorities for the Las Cruces district. Of the species identified as conservation priorities,, scaled quail was selected for species-level modeling. STELLA was used to construct a dynamic systems model representing the effects of brush control, grazing, and

precipitation on potential scaled quail habitat over time. We present results of this fine-scale modeling in relation to the larger biodiversity metrics.

LPCI: A PATH FORWARD FOR AN IMPERILED SPECIES, AGRICULTURE, AND RURAL COMMUNITIES. Jon L. Ungerer*1, Christian A. Hagen2; 1USDA/NRCS, Marysville, KS, 2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

ABSTRACT

The lesser prairie-chicken is a species of conservation priority due to long-term population and available habitat declines.  The Lesser Prairie Chicken Initiative (LPCI) has provided successful on the ground habitat management.  The NRCS initiated the LPCI in an effort to retain expired CRP acres in Kansas in grass cover and transform these acres into working lands.  The Initiative though is not limited to this goal and has conditioned 27 NRCS practices to provide an overall positive benefit to LEPC conservation with three overriding goals:  retention of expired CRP as working grazing lands; control of invasive woody species; and grazing management to improve LEPC habitat and sustainability of grazing lands.  This is accomplished through a new means of doing business for NRCS.  By ensuring the inclusion of targeting, current science, new research, and evaluation of progress the LPCI provides a legitimate opportunity for LEPC conservation.  This presentation discusses this approach to benefiting a species of concern through a voluntary science supported approach.

TREES, COWS, AND DROUGHT. OH MY! QUANTIFYING THE THREATS AND A STRATEGY FOR LESSER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS. Christian A. Hagen*1, Jon L. Ungerer2; 1Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 2Natural Resources Conservation Service, Marysville, KS

ABSTRACT

The lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is a species of conservation priority because of long-term population declines and changes in available habitat; primarily type conversion of native prairie to other uses. With large acreages of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) expiring and new limitations on total acres to be enrolled, in 2010, The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) initiated its Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative (LPCI) to retain these CRP fields as grassland and transform them into working lands. The LPCI was expanded to capitalize on 27 NRCS practices that can assist in addressing other threats to the species for example: woody encroachment, improper livestock grazing, and fence collision risk.  We have implemented a 3-tiered approach to assessing the effects of LPCI on LEPC populations. Through these assessments, we are simultaneously using science based targeting tools to quantify the extent of a given threat and determine objectives to adequately reduce the threats. Tools currently under development include: tillage risk (including loss of CRP), fence collision risk, eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginianus) encroachment, and honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) encroachment.  We will illustrate the implementation of these targeting tools in the context of invasive woody species and a framework for meaningful threat reduction.

SAGE GROUSE INITIATIVE OVERVIEW: A PERFECT MARRIAGE BETWEEN SCIENCE AND IMPLEMENTATION. Tim Griffiths*1, Dave Naugle2, Jeremy Maestas3; 1USDA-NRCS, Bozeman, MT, 2University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 3USDA-NRCS, Redmond, OR

ABSTRACT

. NRCS’s Sage-Grouse Initiative (SGI) is a highly targeted and science-based landscape approach that delivers enough of the right conservation practices in the right places to elicit positive responses in sage-grouse populations. Capitalizing on the strong link between conditions required for sustainable ranching and healthy wildlife populations, SGI marshals existing Farm Bill resources to remove threats to sage-grouse while improving working ranches. Launched in 2010, this Initiative has proven popular with 700 ranchers who have improving habitat across 2.5 million acres of prime sage-grouse range in 11 western states. NRCS structured SGI to be a collaborative effort to implement conservation practices with its conservation partners throughout the West. This initiative builds off state wildlife agency sage-grouse strategies by addressing known threats in each state and focusing resources on core areas to maximize the biological benefits of conservation investments. SGI includes science-based evaluations carried out by reputable, independent scientists to measure the biological response of sage-grouse populations to conservation practices, to assess SGI effectiveness, and to adaptively improve the program. Additional collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) ensures that listing decisions are well informed and landowners are given certainty that they will be able to continue with practice implementation regardless of listing determinations. SGI exemplifies how NRCS is evolving its practices for the 21st century and merging science with program delivery to achieve wildlife conservation through sustainable ranching— all while reducing the threat of an Endangered Species Act listing.

A NOVEL FRAMEWORK TO QUANTIFY THE BENEFITS OF SAGE-GROUSE CONSERVATION POLICY AND EASEMENTS. Dave Naugle*1, Tim Griffiths2, Holly Copeland3, Amy Pocewicz3, Doug Keinath4, Jeffrey S. Evans5, James Platt6; 1University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 2USDA-NRCS, Bozeman, MT, 3The Nature Conservancy, Lander, WY, 4University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 5The Nature Conservancy, Fort Collins, CO, 6The Nature Conservancy, Minneapolis, MN

ABSTRACT

Increasing energy and housing demands are impacting wildlife populations throughout western North America. Greater sage-grouse, a species known for its sensitivity to landscape-scale disturbance, inhabits the same low elevation sage-steppe in which much of this development is occurring. Wyoming has committed to maintain sage-grouse populations through conservation easements and policy changes that conserves high bird abundance “core” habitat and encourages development in less sensitive landscapes. In this study, we built new predictive models of oil and gas, wind, and residential development and applied build-out scenarios to simulate future development and measure the efficacy of conservation actions for maintaining sage-grouse populations. Our approach predicts sage-grouse population losses averted through conservation action and quantifies return on investment for different conservation strategies. We estimate that

without conservation, sage-grouse populations in Wyoming will decrease under our long-term scenario by 14–29% (95% CI: 4–46%). However, a conservation strategy that includes the “core area” policy and $250 million in targeted easements could reduce these losses to 9–15% (95% CI: 3–32%), cutting anticipated losses by roughly half statewide and nearly two-thirds within sage-grouse core breeding areas. Core area policy is the single most important component, and targeted easements are complementary to the overall strategy. There is considerable uncertainty around the magnitude of our estimates; however, the relative benefit of different conservation scenarios remains comparable because potential biases and assumptions are consistently applied regardless of the strategy. There is early evidence based on a 40% reduction in leased hectares inside core areas that Wyoming policy is reducing potential for future fragmentation inside core areas. Our framework using build-out scenarios to anticipate species declines provides estimates that could be used by decision makers to determine if expected population losses warrant ESA listing.

SAVING SAGE GROUSE FROM THE TREES: BENEFITS OF TARGETED TREE REMOVAL TO DECLINING BIRDS. Jeremy Maestas*1, Dave Naugle2, Sharon Baruch-Mordo3, Jeffrey S. Evans3, John P. Severson4, Joseph M. Kiesecker3, Michael J. Falkowski5, Christian A. Hagen6, Kerry P. Reese4; 1USDA-NRCS, Redmond, OR, 2University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 3The Nature Conservancy, Fort Collins, CO, 4University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 5University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 6Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

ABSTRACT

Some 12 million acres of native rangelands have been impacted by conifer encroachment in the Great Basin alone, with up to 90% of tree expansion having occurred in sagebrush ecosystems. Conifer encroachment is considered one of the primary stressors fragmenting habitat for greater sage-grouse; a species under consideration for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Since 2010, conservation partners through the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) have been accelerating targeted conifer removal efforts near sage-grouse strongholds. In Oregon alone, SGI boosted annual tree removal 10-fold, helping ranchers remove juniper during the early stages of encroachment from 146,000 acres in just 4 years. A new scientific evaluation of SGI’s strategic approach to conifer removal quantifies anticipated bird outcomes associated with tree removal and helps further inform solutions to this threat. Results of this study suggest sage-grouse incur population-level impacts at very low levels of encroachment, with no active leks remaining with more than 4% tree canopy cover on the landscape. Furthermore, significant opportunities exist to prevent further bird declines through proactive conservation. With an annual investment of $8.75 million, partners can potentially address the encroachment threat near all known Oregon leks within the next decade; an investment well within the scope of conservation already achieved. SGI and its partners are now taking this proactive solution rangewide by mapping the full extent of conifer encroachment threat and expanding tree removal implementation across private and public land ownerships.

KEEPING THE GREEN SIDE UP: SODBUSTING RISK AND SAGE GROUSE CONSERVATION. Dave Naugle*1, Tim Griffiths2, Sharon Baruch-Mordo3, Joseph Smith1, Jeffrey S. Evans3; 1University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 2USDA-NRCS, Bozeman, MT, 3The Nature Conservancy, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

Conversion of native sagebrush rangelands for grain and biofuel crop production is a primary agent of land use change in the eastern range of sage-grouse, an icon of the West and ‘candidate’ species for possible ESA listing.  Staving off grouse declines requires spatial planning tools that target conservation to areas of high biological value at risk of conversion.  Past studies are inadequate to guide management because relationships between lek persistence and area of conversion were unknown.  Integral to producing robust estimates is the ability to incorporate into analyses impacts of range contraction attributable to conversion before sage-grouse population surveys were established.  We resolve this issue by using logistic regression to model lek type (random vs. extant) as a function of remotely-sensed cropland metrics to capture both the historical and contemporary impacts of tillage on populations.  Results indicate strong negative effects of cropland extent within 6 km of leks. Lek persistence declines by 50% with 24% tillage and by 75% with 36% of land converted.  We apply the resulting regression to The Nature Conservancy’s new tillage risk map and then rank each of Montana’s 13 core areas relative to their biological value and conversion risk. Risk varies by location with east central Montana containing the 3 cores most vulnerable to future tillage.  NRCS’s Sage Grouse Initiative has ratcheted up by 4x the implementation of sustainable grazing systems to produce more hiding cover for nesting grouse and to help keep ranchers profitable in these high risk cores.  Our next step is to run scenarios on future sodbusting risk to identify how to better target voluntary and incentive-based grazing systems and conservation easements that help ‘keep the green side up’.

PUBLIC UPLANDS AND PRIVATE WATERS: PATTERNS OF SAGE-GROUSE DISTRIBUTION AND LATE BROOD REARING HABITATS. Patrick Donnelly*1, Dave Naugle2, Jeremy Maestas3, Tim Griffiths4; 1Intermountain West Joint Venture, Missoula, MT, 2University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 3USDA-NRCS, Redmond, OR, 4USDA-NRCS, Bozeman, MT

ABSTRACT

Conservation initiatives for sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have adopted a core area model using breeding and nesting habitats as a proxy to focus protection within areas of high bird abundance.  Although widely viewed as effective this strategy omits other vital rates that drive population growth.  Across their range sage-grouse populations occupy seasonally arid landscapes. Scarcity of water resources in late summer commonly restricts availability of mesic habitats used for rearing chicks.  Past studies have linked chick survival as a key vital rate to availability of mesic habitats, yet little is known about how habitat distribution affects patterns of grouse abundance.  To inform future conservation this study quantifies spatial relationships among sage-grouse and late chick rearing habitat distribution.  Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM)

satellite data was used to inventory and evaluate sage-grouse habitats across eastern Oregon and portions of northeast California, and northwest Nevada over a 27 year period (1984–2011).  We compared spatial patterns among late chick rearing habitats with a high rate of annual productivity to sage-grouse lek distribution using a Foxtail J function.  Results indicated a high rate of lek clustering from 2-10 km around late chick rearing habitats.   Proximity analyses of lek distribution showed 85% of populations breeding within 10 km of annually productive chick rearing habitats, of which 80% are privately owned.  Juxtaposition and land tenure suggest that females select nesting habitats based on their proximity to highly productive and privately-owned mesic habitats.  This finding further validates the core area strategy and highlights the importance of private lands in a holistic approach to lasting sage-grouse conservation.

IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECTS ON NATIVE GRASS BUD BANKS IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS. Morgan L. Russell*1, Lance Vermeire2, John R. Hendrickson3; 1North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2USDA-ARS, Miles Coty, MT, 3USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND

ABSTRACT

In grassland-dominated systems, belowground bud banks determine plant population dynamics.  Responses to disturbances are largely driven by the bud bank’s ability to generate future aboveground growth originating from belowground axillary buds.  This study examined bud bank dynamics for C4 rhizomatous/caespitose grass Bouteloua gracilis, C3 rhizomatous grass Pascopyrum smithii, and C3 caespitose grass Hesperostipa comata, following fire in mixed-grass prairie.  Belowground axillary buds were counted and classified 8-24 hrs prior to burning and within 8-24 hours after burning to assess immediate direct effects of summer, fall, and spring prescribed fire on patterns of bud bank activity, dormancy, and mortality.  Season of fire treatments were randomly assigned to 20 × 20 m plots and were replicated four times.  Thermocouples were used to assess three fire intensity variables at the plot level:  maximum temperature, heat duration, and heat dosage.  Summer fires had increased fire intensity measurements compared to spring and fall prescribed burns.  Fire did not result in immediate direct mortality of B. gracilis, P. smithii, or H. comata buds (P ≥ 0.15).  Spring fire increased B. gracilis bud activity by 71% (P < 0.01), resulting in an 80% decrease in dormant buds (P < 0.01).  In contrast, summer fire reduced B. gracilis active buds by 36% (P < 0.01) and increased dormant buds by 73% (P < 0.01).  Fall fire stimulated 38% of P. smithii buds to become active (P < 0.01).  Fire did not influence any immediate bud dynamics for H. comata (P ≥ 0.28).  Season of fire directly influenced bud activity for these species throughout growing and dormant seasons following fire.  Using season of fire to manipulate bud bank dynamics could enhance post-fire management strategies based on the trajectory of bud development and bud dynamics following fire.

A REGIONAL REMOTE SENSING SYSTEM FOR MONITORING RANGELAND FUEL CONDITIONS. Matt C. Reeves*; USDA Forest Service, Florence, MT

ABSTRACT

Current fire behavior and decision support systems such as Wildand Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) and Rapid Assessment of Values at risk (RAVAR) require up-to-date spatial data depicting the amount and condition of fuels across the landscape. With so many lives, properties and resources at risk Updated, timely and accurate estimates of non-forest fuels is a critical component of fire management today. Wildland fuels in arid regions of the U.S. respond quickly to inter-annual variations in vegetation productivity, especially when annual invasive species such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and red brome (Bromus rubens) are present. Currently no system exists which seamlessly and comprehensively provides updated data for all non-forest fuels.  Therefore, an annual monitoring and updating strategy is needed that will deliver spatially explicit depictions of surface fuels in a continuous and comprehensive manner. In response to this need we developed a satellite based fuel updating protocol for estimating surface Fire Behavior Fuel Models for U.S. rangelands. The major components of the system are described. Implementation of this protocol resulted in four unique geospatial datasets for the coterminous U.S.:

1. Annual 1-hr fuel amount (lbs ac-1)2. Annual fine fuel deviation expressed as a percent of the 12 year average3. Comparison and difference between current year’s fine fuel estimate and the fine fuel (1-

hr time lag) suggested by the Landfire surface fire behavior fuel model (expressed as a percent)

4. Annually updated surface fire behavior fuel models for the Scott and Burgan (2005) fuel models from 2000 to 2012 at 30 meter spatial resolution.

EFFECTS OF TIME-SINCE-FIRE ON MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH (ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA SSP. VASEYANA) SEED PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH-CENTRAL UTAH. Melissa L. Landeen*1, Steven L. Petersen2, Stanley G. Kitchen3; 1Brigham Young University, PROVO, UT, 2Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 3USGS Forest Service, Provo, UT

ABSTRACT

Mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle) ecosystems have been the focus of significant conservation efforts, primarily due to their importance to both livestock and wildlife.  Wildfire is reported as the most common and widespread natural disturbance that occurs in this system and the factors affecting recovery from fire are of interest to those who manage this sensitive environment.  While the process of recovery is well documented, little is known about the rate of sagebrush seed production within the community or how that rate changes over time.  During 2010-2011, we sampled fourteen mountain big sagebrush sites throughout central and south-central Utah.  Each site had been burned on a different date between 1978 and 2001.  We estimated potential seed production for each site by

counting the total number of florets  produced by three size classes of mountain big sagebrush shrubs.  We also measured a suite of characteristics at each site including shrub density, shrub height, vegetative cover, soil depth, and vegetative community.  Using model selection we found a significant correlation between time since fire and sagebrush density (r2=0.41; p<0.01) and sagebrush density and floret production (r2=0.66; p<0.001).  Understanding the factors that affect seed production following a disturbance can help land managers better manage for successful recovery.  

INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF SMALL MAMMALS AND FIRE ON SURVIVAL OF SEEDLINGS IN WESTERN DESERTS. Brock R. McMillan*, Tiffanny R. Sharp, Samuel B. StClair; Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

ABSTRACT

Small mammals influence and can even regulate the composition of plant communities in desert systems. However, increasing frequency of fire associated with the invasion of exotic grasses in deserts of the western United States alters small mammal communities.  Shifts in small mammal communities have the potential to alter composition of plant communities and influence success of post-fire revegetation efforts.  Our objective was to evaluate the interactive effects of fire and small mammals on survival of seedlings of common plant species in the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts.  We used a randomized complete block design with four treatments (small mammals with fire, small mammals without fire, no small mammals with fire, and no small mammals without fire) and five replicates in each desert.  Small mammals had a significant effect on survival of seedlings.  Seedlings in plots without small mammals had 54% and 37% greater weekly survival than plots with small mammals in the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts, respectively.  In addition, burned plots had greater seedling survival than unburned plots in the Great Basin, but there was no effect of fire in the Mojave Desert.  There appears to be significant interactions betweeen small mammals and fire in both deserts.  Our results illustrate that the role of granivorous small mammals extends beyond dispersal and granivory to the seedling stage of plant life cycles.  Moreover, small mammal-mediated folivory during the seedling stage may be equally or more important for plant survival than both dispersal and granivory of seeds.  These results have important implications for post-fire revegetation efforts and recovery of desert plant communities.

EFFECTS OF FIRE REGIME ON SOIL QUALITY IN RESTORED POST-AGRICULTURE PINE-GRASSLANDS OF NORTHERN FLORIDA. Kevin M. Robertson*; Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, Talla, FL

ABSTRACT

We investigated changes in soil quality associated with prescribed burning of post-agricultural pine-grassland communities restored following abandonment of agriculture in the early 20th centry (ca. 1920), frequently burned (1-2 year fire return interval) until 1960, and then treated with different fire regimes until the present.  The treatments were applied as part of the Tall Timbers Fire Ecology (Stoddard) Plots long-term experiment, where three replicates of 0.2 hectare (half acre) plots have been burned in Feb-Apr at 1, 2, and 3-year fire return intervals or unburned.  From 2007-2013 we measured a suite of soil characteristics within plots as well as in fields tilled from the 19th century to the present assumed to represent conditions prior to agricultural abandonment.  Overall, restoration of tilled fields to burned pine-grasslands was associated with changes in soil characteristics generally considered to be improvements in soil quality, including lower soil bulk density, higher water penetration rates, higher total carbon and nitrogen, and higher mineral nutrients per hectare.  Among treatments within the pine-grassland research plots, periodically burned (1-3 year) plots overall had higher total carbon, total nitrogen, mineral nutrients, and water infiltration rates than the unburned plots.  Within the 1-3 year fire return interval plots, longer fire return intervals had higher levels of total carbon and total nitrogen, lower bulk density, and lower mineral nutrient levels (K, Mg, P).  Annually burned plots showed some evidence of erosion.  In conclusion, conversion of agricultural land to frequently burned pine-grasslands appears to have resulted in significant improvements in overall soil quality and soil carbon sequestration, but changes associated with specific fire regimes were more complex and could not be as definitively described in terms of changes in soil quality.  These results may are likely specific to post-agricultural communities and not necessarily applicable to native (never plowed) pine-grasslands.

GRAZING FOR FUELS MANAGEMENT AND SAGE-GROUSE HABITAT MAINTENANCE AND RECOVERY: A CASE-STUDY FROM SQUAW VALLEY RANCH. Erica Freese1, Tamzen Stringham1, Gregg Simonds*2, Eric D. Sant3; 1University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, 2ORC, Park City, UT, 3Open Range Consulting, Park City, UT

ABSTRACT

Frequent wildfires are threatening sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat by eliminating sagebrush (Artemisia sp.) and hindering shrub reestablishment. Monitoring data and grazing schedules from Squaw Valley Ranch, located in north central Nevada, suggest that rest from grazing following fire is one factor enabling shortened fire return intervals and subsequent reductions in sagebrush cover in critical sage-grouse habitat. A case-study on Squaw Valley Ranch suggests that flexible and appropriate livestock grazing management may reduce wildfire frequency and ultimately benefit sage-grouse habitat and populations.

FIRE TEMPERATURE DYNAMICS DURING WINTER AND SUMMER PRESCRIBED FIRES IN MESQUITE SAVANNA. James Ansley*1, Mustafa Mirik2; 1Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Vernon, TX, 2Texas A&M, Vernon, TX

ABSTRACT

Prescribed fire is an important tool for rangeland management, but variations in fire temperature and intensity contribute in part to variable ecosystem responses to fire.  This study observed peak fire temperature and fire temperature duration in over 30 prescribed head fires in mesquite (Prosopis) savanna in the Southern Great Plains, USA.  Fire temperature measurements were made at 1-sec intervals using a datalogger and thermocouples placed at -1, 0, 10, 30, 100, 200 and 300 cm relative to the soil surface.  Factors compared were summer vs. winter fires and high (2,000-4,000 kg/ha) vs. low grass (1,200-2,000 kg/ha) fuel levels. Peak temperatures and longest fire temperature duration in seconds above 100, 200 and 400 °C, respectively, were greater in summer than winter fires under low fuel conditions, but there were few significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences between summer and winter fires in high grass fuel.  The greatest difference between summer and winter fires under low grass fuel were found with temperature duration above 400 °C. Results partially explain why prescribed summer fires are often more effective than winter fires in achieving the management goal of top-killing invasive shrub species under marginal grass fuel conditions. Comparisons of fire temperature in interspaces between trees vs. within tree canopies are also discussed.

POLLINATOR RESPONSES TO PATCH-BURN GRAZING. Shelly Wiggam*, Gregory Zolnerowich, Brian McCornack; Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

ABSTRACT

Pollinators of the North American Great Plains evolved with a heterogeneous and shifting mosaic of vegetative patches created by different fire and grazing interactions. Habitat heterogeneity provides fundamental pollinator resources that often occur in dissimilar habitat types across the landscape. The Flint Hills ecoregion contains 80% of all remaining native tallgrass prairie in North America, yet the rangelands covering 90% of this ecoregion are managed for uniformity in vegetative structure and plant species composition. This homogeneity rarely provides all pollinator resource needs or corridors necessary for finding resources in adjacent areas. Pollinator communities are fundamental to cattle and crop gains, as well as ecosystem stability, and their decline in the Great Plains is partially due to rangeland management practices. Patch-burn grazing (PBG) is a rangeland management technique that promotes habitat heterogeneity while maintaining cattle weight gains. We assessed the conservation value of PBG to increase pollinator diversity and abundance by means of an increase in feeding, breeding and nesting habitat on working rangelands in the Flint Hills ecoregion. PBG effectively introduced habitat heterogeneity (Ps<0.001) and increased plant diversity and relative species abundance (P<0.001) on studied rangelands. Results from pollinator surveys showed a significant increase in pollinator diversity and abundance in PBG (Ps<0.05), and significant spatial and temporal shifts in community composition (Ps<0.05)

compared to traditionally managed pastures. Moreover, three grass skippers on the Kansas List of Species of Greatest Conservation Need were found only in PBG pastures.

HYDROLOGIC INTERACTIONS IN PINON-JUNIPER WOODLANDS. Carlos G. Ochoa*1, Alexander G. Fernald2, Douglas Cram2, Yasser Almalki2; 1Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 2New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

ABSTRACT

The main objective of our study is to characterize the hydrologic response to overstory removal in piñón-juniper woodlands of the southwestern United States. The relationships between precipitation, soil moisture, and runoff processes is being evaluated in six 1 to 1.3 ha semiarid watersheds near Santa Fe, NM. The ongoing study that began in 2003 includes seven years of baseline data collection in all six watersheds followed by overstory removal in 2010 in three of the watersheds. Data from different parameters including rainfall, soil moisture, and ephemeral stream runoff are being used to assess pre and post treatment hydrologic interactions. In particular, the relationships between soil moisture and runoff generation and the dynamics of rainfall intensity and stream runoff in ephemeral streams are being assessed. Study results indicate that rainfall intensity of 5mm/15min is generally the minimum precipitation required to generate channel runoff. Antecedent soil moisture seems to play an important role in the mechanisms of runoff generation in these semiarid watersheds with ephemeral streams. Overstory and understory vegetation dynamics pre and post treatment are also being documented.

FENCE-LINE CONTRASTS: SURFACE ROUGHNESS DIFFERENCES AMONG DIFFERENTIALLY-GRAZED WETLANDS. D. T. Booth*1, S. E. Cox2, J. L. Likins3; 1USDA-ARS (Retired), Cheyenne, WY, 2USDI-BLM, Cheyenne, WY, 3USDI-BLM (Retired), Lander, WY

ABSTRACT

Montane meadows and wetlands of the world’s arid regions are—when properly functioning--flow regulating, water storing features that may extend streamflows where rain, snowmelt and/or springs are insufficient to support a year-long surface-water presence. However, water storage and flow regulation along gradients are severely compromised by the formation of induced hummock and hollow patterns that, by creating open channels, increase flow rates through affected wetlands. The formation of induced wetland hummocks was attributed by Icelandic researchers to overgrazing by horses and by Johnson to overgrazing by cattle in Colorado mountain fens. We tested for a domestic livestock effect by comparing surface roughness using six fence-line contrasts at four meadow and wetland complexes within the upper Sweetwater River watershed of Fremont County, Wyoming, US. We computed a surface roughness index (SRI) as the standard deviation of micro-topographic measurements made using an erosion bridge. The erosion-bridge measurements were made along transects located 20 m inside, or outside, of fence lines. The inside comparison at each of the fence lines was either not grazed or grazing was very limited so that wet-soil trampling by domestic livestock was light or absent for 18+ years (hereafter, “ungrazed”). The average SRIs for the ungrazed wetlands was 42. It was

82, or about twice the surface roughness, for the grazed side of those fence lines (p=0.028, n=6). The site with the longest period of conservation management (50+ years) had an inside SRI of 21, compared to 108 outside. We suspect macrotopography, hydrology, and mineral-soil are factors in induced hummock and hollow patterns but we conclude that our evidence supports the thesis that induced hummock and hollow patterns result primarily from grazing damage by domestic livestock. We recommend meadow and wetland communities be protected from domestic livestock grazing while soils are wet.

CATTLE USE OF OFF-STREAM WATER DEVELOPMENTS AND RIPARIAN AREAS IN NORTHEASTERN OREGON. John Williams*1, Douglas E. Johnson2, Patrick E. Clark3, Larry L. Larson4, Mounir Louhaichi5; 1Oregon State University Extension Service, Enterprise, OR, 2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 3Agricultural Research Service, Boise, ID, 4Retired, LaGrande, OR, 5ICARDA (CGIAR), Amman, Jordan

ABSTRACT

Development of wells, reservoirs, springs, and seeps has been a primary focus of range improvement since the inception of range management as a profession.  Establishment of water developments at strategic locations has helped control livestock distribution and provided managers a tool to control season and intensity of use.  If properly planned and constructed, water developments such as troughs, tanks, and ponds can disperse livestock and reduce occupancy on vulnerable sites or stream banks.   Quantification of the relative effectiveness of water developments is difficult.  We initiated a 5 year study in 2008 to evaluate the relative use of water developments on 3 study sites in northeastern Oregon and the influence of off-stream watering sites on cattle use of riparian zones along permanent streams.   The 3 study sites cover 43,972 ha within a region 120 km by 50 km.  Ten randomly selected cows from herds grazing each site were fitted with GPS collars that recorded position, date, and time at 5 minute intervals throughout the grazing season.  Approximately 3.75 million cow positions were collected.   The relative occupancy of cattle in 60m buffers along perennial streams and 60 m buffers around water developments were determined on an annual and monthly basis by site.  The relative use of water developments contrasted with riparian zones varied substantially from site-to-site, month-to-month, and year- to-year.  In some months use was exclusively of water developments and in others nearly exclusively from streams/riparian areas.  Results of this analysis suggest managerial strategies that can be used to improve stock distribution.

PATHOGEN RISKS FROM LIVESTOCK, WILDLIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST. Royce E. Larsen*1, Edward R. Atwill2, Michele Jay-Russel3, Robert E. Mandrell4, Michael Cooley4, Lisa Benjamin3, Eduardo Vivas3, Christopher Kilonzo3; 1University of California Cooperative Extension, Templeton, CA, 2CE Specialist UC Davis, Davis, CA, 3UC Davis, Davis, CA, 4USDA ARS, Albany, CA

ABSTRACT

The livestock and leafy green industries face increasing demands to provide safe food while simultaneously protecting water quality, prevent erosion, reduce herbicides, and preserve wildlife habitats. However, certain strains of pathogenic E. coli and other enteric pathogens are

threatening the safety of California’s food supply. Recent research has shed light on the occurrence of foodborne pathogens in cattle, wildlife, and the environment and potential risks to produce food safety. In one project, ten central California coast ranches were visited between 2008 and 2010. A total of 2715 fecal, 209 water and 93 sediment samples were collected for bacterial culture. E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from cattle feces (2.6%), water (1.5%) and sediment (1.1%).  Wildlife sampling conducted during the same time indicated that E. coli O157:H7 was present in feral pigs (5%), coyotes (2%), crows (5%), cowbird (3%), and Tule elk (2%), yet none detected from rabbits, skunks or black-tailed deer. A follow-up project conducted in 2010-2013 indicated that small rodents such as deer mice that traveled in or around produce fields had low infection rates of 0.2% for E. coli O157:H7, but 3% infected with Salmonella. Lastly, during 2009-2010 twenty three rivers and creeks along the Central Coast showed a high prevalence of Salmonella (35 % of water samples) but very low occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 (2.4% of water samples). The purpose of these research projects is to understand pathogens in the environment and possible animal sources. The next step will be to develop management practices that will decrease the probability of pathogenic risks in our food supply.

INTERPRETATION OF HUMMOCKS FOR WETLAND AND RIPARIAN CONDITION VARIES BY DISCIPLINE AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION. Paul Meiman*, Andrew Don Carlos, Alan Bright; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to describe how natural resource professionals and others in Colorado interpret the presence of hummocks in wetlands and riparian areas. Surveys were administered to hydrologists, soil scientists, rangeland management specialists, ecologists, botanists, wildlife/fisheries biologists, and agriculture/livestock producers in Colorado. Participants included representatives from U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and a non-profit livestock industry organization. The online survey was based on a review of pertinent literature on hummock formation and 24 interviews with natural resource specialists. Across all respondents (214 completed surveys), organic matter accumulation was rated as the most likely hummock forming process and erosion by water was least likely. Respondent beliefs about the likelihood of various hummock formation processes differed by professional discipline and professional affiliation. Overall, hummock presence was rated between “somewhat important” and “important” as an indicator of wetland/riparian condition. All other condition indicators listed were rated as more important than hummock presence. Members of the soils-hydrology group rated hummock presence as a more important condition indicator than any other discipline. Overall, 30% of respondents believed that the presence of hummocks in wetlands and/or riparian areas suggested the need for management actions, 25% did not feel that hummock presence suggested the need for management actions and 45% were not sure. The soils-hydrology group had the highest percentage of respondents indicating the need for management actions in response to hummock presence (57%). Important differences in the interpretation of hummocks in wetlands and riparian areas exist among natural resource disciplines and professional affiliations.  Until processes of hummock formation are better understood, recognition and appreciation of these differences will improve efforts to reach management decisions for wetlands and riparian areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOURSES IN BORANA OROMO: A FOCUS ON NARRATIVES. Dr. Teshome T. Tafesse*; Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

This study explored the discourses of environmental narratives as an organized, viable, and dynamic social force basic to the creation and dissemination of environmental messages in Borana Oromo of the southern Ethiopia. Under this major objective, the study discovered environmental beliefs and values, investigated environmental knowledge, power and ideology, and identified environmental positions the community has situated itself in. The study employed a qualitative approach in the analysis of data gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and extended participant and non-participant observations. The analysis was based on Fairclough’s three-dimensional methodological approach of discourse analysis, which is helpful for elaborating empirically based theories. The findings revealed dominant environmental beliefs and values, which are organized under discourses of environmental necessity and survival, scarcity and security, hopelessness, inclusion and exclusion, seniority, responsibility, and obedience and disobedience. The findings also unveiled that Borana narratives are embedded with environmental ideologies- interdependence and communalism, which are deep rooted in the social, cultural, religious and political context of the community. The findings, as part of the environmental discourses, also investigated aspects of the indigenous environmental knowledge of the Borana community. The findings also revealed that human-environment power relationships in the narratives are manifested in many ways including humans’ possession of environmental knowledge and struggle to secure their lives (both materially and spiritually). The study also disclosed two dominant environmental positions-ecocentrism and restrained anthropocentrism that humans assume in their interactions with the natural environment in the community. The significance of the study, thus, principally lies on what makes sense locally concerning modern environmental communication. The study contributes to the field of environmental discourse analysis both theoretically and practically, and offers implications for environmental workers, policy designers, educators, and curriculum developers.

PASTURE RANGE AND FORAGE INSURANCE FOR GOOD RANGE MANAGEMENT. John W. Walker*; Texas A&M AgriLife Research, San Angelo, TX

ABSTRACT

This presentation will show how Pasture, Range, and Forage Insurance (PRFI) can be used reduce stocking rates, improve flexibility and increase income. The prudent ranch manager will stock their pastures and manage their ranch for the median rainfall and insure for the average rainfall. Four decisions namely: 1) number of acres; 2) coverage level or the percentage of the long-term annual rainfall; 3) protection factor or the productivity of the insured acres relative to the county average; and 4) the 2-month intervals to take insurance on, must be made and within each of the decisions there are many levels to choose, which can make the initial decision process rather complicated. Based on the last 3 factors above, the different levels that can be selected for each, and the interactions between them there are over 2.7 million different ways

PRFI can be taken for a grid. Over the long-term maximizing the coverage level and the protection factor will maximum net return, it will also maximize the loss in any interval that receives rainfall in excess of the selected coverage level. The best strategy for distributing coverage across intervals is, to base decisions on the most current long-term weather forecasts available prior to taking out the insurance and on the historic indexes for previous similar situations relative to the projected condition of the Oceanic Niño Index. A strategy of reducing stocking rates to a level that is sustainable except for the most severe droughts, using PRFI to offset lost income and using stockers to pay premiums in above average years can increase income and improve rangelands. Alternatively, in above average rainfall years the additional forage can be used for range improvement with prescribed fire, which is cheaper than other range improvement practices, will offset the price of the PRFI premium.

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AN SD MODEL FOR LAND USE CHANGE IN THE NGP GRASSLANDS. Benjamin L. Turner*1, Melissa Wuellner2, Timothy Nichols2, Roger Gates1; 1South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD, 2South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

ABSTRACT

Land use decision making today is made within a complex system with numerous interrelationships of ecological, economic, and social considerations. Farmers and ranchers alike face constant changes in commodity and input markets, technology advances and political shuffling that are likely to influence land allocation decisions. Imbedded within these decisions are cultural and social factors such as individual family goals and objectives. A systems approach that links the socio-economic and political factors with individual’s land use decision making processes and natural resource limitations could provide much needed insight and understanding for policy makers, managers, and researchers to better understand agricultural land use changes. We model these changes using system dynamics (SD) methodology to forecast grassland conversion in the Northern Great Plains (NGP). Data from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics (NASS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Census Bureau, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were used for calibration of the model. Endogenous model structure include three types of stocks: land (e.g., grassland, farmland, non-agricultural land), resources (e.g., grain produced, cattle inventory), and people (i.e., rural population). Structural flows include grain production and consumption, cattle production and consumption, land allocation decisions, and changes in rural populations. Forcing functions (exogenous to model structure) include precipitation, government subsidy types, and input markets. This model is used to forecast land use change in the NGP caused by changes in both the endogenous and exogenous variables with the intent to inform producers and policy makers about the current and potential states of the NGP.

LINKING SCIENCE AND PRACTICE: APPLYING CASE STUDY METHODOLOGY TO INVESTIGATE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS. Benjamin L. Turner*1, Melissa Wuellner2, Roger Gates1; 1South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD, 2South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

ABSTRACT

Linking scientific discovery to real world applications in range management has historically been a major objective for research and extension professionals alike. However as the world becomes more complex, attempts to ‘bridge the gap’ from science to practice will require creativity and courage previously untapped in natural resource professions. The hurdles (not all new) are numerous, including: 1) statistical validity vs. management practicality, 2) research focus on segmented problems vs. management exposure complex problems; and 3) goals of scientific contributions in the short term (e.g., pressure to publish; seeking tenure promotion) vs. management success and sustainability in the long term. Case studies have been an effective way for researchers and practitioners to communicate and learn from each other, have a track record of increasing positive interactions among stakeholders, and have been successfully applied to rural issues. Using in-depth management interviews, Bureau of Land Management’s 17 Indicators of Rangeland Health assessment protocol, and narrative theory, four unique case studies (three ranches and one farm) were developed detailing management decision making processes, personal values, land use history, land use legacies, and status of current ecosystem functions. These cases document how producers have adapted to similar environmental, economic and social conditions through different, yet successful, means depending on long-term goals, management strengths, and resources (physical and financial) available. With adaptive management becoming more important for resource sustainability, case studies garner important information about management and ecosystem processes not readily available within scientific literature, outputs of which are valuable to natural resource professionals today.

CONSERVATION PRACTICES ASSESSMENT OF THE BAD RIVER WATERSHED IN WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA. Alexander J. Smart*1, Ronald G. Stover1, Larry Janssen1, David E. Clay1, Nels H. Troelstrup, Jr.1, Suzette Burckhard1, Kurt Reitsma1, Eric M. Mousel2; 1South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 2University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids, MN

ABSTRACT

This project investigated the impact of rangeland Best Management Practices (BMPs) and producer behavior in the Bad River Watershed located in the mixed-grass prairie of western South Dakota. Our objectives were to 1) assess the potential long-term impacts of one of the most successful rangeland implementation projects in the Great Plains; 2) determine producer perceptions 5 years after the termination of the implementation project; and 3) evaluate the social and economical factors influencing continued maintenance of BMPs following the project termination.  Demonstration, education, research and implementation of rangeland BMPs were conducted in this watershed from 1990 to 2006.  Within targeted watersheds, rangeland BMPs were implemented on greater than 95% of the lands.  Sediment concentration at the mouth of the Bad River prior to the BMP implementation period (1972-1994) was 1.6 times greater than the

implementation and post BMP period (1995-2011).  The cost of BMPs implemented during this time was estimated at $6.3 million.  Almost 90% of the participants were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” on practices implemented on their ranch.  Different types of conservation practices were adopted during the project and many of those are still maintained and their mean level of satisfaction was very high. Practices like pipelines and tanks had been adopted by 44% of the participants. More than 90% of those have been maintained and their satisfaction mean was very high (4; scale 1 to 5). More than 30% of respondents had adopted conservation practices like deferred grazing, proper grazing use, cross fencing, wells, and livestock ponds. More than 80% of those have maintained those practices. Our assessment of the Bad River Watershed project (16 years of implementation, demonstration and education) 5 years after termination has successfully demonstrated that rangeland BMPs have resulted in watershed improvements and positively influenced producer attitudes of the BMP adopting population.

WESTERN JUNIPER ENCROACHMENT: RANCH-LEVEL ECONOMIC IMPACTS. Neil Rimbey*1, Ashley McClain2; 1University of Idaho, Caldwell, ID, 2J.R. Simplot Land and Livestock, Moscow, ID

ABSTRACT

Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) is a native species in Oregon, California, Idaho and Nevada. Western Juniper has been encroaching into sagebrush steppe ecosystems since European settlement of the range. As juniper cover increases from Phase I to Phase III, sagebrush and understory herbaceous vegetation decrease to less than half of their original cover, causing significant reductions in the wildlife habitat and forage available for domestic livestock. This study analyzed the economic impacts of forage reductions and ranchers’ willingness to pay for juniper removal, using a dynamic multi-period linear programming model. The model maximizes the net present value of representative 300 head cow/calf ranch in the Jordan Valley area of Owyhee County, Idaho over a 40-year planning horizon with 100 price iterations per year.  Optimal production levels and economic returns are estimated as juniper encroachment advances from Phase I to Phase III. The net present value of the ranch’s income stream was estimated at $435,983, $373,515, and $294,852 for Phase I through III, respectively. The second portion of the study analyzed the costs and benefits to the ranch of western juniper removal. It showed that the ranch can afford to invest up to $5,648 per year ($30/acre) for juniper removal on the BLM allotment when it starts in Phase II and is converted back to a Phase I encroachment level. However, this price level drops the ranch’s NPV below the NPV if the allotment was not treated. Only when the cost of treatment is dropped to $3,766 per year ($20/acre) or less does the NPV for treating the ranch become higher than when left untreated. Ranchers are the main beneficiaries of these market value increases. The non-market benefits of removal encompass factors such as sage-grouse habitat rehabilitation, other wildlife benefits and overall ecosystem stabilization. These non-market benefits are shared across all users of the range, and provide the rationale for cost sharing programs.

FACTORS INFLUENCING LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON EASEMENT PROTECTED PRIVATE LANDS. Dianne A. Stroman*, Urs P. Kreuter; Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

ABSTRACT

Perpetual conservation easement programs are designed to provide long-term protection for biologically diverse landscapes. While easements have been successful at preventing the deleterious effects of development and fragmentation, on-going adaptive management of easement protected properties is often necessary to protect underlying ecosystem functions. This research investigated the types of land management private landowners implemented on easement protected properties and the factors that were conducive to increased use of management actions. We report on the results of a survey of 513 landowners in Texas that have a permanent conservation easement on their property. While we predicted that easement satisfaction and good social relationships between landowners and easement holders would result in increased management, we found that landowner motivations for landownership to be stronger drivers of active management actions. We also found significant differences in management actions between landowners with different easement holders, which may be reflective of the mission of the easement holder. The results of this study suggest the need for: increased easement holder capacity to support targeted outreach between easement holders and landowners,  the promotion of landowner participation in peer to peer social capital networks, such as prescribed burn associations and wildlife management associations and easement flexibility mechanisms that allow for adaptive management on easement protected lands.

REGULATORY CERTAINITY AND ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION ON PRIVATE LANDS - A REVIEW OF NRCS' WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE. Richard G. Gooch*; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, VA

ABSTRACT

This paper rofiles the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  The author explains the genesis of the WLFW, with particular emphasis on the expected conservation outcomes which may assist the USFWS in determining whether or not candidate species such as the lesser priaire chicken and/or greater sage-grouse should become federally protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA).  The presentation will also explain in detail a unique facet of the WLFW partnership - that is the regulatory certainity available for participating private landowners.  Through WLFW, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who implement and voluntarily agree to maintain the proven conservation practices will have addressed the related ESA regulatory responsibilities for up to 30 years.  In context with conserving at-risk species and the dynamic economic and management needs of private lands, this presents a potentially huge challenge to the partnership.  The author explores how the implemeting structure of the WLFW partnership addresses these challenges.  The author concludes with thoughts and perspectives on the future value of regulatory certainty as currently applied under WLFW and its role in conservation of at-risk species.

ARE EXOTIC FORAGES DESIGNER INVASIVE PLANTS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. John D. Scasta*, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, David M. Engle, Daren D. Redfearn, Terry G. Bidwell; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

ABSTRACT

Introducing exotic grasses and legumes into North America for livestock forage has been  practiced widely for over a century.  These forage species are typically selected for traits conferring persistence under stress, potentially yielding effective invaders.    We used standardized systematic review guidelines and meta-analytical techniques to answer the following question: To what extent, if any, do exotic forage species negatively affect plant communities?  To address this question we explored a) the fundamental relationship between invasion and native plant community changes and b) transformative differences between species, photosynthetic pathway, plant functional types and structure of the plant community.  Our systematic review of nine widely distributed exotic forage species in North America (five C4 grasses, two C3 grasses, and two legumes) yielded a total of 40 papers with quantitative data from 73 case studies that met our inclusion criteria for meta-analyses.  All species that had quantitative data suitable for meta-analysis had a significantly negative effect on native plant communities except for T. repens.  The greatest negative effect was associated with E. lehmanniana.  Effect size differed by photosynthetic pathway and plant functional type with C4 grasses exerting the greatest negative effect followed by C3 grasses, and legumes.  Effect size differed among metrics, with the greatest negative effect on native plant species diversity and the least negative effect on species evenness.  Exotic forage species violate the ‘Rule of Tens’ that suggests 1% of species will become a pest.  This suggests that exotic forages should be considered as a special case of invasion.  Characteristics that make exotic forages different from other invasive plants hinge on pathways of selection and dispersion.  Exotic forages present a complex socio-ecological problem exacerbated by disconnected educational disciplines, competing interests between policy and science, and well-intended efforts to increase food production.

IS TARGETED SHEEP GRAZING COMPATIBLE WITH BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF SPOTTED KNAPWEED? Jeffrey C. Mosley*1, Rachel A. Frost1, Brent L. Roeder1, Tracy K. Mosley2, Gerald Marks3; 1Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 2Montana State University, Livingston, MT, 3Montana State University, Missoula, MT

ABSTRACT

Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) is an invasive, perennial forb that infests rangelands in 46 US states and seven Canadian provinces. In response to high costs, environmental concerns, and health risks of applying herbicides to suppress spotted knapweed, bio-control insects and targeted sheep grazing also have been used. These two alternatives potentially could be integrated to achieve greater weed control; however, it is unknown how targeted sheep grazing affects the abundance and efficacy of spotted knapweed's bio-control insects. Some landowners have resisted applying targeted sheep grazing where bio-control insects are established for fear that sheep grazing may harm the bio-control insects. Our experiment on foothill rangeland in

northwestern Montana evaluated plant and bio-control insect responses to three treatments: 1) bio-control only, 2) bio-control + targeted sheep grazing applied in late July (spotted knapweed in late bud/early flower stage), and 3) bio-control + targeted sheep grazing applied in August (spotted knapweed in late flower stage). Treatments were applied during four consecutive years (2009-2012). Targeted sheep grazing in either July or August did not affect abundance of the three bio-control insects evaluated (Larinus spp., Cyphocleonus achates, and Agapeta zoegana), but targeted sheep grazing + bio-control insects had three additive, negative impacts to spotted knapweed reproduction: 1) viable seed production by spotted knapweed was 85% less with targeted sheep grazing + bio-control insects compared with bio-control insects alone; 2) targeted sheep grazing + bio-control insects reduced total seed production below the threshold needed to sustain spotted knapweed populations, whereas bio-control insects alone did not; and 3) spotted knapweed seedling density was 68-93% less with targeted sheep grazing + bio-control insects compared with bio-control insects alone. Targeted sheep grazing and the bio-control insects we studied were compatible and, when integrated together, suppressed spotted knapweed reproduction more than bio-control insects alone.

PATTERNS OF PLANT INVASIONS IN THE WALLOWA MOUNTAIN RANGE, OREGON. Josh P. Averett*1, Bruce McCune2, Catherine Parks3, Bridgett Naylor3, Timothy Delcurto4, Ricardo Mata-Gonzalez2; 1Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Eastern Oregon Agriculture and Natural Resource Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 3La Grande Forestry and Range Sciences Laboratory, USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station, La Grande, OR, 4Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Eastern Oregon Agriculture and Natural Resource Program, Oregon State University, La Grande, OR

ABSTRACT

Understanding dominant factors related to non-native plant invasions into mountain environments are imperative for the development of effective conservation strategies in mountain ecosystems.  Mountain environments are currently among the least invaded ecosystems, however, these biodiversity hotspots are increasingly under threat of exotic plant invasion.  The objectives of this study were to identify important factors associated with non-native species distributions along elevation gradients, and to quantify the extent to which dominant non-native species composition was structured by geographic distance as opposed to environmental variation.  We conducted a complete understory vascular plant survey in summer 2012 along three roads located in the Wallowa Mountain Range of northeastern Oregon.  Non-native species were primarily concentrated at the low elevation sites with moderate to high disturbance levels, and species richness declined linearly with increasing elevation.  Multivariate analyses indicated that elevation, disturbance, precipitation, and canopy openness were important correlates of non-native plant community structure.  Distance from road (0-100m) had little influence on non-native plant distributions, indicating that potential road associated influences on non-native plant distributions extend at least 100 meters from roadsides.  Environmental variation was more important than geographical distance for structuring non-native species

composition.  Collectively, these data suggest that future shifts in climate, and disturbance regimes are likely to influence the potential for established low elevation species to penetrate into higher elevation sites. 

EFFECT OF A HIGH-ENERGY SUPPLEMENT ON MEDUSAHEAD-INFESTED RANGELAND USE BY SHEEP. Juan J. Montes*, Juan J. Villalba; Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Medusahead grass (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) is an invasive weed that reduces wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and ecological services. It has been shown that sheep increase intake of and preference for foods of low palatability when ingested in close temporal association with foods of greater nutritional quality. This study explored the effect of a high-energy supplement on medusahead use by ewes with their lambs on medusahead-infested rangeland. Three ewes with their lambs (1-2) were randomly assigned to each one of 12 groups, 6 groups ate an energy-based supplement   (1.5 kg/group; beet pulp:barley:Ca-propionate, 66:30:4) in the morning and all groups grazed during the early boot stage through the dough stage of medusahead for 15 days. Plant biomass and relative proportion of species composition were estimated pre- and post-grazing. Eleven medusahead quadrats (0.0087m²)/plot were marked to record the percentage of quadrats with bitten tillers and percentage of bitten stems/quadrat during day 5, 10, and 15 of grazing. According to pre- and post- grazing biomass,  supplemented and non-supplemented sheep removed on average 1.7 and 1.3 kg DM of forage/day (P = 0.19), respectively. Supplemented and non-supplemented sheep removed 80 vs. 55, 254 vs. 61, and 1246 vs. 977 g MS/animal/day of medusahead, thatch and forbs, respectively (P > 0.05). Supplemented animals showed bites on the 71, 87, and 93% of quadrats during the sampling period, whereas non-supplemented animals displayed bites on the 49, 77, and 87% of the quadrats (P > 0.05). The percentages of bitten tillers of medusahead for supplemented and non-supplemented animals were 47 vs. 29, 82 vs. 64, and 87 vs. 75% (P < 0.05) on each sampling date. This information suggests that sheep can consume medusahead in a diverse plant community and that an energy-based supplement stimulated use of medusahead in the community.

DOES THE NUTRITIONAL CONTEXT ENHANCE INTAKE OF AND PREFERENCE FOR MEDUSAHEAD BY SHEEP? Tyler Hamilton, Beth Burritt, Juan J. Villalba*; Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Medusahead is an invasive weed, which negatively impacts whole ecosystems. Grazing represents a sustainable and low-cost alternative for its control. However, utilization of medusahead by livestock is low. We explored whether supplements create an appropriate nutritional context that enhances use of medusahead by sheep, and if medusahead causes food aversions. Groups of lambs were individually penned and randomly assigned to 4 supplementation treatments (8 lambs/treatment): Beet pulp:barley (70:30) (high energy; HiE), alfalfa:soybean meal (60:40; high protein; HP), a choice of HiE and HP (CHOICE), or no

supplement (CON). All animals had then ad libitum access to fresh-cut medusahead (5 h/d) and subsequently a basal diet of tall fescue hay (TF). After 10d, all animals were offered choices between medusahead and TF. Studies were conducted with different sets of animals during three medusahead stages (vegetative, seed head emergence, and thatch). A group of lambs (n=10) was offered beet pulp and then infused in the rumen with the greatest amount of medusahead (vegetative stage) ingested (4 g/KgBW). Control groups (n=10) received infusions of LiCl (1.5 mg/Kg BW) or TF (4 g/KgBW). Lambs ingested thatch > vegetative > seed emergence stages (P < 0.05). Supplementation with HiE led to the greatest amounts of medusahead intake during the vegetative (P < 0.10) and seed emergence stages (P < 0.05). During choice tests, lambs in CON ate the least amount of thatch (P < 0.05), and showed lower preferences for the vegetative (P < 0.13) and seed emergence stages (P < 0.05) than lambs in HiE. Medusahead infusions did not reduce intake relative to controls (P > 0.10). Thus, intake of medusahead decreased with plant maturity but it was the greatest for the thatch stage. Supplements can modify preference for and intake of medusahead, a weed that did not induce a food aversion in sheep.

ECOLOGICAL AND AGRONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF CICER MILKVETCH (ASTRAGALUS CICER L.) INTRODUCTION INTO MIXED PRAIRIE. Cameron N. Carlyle*; University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

ABSTRACT

Non-native plants are a global concern in rangelands; typically, these species are undesireable because of their negative impacts on both native plant communities and ecosystem functions. Weedy species can reduce forage availability and quality, and affect other ecosystem functions such as carbon storage or plant diversity.  Cicer milkvetch (CMV) is an agronomic species that is beginning to grow in the native rangelands of southern Alberta. It was likely introduced from sown pasture where the plant is valued as a high-protein, bloat-free legume, but it is also a large competitive plant that may impact native species. This raises the question “how do we manage species that present both negative impacts on native grassland and positive impacts on forage?” To assess the trade-offs associated with this species I surveyed grassland patches with CMV, adjacent to these patches and 5 m from the patch.  I measured species cover, biomass of functional groups, forage quality, and soil carbon and nitrogen.  The presence of CMV increased total biomass and protein content, increased ecosystem carbon, but reduced grass biomass and plant species diversity.  The influence of this species appears to be limited to the patch itself, thus future consequences of this species in rangeland will depend on the growth of individual plants and the population. Balancing the multiple rangeland values affected by this plant will likely rest with individual land managers, but with a more comprehensive list of costs and benefits to multiple ecosystem services they will be able to make more informed decisions.

CATTLE CONSUMPTION OF MEDUSAHEAD (TAENIATHERUM CAPUT-MEDUSAE) ON THE CHANNEL SCABLANDS OF EASTERN WASHINGTON. Clinton Stonecipher*1, Kip Panter1, Juan J. Villalba2; 1USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT, 2Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski) is an invasive noxious grass of Mediterranean origin and is well adapted to the semi-arid climates of the western United States. The channel scablands of eastern Washington includes over 2000 square miles of rangeland with geological, historical and economic significance to the region. Past overgrazing, frequent wildfires and mismanagement have resulted in destruction of plant biodiversity and major degradation of the rangelands providing an opportunity for medusahead invasion. The objective of this study was to determine if canola meal (CM) provided as a protein supplement will increase the utilization of medusahead by grazing beef cattle.  Angus heifers and Hereford steers grazed eight 0.2 hectare pastures during three 10 day grazing periods in June, July and August over two years. Pastures contained one steer and one heifer each with four of the pastures receiving CM and four unsupplemented. Forage consumption was determined using visual bite counts. Bite count categories were annual grasses (AG), consisting of all annual grasses including medusahead, perennial grasses (PG) and forbs (F). Data were analyzed as a two-way factorial in a split-plot with June and July periods reported during 2012 and 2013. There was no difference in the number of total bites taken between treatment groups (P = 0.98).  Supplemented cattle consumed a higher percentage of AG (34%) than unsupplemented cattle (28%; P = 0.058). The percentage of number of bites on AG relative to the total number of bites was greater in 2013 with July of 2013 having the highest utilization (P < 0.01). Forb consumption followed an inverse relationship with AG with the highest utilization in 2012 and the lowest in July of 2013 (P < 0.01). This research showed that a protein supplement (CM) increased consumption of medusahead and other annual grasses by beef cattle.

PASTURE MANAGEMENT,THE INVASIVE FIRE ANT (SOLENOPSIS INVICTA) AND DUNG BEETLES ON A FLORIDA RANGELAND. Christen H. Steele*; University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

ABSTRACT

Grazing animals in Florida deposit over 20 million metric tons of dung per year, making dung a significant non-point source of pollution. Degradation of this dung occurs naturally, primarily due to Coleopterans of the families Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae (hereafter dung beetles). Dung that is not degraded may be leached into water bodies and provides an incubation site for the pests and parasites of both humans and livestock. Thus, the optimization of the ecosystem services provided by dung beetles is a priority for not only the protection of terrestrial and aquatic biota, but the cattle industry itself. The non-native fire ant Solenopsis invicta has been observed to heavily utilize dung as a food resource and may be predating dung beetles. My research will utilize semi-natural and intensively managed pastures to determine how management driven differences in habitat alter dung beetle assemblages. I will also

experimentally evaluate how pasture type and the presence or absence of the non-native Solenopsis invicta influence dung beetle community assembly and the ecosystem services of dung degradation and parasite suppression.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR PROMOTING UNDERGRADUATE RANGELAND EDUCATION. Karen R. Hickman*1, Laurie B. Abbott2, Chris Call3, Susan Edinger-Marshall4, Mel George5, Patricia Johnson6, Edwin Krumpe7, Karen Launchbaugh7, Lovina Roselle7, Cody Sheehy8; 1Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 2New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 3Utah State University, Logan, UT, 4Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 5University of California, Davis, CA, 6South Dakato State University, Rapid City, SD, 7University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 8University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ

ABSTRACT

Several members of the Range Science Education Council have collaborated on a project funded by a USDA-Higher Education Grant entitled, Repositioning Rangeland Education for a Changing World.  Our overall project goal is to revitalize rangeland curricula at universities in western North America and increase the number of students, and ultimately, graduates who will manage the rangelands of the world.  Over the past 3 years we have reached our goal by designing several products, including a course catalog for online courses, a website for recruiting students into range programs, and open-access instructional materials, all of which are provided through the globalrangelands.org/rangelandswest website, supported by The Rangelands Partnership. Specifically, the searchable catalog of online and alternative format courses will increase accessibility of current, range-related courses for traditional, non-traditional, and place-bound students.  The recruiting website provides materials and strategies for attracting high school students and university students in other majors into undergraduate range programs. The open-access website is a clearinghouse of instructional materials designed for college and university instructors of rangeland ecology and management to use and modify as they like to advance understanding of rangelands in their courses.  In addition, we have developed the website, http://wrangle.org/, which will provide reusable learning materials to engage students about rangelands and their management in North America and abroad.

REDEFINING CORE COMPETENCIES FOR FUTURE RANGELAND MANAGERS. Laurie B. Abbott1, Chris Call2, Susan Edinger-Marshall3, Mel George4, Karen R. Hickman5, Patricia Johnson6, Edwin Krumpe7, Karen Launchbaugh*7, Lovina Roselle7; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2Utah State University, Logan, UT, 3Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 4University of California, Davis, CA, 5Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 6South Dakato State University, Rapid City, SD, 7University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

ABSTRACT

For the last 3 years, members of the Range Science Education Council have been working on a project entitled, Repositioning Rangeland Education for a Changing World.  The goal of this project is to provide innovative curricula, relevant courses, and appropriate delivery approaches

so undergraduate students with a variety of backgrounds and experiences can gain the knowledge and skills to effectively manage rangelands and the important ecological services they provide.  Responses from an online survey of 198 recent graduates (1-6 years after completing a B.S. degree) from 15 universities in the U.S., and from focus group discussions with a variety of stakeholders in 10 western states, were used to develop a list of core competencies that will be needed by future rangeland ecologists and managers.  The most important competency areas identified include: 1) plant identification and taxonomy, 2) rangeland management and planning, 3) inventory and monitoring methods, 4) rangeland ecology, 5) communication and public interaction, 6) ecosystem resilience and restoration, 7) GIS and other spatial technologies, 8) natural resource policy and law, and 9) soil ecology and classification.  The specific components of each competency area will be described in detail.  Feedback from SRM meeting participants also will be used to revise competencies, and ultimately the undergraduate range curriculum, OPM employment standards, and SRM accreditation standards.

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! WORLDWIDE RANGELANDS INFORMATION FROM THE RANGELANDS PARTNERSHIP. Barbara Hutchinson*, Jeanne Pfander; University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

ABSTRACT

The Rangelands Partnership (formerly Western Rangelands Partnership), along with the eXtension  Rangeland Stewardship and Health (RSH) Community of Practice, actively collaborate to provide a variety of information resources to the rangeland community.   These resources serve the Land-Grant University (LGU) mission integrating research, education, and Extension knowledge, and support the information needs of multiple audiences.  A database of more than 13,000 full-text articles, conference proceedings, reports, videos, maps, and websites includes research results relevant for scientists, professionals, land managers, and students.  Included in the database are the back files of SRM journals, previously unavailable proceedings from the Australian Rangeland Society, and worldwide rangeland materials from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  Moving to expand global content, the University of Hermosillo in Mexico is in the process of developing a “Sonora Rangelands” site.  Searches can be customized to limit to specific topics, authors, geographic locations, and other attributes.  Unique educational resources include sections on “Careers and Education”, “Online Courses” and “Learning Objects.”   In addition, Extension/outreach resources for the broader public include videos, fact sheets, and FAQs that interpret findings from scholarly, peer-reviewed literature.  To inform audiences about current issues, the RangelandsWest.org<http://RangelandsWest.org> site provides a collection of summaries and information resources on “hot topics” such as grazing on public lands, wildlife, climate, and invasive species.  Included are legal and public policy aspects.   The Rangelands Partnership and RSH CoP involve members representing 19 Land-Grant universities, each developing their own local state rangelands website focusing on the needs of their specific clientele.

UCCE LIVESTOCK & RANGE WEB PAGES - RANGE & BEEF CATTLE PUBLICATIONS REPOSITORY. John M. Harper*1, Mel George2, Ken Tate2, Ryan Keiffer1; 1University of California, Ukiah, CA, 2University of California, Davis, CA

ABSTRACT

University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and UC Agriculture Natural Resources (UC ANR) information on rangelands and grazing animals has centered on practical applied research to solve past and current issues associated with management of California’s vast range natural resources. Published efforts appear in many journals, peer-reviewed statewide extension catalogs, web pages, newsletters and technical reports. Unfortunately, due to the many locations where this information resides, it is not easy to find. Range livestock commodity groups such as the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and the California Wool Growers Association (CWGA) have expressed a desire to have a portal directly to this information from their web pages.  Ideally a single repository, accessible on-line, that would allow for a systematic search method would greatly benefit UCCE’s & ANR's  target audience as well as students and fellow researchers in obtaining the wealth of this stored information.  This poster describes and introduces such a repository that is available in the newly revamped UCCE Livestock & Natural Resources Web site.

EVALUATING EXPERIENTIAL PRESCRIBED FIRE EDUCATION AND CHANGES IN KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, PERCEPTIONS AND ADOPTION POTENTIAL. John D. Scasta*, David M. Engle, John R. Weir; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

ABSTRACT

In 2012 and 2013, 32 undergraduate and graduate students at Oklahoma State University were administered an IRB approved retrospective post survey after completing a field based prescribed fire course.  The course instructs students on all aspects of planning and conducting prescribed fires and allows students the opportunity to actively participate on prescribed fires.  Surveys assessed burning experience and changes in three areas: 1) knowledge, skills and abilities, 2) potential for adoption, and 3) perceptions about fire.  The survey used the Likert scale, a psychometric index of equal negative and positive positions with an intermediate neutral option with a five point index.  Change was calculated using pre and post responses with the following equation: Change = [(POST - PRE) / PRE] * 100.  Prior to the course, 38% of the students (12 of 32) had never been on a prescribed fire.  During the two years, 19 prescribed fires were conducted on 529 hectares ranging in size from <1 to 138 hectares.  Students participated on an average of 7 fires for a total of 21 hours on fires during the course.   The retrospective post survey documented the following impacts:  +119% change in confidence in ability to lead a prescribed fire program; +108% change in knowledge and ability for proper planning for prescribed fires; +90% change in confidence and ability to operate a drip torch; +54% increase in interest in obtaining a fire related job; +58% change in the potential to apply prescribed fire on family land; +41% change in practicality of starting a fire program in today’s society; and +19%

change in comfort level near fire.  Students also commented that the hands-on training received in this course was more effective for learning than traditional classroom-bound instruction.  Effective training of future fire managers and practitioners must emphasize hands-on experiential learning.

BLUE COLLAR PLANTS REVISITED. Chris Bernau*1, Doug Tolleson1, Sue Smith2, Jeff Schalau3; 1University of Arizona, Camp Verde, AZ, 2Yavapai County, Prescott, AZ, 3University of Arizona, Prescott, AZ

ABSTRACT

In 2010 we reported on the preliminary launch of "Blue Collar plants", a website and herbarium designed to assist the rangeland professional and casual observer with plant identification for specimens that may not be in the standard “plant mount perfect” condition.  Traditional plant ID books and herbarium collections tend to focus on plants that are in pristine condition, full flowered with no blemishes.  However, rangeland conditions vary and plant growth patterns may change with soil type, temperature, precipitation, herbivory, and time of year.  Thus there was a need to represent those varying conditions.  The website provides common terms instead of botanical terms, and specimens from a variety of stressed situations provide users an alternative to the common field guides.  Online searches allow users a variety of searchable fields.  If the data field information is known, it may be entered and used to search the database for a match. Once the results are returned, a series of thumbnail pictures are displayed to help narrow the search. Once a thumbnail is selected a variety of photos of that species are presented and allow the user to match the plant they saw in the field with the pictures.  Along with the photos is a more detailed description of the characteristics of the particular species. Our goal is to provide a variety of pictures or actual collected specimens in different stages of growth and stress to broaden the user's chances to properly identify range plants.  At its launch in 2010 the Blue Collar Plants website had 75 plants and over a hundred photos.  Since that inception the website has grown in popularity, with 14,000 visitors over the past year.  Today the website continues to expand and is currently updated to Version 3.1, has 481 plants listed, and over 2000 photos.

THE INTERNET ON THE RANGE: PATTERNS OF INTERNET USE BY RANCHERS IN COLORADO AND WYOMING. Shayan M. Ghajar*, Maria E Fernandez-Gimenez; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

The internet is one of the fastest-spreading innovations in the history of humankind. The World Wide Web has the potential to be an effective tool of communication and outreach for the dissemination of range-related information. However, little is known about the extent and patterns of use of the internet by ranchers, and more information is needed for outreach personnel to best determine how to use the internet to provide ranchers with timely information. This study uses data from a mail survey to describe and analyze internet use patterns by ranchers in Colorado and Wyoming. Our research addresses four primary questions: How many ranchers use the internet to inform their ranch management decisions; what types of information are ranchers most likely to seek online; what are the primary obstacles to ranchers’ use of the

internet; and how important is the internet for the day-to-day management of ranches in Colorado and Wyoming? We hypothesize that ranchers with greater numbers of livestock, more education, and younger ranchers will rely on the internet most heavily. We also hypothesize that a lack of internet access, lack of time, and the difficulty of determining which websites are trustworthy will be the most prevalent obstacles to use of the internet by ranchers. By examining these questions and hypotheses, we hope the research will aid in planning future outreach and information dissemination efforts in Colorado and Wyoming.

AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE &NDASH; CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF NEBRASKA RANGE YOUTH CAMP. Mary B. Reece1, Nadine L. Bishop*2; 1NRCS, North Platte, NE, 2NRCS, Imperial, NE

ABSTRACT

The Nebraska Range Youth Camp has been operating 50 years.  This Camp represents the notable work that can be accomplished through the education of youth in the principles of rangeland management.  The Nebraska Range Youth Camp educates 30 – 60 youth annually.  The program has influenced over 1700 students and is one of the oldest interagency youth range management training programs in the Great Plains.  From this camp, outstanding participants are chosen to represent Nebraska at the High School Youth Forum at the annual Society for Range Management meeting.  Some of those individuals who have attended the Nebraska Range Youth Camp have gained employment within rangeland management agencies while others have returned to the ranch and are more informed and better land managers through their experiences in the Camp.  These students have made a tremendous impact on rangeland resources over time.  The number of ranchers and agency personnel who are now responsible for the management of thousands of acres of rangeland in Nebraska and who have been greatly influenced through this program is remarkable. The Nebraska Section celebrated the 50 years of success of the Section efforts to maintain and develop youth through Range Camp on August 24, 2013.

VERIFICATION OF HISTORIC EROSION ESTIMATES USING RESERVOIR SURVEY DATA. Jason R. McAlister*1, William E. Fox III1, Brad Wilcox2, Raghavan Srinivasan2, Dennis Hoffman1; 1Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Temple, TX, 2Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

ABSTRACT

Sedimentation rates for many reservoirs may be skewed by overstated estimates of design capacity and assumptions perpetuated through subsequent volumetric surveys; an error that may be unknowingly perpetuated in soil conservation strategy over time.  Multi-frequency reservoir surveys offer the means by which we may improve existing reservoir data and validate historic sediment delivery estimates.  To demonstrate application of this technology and value of its data derivatives, a multi-year, multi-frequency acoustic survey of Granger Lake, located in Williamson County, Texas was undertaken.  Objectives of the study were to use hydro-acoustic survey techniques to verify assumptions of original reservoir capacity, examine the general accuracy of previously derived sedimentation rate, and document conservation implementation effectiveness.  The intended benefit of these pre and post-watershed conservation

implementation project surveys was to provide a temporal snapshot of sediment flux.  Specifically, these data would be used as a tool to quantitatively estimate project success or non-success in annual sediment delivery reduction to the reservoir.  Revised/corrected data indicates a mid-1990’s acceleration of reservoir sedimentation which appears to be coincident with a rapidly expanding urban component within the San Gabriel Watershed.   Current conservation implementation is not plainly responsible for change in sediment delivery (2007-2010), and in fact conservation effects may be undetectable for the foreseeable future.  Insights from this research highlight the importance of validating historic reservoir survey data and significance regarding use of sub-bottom profiling as a validation tool for quantifying historic and future conservation effects.

TESTING VHF/GPS COLLAR DESIGN AND SAFETY IN THE STUDY OF FREE-ROAMING HORSES. Gail H. Collins1, Steven L. Petersen*2, Craig Carr3; 1U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lakeview, OR, 2Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 3Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

ABSTRACT

Effective methods are needed to quantify and understand free-roaming horse habitat use and movement patterns. GPS collar technology is used widely by wildlife biologists and researchers to track numerous wildlife species. However, GPS collars have had limited use on free-roaming horses in the United Sates. The purpose of this research was to test the efficacy of GPS collar technology as a safe and reliable method for collecting free-roaming horse movement data. Between 2009 and 2011, we marked 28 domestic and free-roaming feral horses with VHF/GPS collars in northwestern Nevada (Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge) and southeastern Oregon (Roaring Springs Ranch).The horses evaluated in this study were tested for damage resulting from collar placement on the neck, impacts from collar design, and general health and wellness of the animals. We found that none of these horses had significant hair loss or wounding resulting from collar wear. Detachment devices that are used to release the collar from the horses neck had a 89% success rate. These data suggest that free roaming hoses can be safely marked and monitored with GPS technology, providing data that can be important for improvement management of monitoring of free-roaming horse populations throughout the west.

ESTIMATING PINYON AND JUNIPER TREE COVER AND BIOMASS USING NAIP IMAGERY ACROSS UTAH. Darrell B. Roundy*1, April Hulet2, Jordan Bybee1, Bruce A. Roundy1, Steven L. Petersen1; 1Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 2USDA-ARS, Burns, OR

ABSTRACT

Pinyon and juniper tree encroachment is a growing problem in the western United States.  As conifers expand they replace valuable sagebrush and grassland communities. The associated increases in fuel loads may lead to large, high severity fires and subsequent weed dominance.  Ground methods used to measure tree cover and assess potential fire danger and ecosystem degradation are often time consuming and labor intensive.  The extraction of tree cover from remotely-sensed imagery may provide a more rapid and economical method than ground measurements alone.  Our objective was to evaluate three object-based image analysis (OBIA)

software programs: Feature Extraction (ENVI Zoom 4.5), eCognition (Trimble), and Feature Analyst (Visual Learning Systems) capability to extract tree cover from NAIP imagery (1 m spatial resolution).  We then evaluated the relationship between our remotely sensed tree cover estimates from each of the software programs with two ground measurements methods (tree-crown diameter and line-point intercept). Data was collected on 300, 30 by 33 meter subplots throughout Utah.  Our initial results for our OBIA tree cover estimates were on average 5% greater than the tree-crown diameter measurements and 15% greater than our line-point intercept measurements.  These differences could be due to field measurement errors, variance in NAIP image quality, shifts in subplots due to GPS inaccuracies, and/or that our object-based image analysis techniques over-segments pixels and may classify small portions of bare ground, shrubs, or grasses as trees.  Analysis is ongoing for biomass estimation and should be completed shortly.

AN ECONOMIC AND STATISTICALLY VALID RANGELAND MONITORING METHOD. Gregg Simonds1, Eric D. Sant*2; 1ORC, Park City, UT, 2Open Range Consulting, Park City, UT

ABSTRACT

Rangelands occupy 50% of the earth’s land surface. The traditional value of these rangelands has been in providing food and fiber. Increasingly, these rangelands are valued in their ability to 1) capture, deliver, and purify water and 2) store and sequester atmospheric carbon. Unfortunately, the methods used to assess and monitor the ability of rangelands to sustainably provide the traditional and modern rangeland values are not statistically valid or economically feasible. The consequences are an obliviousness of the results of management actions.  We present an alternative approach to assessing rangelands using remote sensing technology that quickly, cheaply, and effectively assesses the basic landcover components of rangeland functionality. This method captures, in space and time, the actual ground condition of the vegetation being measured. Because of this, it maintains a visual history of vegetation condition allowing other investigators the ability to repeat the observation or use other sampling techniques to extract improved or additional information.  This repeatability of measurements makes field observations more transparent.  Traditional vegetation sampling without imagery cannot be repeated since other observers cannot return to the same geographic point and time. Because the method is imagery-based, it can be used to assess these basic conditions back in time 30 years. Additionally, the method has been extensively validated via traditional on the ground monitoring methods as well as by professional management personnel. Our technique, applied across time, has great potential to place land cover change and rangeland health in a contextual perspective that has not been available before.  In this way, past management practices can be evaluated for their effectiveness in altering rangeland condition and with this hindsight, improved management prescriptions can be developed.

AN AUTOMATIC SYSTEM FOR SPATIALLY EXPLICIT, GROUND LEVEL, PHOTO-MONITORING OF RANGELANDS. Stephen K. Ndzeidze*; Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

ABSTRACT

Photography is a valuable tool for monitoring extensive landscapes.  With recent advances in digital camera technology and computer hardware/software, ground-level (staff mounted) photography is easier to collect, store, transfer, and share than ever before.  The challenge in using this technology is the time spent determining photo locations and subsequent geo-referencing so images can be used for statistical and spatial analysis. The objective of our project was to develop an on-the-go image acquisition system that permits geo-referenced images to be taken from an ATV mounted camera.  The system consists of a: 1) digital camera pointed vertically downward from a platform mounted on the ATV, 2) GPS logger recording time, position, and bearing at 1Hz, 3) image positioning software that automatically geo-positions images based upon the time the photo was taken and the GPS tracklog.  Our system also scales the image based upon lens characteristics and the height of the camera above the ground.  Output from the program is a series of geographically registered images with associated KML files and projection files that can be imported into GIS programs.  The KML file provides coordinate and scale information and the projection file specifies the geographic projection and datum used. Our algorithm can be used to batch process files leading to extremely fast geo-referencing of high resolution photos which were generally accurate to within 5 meters of true location when tested in Oregon. The ease and speed of our image positioning system renders landscape scale photo-monitoring much more cost and time efficient.

TRACKING GEOGRAPHICAL EXPANSION OF AN INVADING NATIVE SHRUB (SHEPHERDIA ARGENTEA) IN THE MIXED PRAIRIE USING ARCHIVED AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. Regina Dahl*1, Edward Bork2, Tommy Dalgaard3, Peder Klith Bøcher3; 1University of Alberta/Aarhus University, Edmonton, AB, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 3Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

ABSTRACT

Mixed grass prairie grasslands of southern Canada historically had little shrub cover. However, wetlands created for the purpose of increasing waterfowl habitat have, in some situations, led to a marked expansion in woody species. This is the case on a significant portion of the University of Alberta Mattheis Research Ranch in SE Alberta, where Shepherdia argentea (thorny buffaloberry) is thought to have expanded considerably after the introduction of irrigation overflow water more than half a century ago. In order to track the spatial extent of shrub expansion coincident with water introduction, we are using a series of archived aerial photographs to map S. argentea coverage at multiple dates between the early 1950’s and present day. Aerial photos from each date will be orthorectified, digitized, and classified into cover types, including shrublands, to identify areal coverage. Our ultimate objective is to determine the extent to which S. argentea expansion reflects the introduction of water on the landscape (using a GIS framework), and also to determine whether rates of shrub expansion have slowed, accelerated, or remained the same during this period. These results have implications for

identifying the risk of future shrub expansion in these landscapes, including the current urgency of woody control measures. In addition, when combined with supplemental field data examining the impacts of shrub presence on understory composition and productivity, these results have implications for assessing the overall impact of shrub encroachment on livestock carrying capacity in the region.

EVALUATING AERIAL IMAGERY FOR MAPPING OF CHOLLA CACTUS (OPUNTIA IMBRICATE) ON A SEMI-ARID RANGELAND REGION. Mustafa Mirik*1, James Ansley2; 1Texas A&M, Vernon, TX, 2Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Vernon, TX

ABSTRACT

Aerial remote sensing is a technology with the potential to identify plant species, delineate vegetation and habitat characteristics, differentiate vegetation stress, and characterize soil properties. This technology can be used in range management as a tool to map various plant communities so as to determine current range production. Mapping of unpalatable rangeland species using remotely sensed data provides temporal and spatial information for monitoring and managing rangeland productivity for livestock and wildlife utilization. This study was designed to explore the ability of National Agricultural Imagery Program images for mapping of cholla cactus (Opuntia imbricate) on a semi-arid rangeland in 2008 and 2010. The secondary objective was to assess and compare the resulting classification accuracies for both years. Accuracy assessment revealed that the overall accuracies were greater than 70% for the classified images in both years. These results indicate that repeated detection of the cholla cactus in a spatial and temporal context is possible using aerial remote sensing.

USE OF MODIS-DERIVED VEGETATION GREEN-UP PARAMETERS TO PREDICT REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SHEEP ON RANGELAND. Ana G. Colodner*1, Andres F. Cibils1, Dawn VanLeeuwen1, Michaela Buenemann1, Tim Ross1, Shad Cox2, Richard Dunlap2; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2New Mexico State University, Corona, NM

ABSTRACT

Remotely sensed vegetation indices are increasingly used to characterize vegetation growth dynamics and inform rangeland management decisions. Existing predictive models of livestock reproductive performance on rangelands have mostly relied on precipitation data. The value of vegetation green-up parameters as predictors of livestock reproductive performance has not been tested for New Mexico shortgrass rangelands. Our objectives were to explain and predict sheep reproductive performance using satellite-derived green-up parameters and to compare them to precipitation-based models for a semiarid rangeland in central New Mexico. A ten year (2003-2012) time series of 250 m 16 day MODIS Terra and Aqua EVI and NDVI images was processed in Timesat 3.1 to extract 11 green-up parameters (phenometrics) for each year. Annual averages of phenometrics and spring, fall, and growing season precipitation were used as predictors to model marking rate (lambs/ewes around July 1), weaning rate (lambs/ewes around October 1), and lamb weaning weights. Multiple regressions and adjusted R² model selection were used on reduced subsets of predictors to build candidate retrospective and prospective

models with current or previous year predictors, respectively. Top models were selected from candidate models using combined criteria (P<0.1, AICc, VIF, residuals, and influential point analysis). We compared models including either phenometrics- or precipitation-based predictors. Green-up parameters were easier to interpret and explained a higher proportion of variation in marking and weaning rates compared with models that only included precipitation. Marking rate was positively correlated with greenness baseline value derived from EVI images (R²=0.47; P=0.03,) while weaning rate was negatively correlated with the greenness peak date derived from NDVI images (R²=0.54; P=0.08). Previous year senescence date and greenness baseline value derived from NDVI images were positively correlated with current year’s marking rate (AdjR²=0.57; P=0.03). Our study suggests that phenometrics-based models may be a promising tool to predict livestock reproductive performance on rangelands.

AN ECONOMIC AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF SILVOPASTURE VIABILITY IN EAST TEXAS. Jeremy S. Priest*; Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX

ABSTRACT

The implementation of agroforestry systems is aided by tools which evaluate economic viability of the proposed system. We developed a spatial analysis approach for landowners and managers to determine the suitability of locations in east Texas for agroforestry systems such as silvopasture. Silvopasture is the intentional management of trees, forage, and livestock on the same land unit. We used varying estimates of distance from market for each of the relevant product categories along with a range of typical values and transportation costs to determine the likelihood that silvopasture would be an economically viable land use under varying market conditions. Timber products include biomass, pulpwood, sawtimber, and pole products. Cattle feedlots and slaughterhouses were considered for livestock production. Market locations were obtained from various online databases, and were mapped using ArcGIS 10.1. Distance to market was bounded using a driven-miles algorithm based on network analysis, and areas with multiple overlapping markets suitable to silvopasture were identified. Results in the form of maps predicated on varying economic assumptions will be presented, and will be made available online to increase landowner awareness of their economic options regarding the practice of agroforestry in east Texas.

A RECALIBRATION OF THE PERCENT UNGRAZED PLANT UTILIZATION METHOD IN SEMI-DESERT GRASSLANDS INVADED BY LOVEGRASS. Amber Dalke*1, Fadzayi Mashiri2, George B. Ruyle1; 1University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2University of California Cooperative Extension, Mariposa, CA

ABSTRACT

The Percent Ungrazed Plant (PUP) method estimates the percent of annual herbage production that is removed.  The protocol involves counting the number of ungrazed perennial grasses and converting to percent utilization using an allometric equation.  PUP was developed in spring 1950 at the Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER) as a quicker, simpler substitute for height-weight estimates of utilization.  PUP is applied to an adaptive grazing management program on the SRER, but has not been tested with the widespread dominance of introduced lovegrass.  We need to determine how the presence of Lehmann and Boer lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana and E. curvula) influences PUP utilization estimates, and if utilization estimates vary between season of grazing (winter=January, February, March or spring=April, May, June). To examine these questions, utilization data were collected between 2010 and 2013 using two methods: PUP and utilization photo guides (PG).  PG is a more direct estimate of utilization that allows the observer to compare living plants to photographs with varying levels of utilization.  PUP and PG methods were compared by year and by season.  Across the year, PUP and PG were statistically different (p=0.004).  For winter grazing, PUP and PG were different (p<0.0001), indicating the spring developed PUP differs with the cool season growth of lovegrass. With spring grazing, PUP and PG were not different (p=0.122), suggesting lovegrass has not changed the PUP relationship.  Measuring utilization using PUP is recommended following spring grazing because it represents the end of the growing season making measurements more accurate and consistent than measurements following winter grazing.

CHARACTERIZING TEMPORAL PHENOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR THE CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT OF HUISACHE (ACACIA FARNESIANA). Robert D. Cox, Pablo Teveni*; Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

ABSTRACT

Huisache (Acacia farnesiana) is a small tree that has become a pest on many rangelands throughout the southern third of Texas.  Huisache is expanding in density and range and is difficult to control via herbicide or mechanical methods due to vigorous resprouting. The objective of this research was to characterize the optimal timing for control of huisache by discerning seasonal changes in root nonstructural carbohydrate concentration. Four study sites were selected in the Coastal Bend Area of Texas, based on differences in soil type.  Phenological stage was determined by examining 20 shrubs (> 2 m height) per site and all shrubs used for this study were in the same phonological stage on the date of measurement. Five shrub root samples were taken from each site every month for drying and grinding for laboratory analysis. Laboratory procedures consisted of total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) analysis using anthrone reagent and spectrophotometry. Five to ten shrubs per site per month were sprayed with two different herbicide formulations. Root total nonstructural carbohydrate concentration,

weather station data (precipitation, soil moisture, soil temperature, and air temperature), shrub mortality two growing seasons following herbicide application, and phenological stage were subjected to analysis of variance. Duncan’s multiple range test was used to separate mean differences when significant F-values were found. We correlated shrub mortality with root TNC content and found mortality was greatest when root TNC was increasing. Understanding the timing of root carbohydrate translocation will allow better chemical control of this rangeland pest.

NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES DISTRIBUTIONS ALONG AN ELEVATION GRADIENT IN THE WALLOWA MOUNTAIN RANGE, OREGON. Josh P. Averett*1, Bruce McCune2, Catherine Parks3, Bridgett Naylor3, Timothy Delcurto4, Ricardo Mata-Gonzalez2; 1Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Eastern Oregon Agriculture and Natural Resource Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 3La Grande Forestry and Range Sciences Laboratory, USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station, La Grande, OR, 4Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Eastern Oregon Agriculture and Natural Resource Program, Oregon State University, La Grande, OR

ABSTRACT

Mountain environments are increasingly under threat of exotic plant invasion. The resistance of mountain ecosystems to invasions is likely due to a combination of low anthropogenic disturbances, low propagule supply, and extreme environmental conditions. The importance of any one of these factors is highly debated and, likely, ecosystem dependent. The objectives of this study were to evaluate important factors associated with plant invasions in the Wallowa Mountains and explore to what extent patterns of non-native species distributions and their correlates differ from native species along an elevation gradient. We conducted a complete understory vascular plant survey in summer 2012 along and elevation gradient. As shown by non-metric multidimensional scaling, species composition was strongly related to elevation and disturbance gradients. Despite a high level of disturbance at high elevation sites, non-native species were primarily concentrated at the low elevation sites with moderate to high disturbance levels. Non-parametric multiplicative regression modeling indicated that precipitation and canopy openness were the strongest predictors of non-native species abundance whereas elevation and disturbance were the strongest predictors of non-native species richness. Unlike native species, non-native species composition appeared nested in relation to elevation indicating that non-native species found at high altitudes were a subset of the population at lower altitudes. These data suggest that elevation, disturbance, and precipitation are important correlates of non-native community structure along elevation gradients in the Wallowa Mountains. Additionally, the nested structure of non-natives with respect to elevation supports findings that non-natives occurring at high elevations tend to be generalist species. 

COMPETITIVE ABILITY AND PHENOLOGY OF BROMUS INERMIS AND POA PRATENSIS IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS. Emily Ulrich*, Lora Perkins; South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

ABSTRACT

In the Northern Great Plains, Bromus inermis (smooth brome) and Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) are substantial threats to remnant prairies by forming monotypic stands that are resistant to restoration while decreasing diversity and altering nutrient cycling. To prevent future spread of these species, we must first understand their invasion process. Invader traits are factors that substantially contribute to invasion potential. The objective of this study was to investigate competition as a trait that may contribute to the invasiveness of B. inermis and P.  pratensis. The study was addressed with a competition experiment in a greenhouse. Each invader was grown alone, with a conspecific neighbor, and a native neighbor (Elymus canadensis). Additionally, three treatments were included to examine differences in phenology between the invaders and the native.  Treatments included planting both species concurrently, planting the invader first (by 21 days), and planting the native first (by 21 days). Final aboveground biomass and a relative interaction index were used as response variables to determine the competitive ability of each species. Both competition (p=<0.001 F=85.361, df=5) and phenology (p=0.001, F=6.859, df=2) treatments were significantly different from each other. Results suggest that B. inermis is a strong competitor that can benefit from early growth, and that P. pratensis is a weaker competitor depending on emergence time. Our results also suggest that native E. canadensis is a strong competitor against these invaders. 

POTENTIAL MANAGEMENT OF KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (POA PRATENSIS) ON NATIVE PRAIRIE IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS. Jonathan Quast*1, Shawn DeKeyser1, Cami Dixon2, Steven Travers1, Amy Ganguli3; 1North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Woodworth, ND, 3New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

ABSTRACT

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and other invasive perennial grasses have invaded thousands of rangeland hectares in the Northern Great Plains.  Historic management such as prolonged idleness and intermittent grazing and fire has proved ineffective at reducing Kentucky bluegrass invasion, thus changing the prairie from a heterogeneous to a homogeneous landscape resulting in losses of diversity and richness on native prairie.  The influence of Kentucky bluegrass management efforts towards maintaining diversity are addressed by studying the traditional as well as novel techniques used by federal, state, private, and non-profit land managers.  Techniques used include grazing, fire and rest with variation to the timing and intensity regimes.  Study sites were located across North and South Dakota covering four different major land resource areas.  Plant community sampling was conducted in 2012 and 2013 using modified Whittaker plots to detect species richness and diversity within loamy ecological sites.  Statistical

analysis reveals species diversity responses to management techniques, and landscape level patterns in species and community characteristics.

EFFECTS OF APPLYING PICLORAM AND AMINOPYRALID WITH 2,4-D ON WHITE LOCOWEED IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO. Laura E. Goodman*1, Andres F. Cibils2, Kirk C. McDaniel1, Robert L. Steiner1, John D. Graham3; 1New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 2Departmant of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 3Union County Extension, Clayton, NM

ABSTRACT

Locoweed toxicity in livestock is generally prevented by precluding access of animals to infested ranges during early spring and fall and/or by controlling locoweed populations through herbicide application.  Picloram is effective in controlling locoweed; however, aminopyralid may be a superior product because of its efficacy at lower application rates, lower off-target movement, and its ‘Reduced Risk’ classification.  White locoweed (Oxytropis sericea), non-target grass, and non-target forb response to picloram+2,4-D ( P+D; applied at 64 fl oz product/a) and aminopyralid+2,4-D (A+D; applied at 24 fl oz product/a) were investigated at three locations in northern NM.  Three randomly selected 200m2 plots at each site were either not treated (control) or sprayed with P+D or A+D in early June 2009.  Both herbicides were similarly effective in reducing locoweed density, plant size, and biomass 15 MAT (months after treatment) compared to untreated rangeland.  Locoweed canopy cover was not different in P+D and untreated plots 15 MAT (P = 0.06) but was significantly reduced in A+D plots (-4.9% vs.-6.1%, P<0.01). A+D treatments had lower non-target forb canopy cover than their P+D counterparts 15 MAT (P = 0.03).  Grass biomass remained similar within treatments over time for control (-5 g/m2: P = 0.86), A+D (-12.2 g/m2: P = 0.67) and P+D (-16.2 g/m2: P = 0.57) plots, and was similar across treatments 15 MAT (control: 85.8g/m2, A+D: 94.6g/m2, and P+D: 93.0g/m2). Grass canopy cover increased in both herbicide plots (+15.2% in A+D: P < 0.05 and +13.8% in P+D: P < 0.05) relative to control plots 15 MAT. By the end of the study, control, A+D and P+D plots had 78%, 89%, and 85% grass canopy cover, respectively. Overall, both herbicides appeared to affect locoweed and non-target grasses similarly although A+D was less selective, killing a higher proportion of non-target forbs.

ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACT USING SMALL RUMINANT CONTROL ON AMUR HONEYSUCKLE AND COMMON BUCKTHORN. Patrick A. Casey*1, Charlotte Clifford-Rathert2, Mark Kennedy3, John Turner4, Ron Cordsiemon5, Jerry Kaiser5, Nick Adams5; 1USDA NRCS, Elsberry, MO, 2Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO, 3USDA-NRCS, Houston, MO, 4Retired USDA-NRCS, Columbia, MO, 5USDA-NRCS, Elsberry, MO

ABSTRACT

Amur honeysuckle (AH; Lonicera maackii Herder) and common buckthorn (CB; Rhamnus cathartica L.) are tall shrubs that are common invaders in forested lands across central and eastern United States.  These shrubs grow readily in many soil types, climatic environments, and are often so prolific that they form dense understory thickets, which restrict native plant growth and tree seedling establishment.  Mechanical and Chemical control can be effective methods for controlling these species but are expensive, and generally require many follow-up treatments to be successful.  If good economic returns can be demonstrated by grazing AH and CB with small ruminants, then this control method may be appealing to producers.  During the 2011, 2012, and 2013 grazing season (May – Aug.), small ruminants browsed four paddocks of AH and CB to a height of 10 ft. in Lincoln County, Missouri.  In July 2012 a NRCS National Resources Inventory style point interception survey was conducted on the vegetation at permanent photo points in the paddocks.  AH were present at 82% of the points and CB were present at 13% of the points.  The AH and CB are understory species and were under taller native over-story species 83% of the time.  Native understory species were present at 2% of the points.  Non-native understory species (excluding AH and CB) were present at 14% of the points.

PINON AND JUNIPER SHREDDED DEBRIS INFLUENCES NUTRIENTS AND GRASSES IN COLD DESERTS. Tayte Campbell*, Debbie Rigby, Jordan Bybee, Bruce A. Roundy, Zachary Aanderud; Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

ABSTRACT

To stem catastrophic wildfires and create firebreaks, whole Pinus edulis and Juniperus osteosperma trees are being mechanically shredded into coarse woody debris (CWD) and deposited on soils previously exposed to decades of tree-induced changes creating “tree-islands of fertility.” To investigate the unknown consequences of CWD on the availability of essential nutrients for establishing grass species, we evaluated the N transformation rates and P availability in interspace and Pinus and Juniperus tree-island (i.e., soils beneath the canopy and at the edge of the canopy) surface soils exposed to field CWD manipulation in over forty cold deserts. Also, in conjunction with our nutrient measurements, we evaluated the frequency of three exotic grasses and thirty-five native grasses to identify links between N and P dynamics. The addition of CWD decreased N mineralization and nitrification rates in tree-island edge soils but increased N mineralization in interspace soils. CWD enhanced the availability of P in all soils with the greatest percent increase occurring in canopy (36%), followed by canopy edge (26%), and finally interspace (17%) soils. The frequency of perennial native grasses, especially Elymus elymoides and Psuedoroegneria spicata, was at least 70% higher under CWD additions in all soils. Also, the frequency of perennial exotic grasses and Bromus tectorum was higher under CWD additions in interspace and tree-island edge soils. Our results suggest that inorganic

N availability was directly depressed by CWD as microbes potentially coped with the addition of more woody recalcitrant C sources by scouring soils for N, but also indirectly enhanced as the higher grass frequencies in interspace soils supplied microbes with more labile C substrates stimulating N to mineralize. Ultimately, CWD additions increased the availability of N and P and native and exotic grasses indiscriminately used these nutrients alike. 

PERSISTENCE OF BELOWGROUND BUD BANK OF SMOOTH BROME IN RESPONSE TO MOWING TREATMENTS. Lan Xu*1, Taylor Ranum1, John Hendrickson2; 1South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 2USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Mandan, ND

ABSTRACT

A serious problem facing land managers of many prairie remnant of the northern Great Plains is the invasion and persistence of introduced cool-season perennial grasses, such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis).  Smooth brome is highly competitive and spreading through prolific seed and bud (i.e. rhizome) production.  Intended as a foraging grass for North America, Smooth brome has invaded the northern Great Plains and is threatening native prairie species.  Traditional control methods have proven minimal or short-term effects and little has been studied pertaining to the belowground bud bank.  Since aboveground perennial grasses population dynamics is strongly driven by the pattern of vegetative reproduction via bud bank, our objective is to determine the bud bank dynamics of smooth brome in response to three mowing strategies with expectation of decreasing its prevalence and persistence.  The experiment was a complete random block design with 4 mowing treatments including mowing once, twice, and three times when the last elongated node reaches mowing height plus control.  Each treatment had 4 replications.  Growth stage and density of smooth brome within two 0.1m2 subplots were recorded every three weeks after each treatment.  Three tillers were randomly selected from each treatment plot and excavated to determine bud density and the viability.  Bud density was determined by bud numbers per tiller multiple by tiller density per unit area.  Viability was determined by double staining procedure.   Growth stage of each tiller was examined to determine the relationship between growth stage and bud production and outgrowth.

MONITORING THE LONG-TERM EFFICACY OF TREATMENTS ON SALTCEDAR (TAMARIX SPP.) AND RUSSIAN OLIVE (ELAEAGNUS ANGUSTIFOLIA L.). Scott Bockness1, Amy Ganguli2, Jack D. Alexander III*2, Gary E. Horton Jr.3; 1Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 2Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Belgrade, MT, 3Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Bozeman, MT

ABSTRACT

Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) are native Eurasian species introduced to North America as ornamentals in the 19th century. Subsequent escape from cultivation led to establishment on over one million acres of riparian habitat. Both species disrupt riparian ecosystem structure through competition and replacement of native plant species, degradation of native wildlife habitat, and moisture sequestration. Efforts to eliminate these target species have been unsuccessful, as initial treatments are often followed by secondary

invasions of undesirable plant species. Numerous methodologies employed for species removal have provided little information on desirable long-term results following treatment and removal. Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. monitored treatment and control sites to determine pre-treatment conditions and post-treatment infestations of Saltcedar and Russian olive invasions. Continued employment of methods utilized for baseline monitoring will demonstrate the long-term efficacy of different treatment methods and the influence of initial site conditions on results. This poster will discuss monitoring post-treatment plant communities for trends either toward or away from the desired plant community.

USE OF A COMPUTER MODEL TO DETERMINE CARRYING CAPACITY IN SEMIARID RANGELANDS IN NORTHERN MEXICO. JESUS E. CANTU*1, Manuel Cisneros2, Jose M. Elizalde3; 1UNIV. AUTONOMA AGRARIA ANTONIO NARRO, TORREON, COAHUILA, Mexico, 2Universidad Autonoma Chapingo, Bermejillo, Dgo, Mexico, 3Univ. Autonoma Chapingo, Bermejillo, Dgo, Mexico

ABSTRACT

A computer model was developed using monthly inputs of rainfall to predict forage production, carrying capacity (CC) and stocking rate (SR) in arid and semiarid rangelands in northern Mexico. Using worksheets of Microsoft Excel, as from of the information available about of the relationship between the rainfall (mm) and forage production in dry matter per hectare (DM•ha-1). The model is simple and considers only the components of interest to determine carrying capacity and stocking rate, like number of hectare (ha), rainfall (mm), range condition, utilization grade (%), grazing days, water distance (km) and slope percentage (%). The effect of rainfall on forage production and carrying capacity and stocking rate was then determined. The use of the computer model enables the effect of stocking rate to be determined in good and poor rainfall in northern Mexico and to predict the periods during which cattle must be removed from pasture to another to prevent overgrazing. The model predicted a forage yield of 345 kg/DM/ha with 300 mm of rainfall in a semidesert grass-shrub in good condition, carrying capacity 23.7 ha/AU and stocking rate 96.8 AU (Animal Unit defined as a 450 kg cow). Nevertheless, when model was adjusted by slope and water distance the SR decrease up to 62 and 43 AU. As a conclusion, the model has the potential to improve decision-making regarding stocking rate and it is suggested that a flexible SR dependent on annual variation of rainfall must be a key in any improved range management strategy.

INCORPORATING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) AND ON THE GROUND INVENTORY OF LARGE SCALE FENCING PROJECTS. Rick Krause1, Suzi Miller1, Chelsea Patt2, Gary Horton Jr.3, Emily D. Jencso4, Jack D. Alexander III*3; 1The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, Warm Springs, OR, 2The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, Madras, OR, 3Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Belgrade, MT, 4Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Bozeman, MT

ABSTRACT

Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc. (Synergy) collected rangeland resource inventory data on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWSRO) during summers of 2012 and 2013.  Inventory of existing fences contributed important data for the GIS model for estimating carrying capacity.  This inventory also allowed managers to evaluate costs for installation, maintenance, repair, and removal of the extensive fence infrastructure on the reservation. In order to manage resources utilized by 9000 head of livestock and unknown populations of big game species, fences are an important part of management decisions.  The Warm Springs Reservation had an unknown number of fences, in unknown locations, of various ages and states of repair. Synergy designed protocols and trained CTWSRO technicians to survey the location, condition, and type of fences.  Tribal technicians surveyed fence on over 420,000 acres, marking fence condition and type, along with marking gates, corners, braces, and cribs. Fences were logical delineators for the geodatabase because they both restrict animal movement in the real world and provide boundaries for GIS analysis in the digital world. Technicians classified fences as good, fair, or poor. Prior to the inventory, Synergy established criteria for classification, created photo guides for field reference, created a sampling and data recording protocol, and trained technicians. Managers can use the fence inventory to determine how much fence needs to be built, repaired, or removed in a project area.  Cost information for each of these actions can be incorporated into the geodatabase, allowing managers to build budgets for fences in any combination of polygons. Each waypoint included a georeferenced digital photo for incorporation into the geodatabase.  This allows managers and fencing crews to look at an area in need of repair before leaving the office.  A couple of good pictures convey a message more effectively than volumes of numerical data.

LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT THE MACARTHUR AGRO-ECOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER. Earl W. Keel*1, Patrick J. Bohlen2, Elizabeth H. Boughton3, Raoul K. Boughton3, Kye Ewing4, Gene Lollis1, Hilary Swain3; 1MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center, Lake Placid, FL, 2University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 3Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL, 4Archbold Biological Station, Venus, FL

ABSTRACT

To face growing challenges of providing food and fiber to an increasing population, agriculture is challenged with maintaining production while also maintaining natural resources.  Long-term environmental monitoring on rangelands is needed to examine long-term trends in nutrient loads, water flows, groundwater, greenhouse gases and biodiversity and their relationship to climate, management and land-use.  With advances in technology there are many options for designing a

monitoring program and specific monitoring arrays. The MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC) at Buck Island Ranch, located in south-central Florida, is a 10,500 acre cattle ranch operated at full commercial scale and is dedicated to long-term ecological research, education, and environmental stewardship. Collection of environmental data and agricultural operations data are an integral component of MAERC. Environmental monitoring is focused on several categories: weather and climate, water quality, and groundwater and surface water stage. Agricultural operations collect data on cattle productivity and movement, fertilizer applications, supplemental feed locations, and pasture management (burning, aerating etc.). Incorporating new technology into our environmental monitoring program has allowed us to continually expand the types and frequency of data we are collecting. One of the primary technologies implemented is the use of radio and cellular telemetry, creating real time data streams that can be monitored remotely, allowing for more efficient data collection, and the ability to immediately recognize sensor failure and reduce data gaps.  Challenges to the collection and maintenance of large volumes of environmental data also include storage and quality assurance.  In response to these challenges, we have not only developed automated capture and delivery of data to a central system, but have developed automated QA tests and processes that extensively reduce required staff time. Our data management system also allows raw and QAed data to be available immediately on our website.

FORAGE MASS MEASUREMENT: A METHOD COMPARISON. Corey A. Moffet*1, Ryan R. Reuter1, James K. Rogers2; 1The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK, 2Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK

ABSTRACT

The time and effort required with traditional quadrat clipping often makes collection of adequate samples impractical and limits the utility of the information for making timely decisions. For that reason, alternative methods are sought to estimate mass. We choose forage sticks (forage height), rising plate meter, and forage sled methods as potential alternative for estimating mass and compared these estimates with hand clipped measurements on rangeland, switchgrass, bermudagrass and winter wheat. These data are from the first year of a 2-year study. We measured biomass in each vegetation type on several occasions during its respective growing season at several sites. For each site/date combination, we made measurements in 3 plots (30.5m by 3.7m). Each plot had 2 strips (30.5m by 1.8m), and each strip had 4 quadrats (0.145m2) that were averaged. One strip was randomly chosen for calibration and the other strip for validation. We calibrated the forage stick, plate meter, and sled to the clipping measurements. Limits-of-agreement analysis was used to compare the methods. For example in rangeland sites, there were 14 date/site combinations and 42 forage mass measurements by clipping that ranged from 495 to 6,319 kg/ha. The repeatability of clipping estimates was -2,965 to 2,965 kg/ha. Ocular estimates, based on a 4 quadrat mean, were on average 953 kg/ha smaller than clipping measurements and the limit-of-agreement was -3,399 to 1,493. Ocular estimates, based on one estimate considering the entire strip, were on average 163 kg/ha smaller than clipping measurements and the limit-of-agreement was -2,683 to 2,357 kg/ha. The plate meter estimates, based on the 4 quadrat mean, were 329 kg/ha smaller than clipping measurements and the limit-of-agreement was -2,624 to 1,965 kg/ha. In this poster, we present the results for the other vegetation types.

SURVEY OF BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS ON BLM LANDS IN WYOMING. Tyrell Perry*; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are common and well known in many semiarid environments in the southwestern United States and evidence is accumulating regarding their contributions to critical ecosystem services. Occurrence and importance of these unique communities of organisms in colder and higher elevation semiarid environments in the western U.S. is much less well known.  Preliminary surveys of the occurrence of BSCs have been conducted in semiarid Wyoming rangelands in MLRA 32 and 34A, but a comprehensive survey of BSC occurrence and distribution on Wyoming rangelands is missing from the literature.  The objective of this project is to carry out a detailed survey of the occurrence of BSCs in Wyoming rangelands using grazed and ungrazed sites represented by BLM grazing exclosures.  Surveys are being conducted on Wyoming BLM lands in the Big Horn Basin, Sweetwater Basin, Upper and Lower Green River Basins, Wind River Basin and parts of the Powder River Basin.  This project will produce a species list, distribution maps and responses of BSCs to surrounding biota of Wyoming BSCs for land managers to use in future management practices considering benefits BSCs provide to rangeland ecosystems.

GRAS AIMS FOR GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY IN RANCH CONSERVATION PLANNING, APPLICATION, AND MONITORING. Gene A. Fults*1, Tim Carney2, Chuck Stanley3, Kevin Ogles4; 1USDA NRCS, Vancouver, WA, 2EBI NRCS, Ft. Collins, CO, 3CNTSC NRCS, Ft. Worth, TX, 4ENTSC NRCS, Greensburough, NC

ABSTRACT

NRCS initiated an Agency-wide effort to use a more efficient business model for delivering conservation technical & financial assistance. The Grazing Resource Analysis System (GRAS) is a component of that model. The goals are to make conservation easier for both rancher & employees; operate with streamlined business processes; and to increase focus on science-based conservation planning. Success is defined in part, by providing more technical field work time with landowners and significantly less time conducting administrative office work. This field time includes using mobile computing devices to aid field inventory, planning, implementation, and monitoring. A Client Self Service Gateway internet portal will allow much greater participation by the rancher. To implement ecological processed management on a ranch through conservation practices, ranchers need access to baseline resource measurements from historical time frames and landscape scales that are directly related to management objectives. GRAS and the Client Gateway will provide access to inventory, monitoring, and business data. It is hoped that this will make it easier for the rancher to apply their skills of ecological management. An example depicted is how a Prescribed Grazing (528) plan client can develop a custom monitoring plan through a step by step process. Choices are based on Resource Concern objectives or

flexible custom criteria. The grazing records and observations made through the months of monitoring are inputted and tagged with one of those objectives. Ranchers learn objective setting, vegetation measuring protocols, and will create records for business. Hugh Hammond Bennett believed that conservation should be voluntary. Aldo Leopold believed that subsidies and propaganda may evoke the farmer’s acquiescence, but only enthusiasm and affection will evoke his/her skill. The efficiency that GRAS hopes to achieve is the release of the rancher’s enthusiasm and skill at getting conservation on the ground.

INTERPRETING INDICATORS OF RANGELAND HEALTH-VERSION 5. Mike Pellant*1, Pat Shaver2, David Pyke3, Jeffrey Herrick4, Fee Busby5, Gregg Reigel6; 1BLM, Boise, ID, 2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 3USGS, Corvalis, OR, 4ARS, Las Cruces, NM, 5Utah State University, Logan, UT, 6USDA-FS, Bend, OR

ABSTRACT

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health was initiated in 1994 as a rapid assessment technique to evaluate rangeland health.  Seventeen indicators are used to rate the status of three attributes of rangeland health: 1) Soil/Site Stability, 2) Hydrologic Function, and 3) Biotic Integrity.  The published versions of this protocol are Version 3 published in 2000 and Version 4 published in 2005.  Version 5 represents a continuing effort by the interagency cadre to improve the ease of use and consistency in application of the protocol. The most significant modification is strengthening and expansion of text providing guidance on how to describe the reference for each indicator in the Reference Sheet. The Reference Sheet facilitates consistent application of the process on each ecological site by integrating all available sources of data and knowledge to generate a single range of reference conditions for each indicator.   Another key clarification is that the reference sheet is based on the natural range of variability within the reference state, not the entire reference state. The reference state can include community phases that reflect departure from the natural range of variability, particularly (but not solely) as a threshold transition to another state is approached. This revision also supports the desire of many users of this technique to supplement their evaluations with quantitative measurements, and to use these measurements as a baseline for monitoring.  Version 5 reflects the input of many users both in the USA and other countries where this protocol has been utilized.

ANALYSIS OF INFLUENCES ON VEGETATIVE COVER: A MONITORING CASE STUDY. Glenn Owings*1, Loren Racich1, Daren Many1, Albert Sommers2; 1Sublette County Conservation District, Pinedale, WY, 2Upper Green River Cattlemans Association, Pinedale, WY

ABSTRACT

Measures of ground cover on rangelands are used by managing agencies to assess the ability of the landscape to provide necessary ecological functions.  The purpose of this analysis is to quantify the influence of precipitation metrics, livestock numbers, and utilization on first intercept cover in a federal grazing allotment.  The study area is located in a USFS cattle grazing allotment in Northeast Sublette County, WY.  Locations for line-point intercept transects were selected by an interdisciplinary team.  Cover and utilization data were collected each year from

1996 to 2012.  Cover data for each year were averaged across the allotment to combat effects of potentially misplaced transect lines.  Regression analysis was used to detect relationships between response (total and foliar cover) and annual predictor variables (precipitation, stocking, and utilization metrics).  The experimental unit is one year’s data (n=17).  No predictor was significantly correlated with total cover. Foliar cover was an important surrogate to test factor influences.  Foliar cover was significantly correlated with three independent variables: annual precipitation (p=0.30, r²=27.7%), June precipitation (p=0.43, r²=24.7%), and date of snow disappearance (p=0.001, r²=52.7%).  Changes in annual use and stocking rate could not be expected to alter cover at a detectable level within the constraints of this grazing system, monitoring protocol, and period of observation.  While annual indicators such as utilization may be predictive under some circumstances, their effects were masked by the larger ecological processes addressed in this study.  Assumptions about common monitoring techniques may not apply where systems are in high ecological condition, under light stocking rates, and exhibit a strong precipitation influence. If a relationship between changes in annual indicators and landscape function is inferred, it is imperative that managing agencies employ indicative monitoring methods.

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR BORANA PASTORALISTS IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA. Tom O. Hilken*1, Gregg Reigel2, Jason M. Ko3, Brehan R. Douds3, Dubale Admasu4, Axel Weiser5, Jeldessa Doyo6, Asfaw Ejo6, Obomssa Kebede5, Hussein Miyo7, Aliyu Mustefa8; 1USDA-FS, Portland, OR, 2USDA-FS, Bend, OR, 3USDA-FS, Washington DC, DC, 4USAID, Addis Ababba, Ethiopia, 5Save the Children, Addis Ababba, Ethiopia, 6Yabello Research Station, Yabello, Ethiopia, 7Save the Children, Negelle, Ethiopia, 8Save the Children, Yabello, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

Two USDA -FS (International Programs) missions to Ethiopia were completed in 2012. The primary objective of the first mission was to provide support in the development of a Community Action Plan (CAP) for the pastoralists. The planning process used in the development of the CAP followed a participatory natural resource management process. The CAP was unique in that it identified natural resource issues and also addressed social infrastructure concerns. A vision statement was developed from management activities (both natural resource and social) along with Management Objectives (MO) identified during stakeholder meetings. A draft monitoring plan was developed that identified indicators and monitoring methods that could be used to assess each MO. The primary objective of the second mission was the collection of resource data and an assessment and evaluation of grazed, ungrazed and prescribed burn areas within and outside two enclosures (kallos) on two ecological sites. Our sampling was also considered baseline information that could be used for comparison to future monitoring data. Our initial data showed that plant cover was significantly reduced and bare ground was significantly increased in the grazed areas as compared to the ungrazed areas within the kallos. Percent gaps were also higher in the grazed areas including presence of water flow patterns. Within the kallos, the recently burned areas generally showed fewer shrubs and slightly less plant and litter cover as compared to the unburned. The exception occurred where there was re-sprouting of Acacia

drepanopolium. A grazing strategy was recommended for the kallo to suppress re-sprouting shrubs and promote plant diversity. It was also recommended that prescribed fire return intervals could be more frequent on the deep soil, relatively flat terrain ecological site as compared to the shallow soil site.

TECHNICAL NOTE: USE OF SIDE-BY-SIDE UTVS FOR RANGELAND MONITORING. Jack D. Alexander III*1, Emily D. Jencso2, Gary Horton Jr.1, Brad Shelton1, William Schlegel1, Aimee Ross3; 1Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Belgrade, MT, 2Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Bozeman, MT, 3Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Belgrade, ME

ABSTRACT

Rangeland monitoring often requires extensive travel across diverse terrain. A cost-effective, safe vehicle facilitates data collection. Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., travels tens of thousands of miles each year to collect rangeland data.  We currently use side-by-side UTVs to access remote sites on rough roads and off road. UTVs provide data collectors with a safer and more comfortable way to access difficult sites and transport gear while minimizing disturbance to the environment. We have found UTVs to be more safe, more comfortable, and more effective than trucks, SUVs, ATVs, and motorcycles. Time savings are an important part of cost-effectiveness.  UTVs travel faster on bad roads and over rough terrain reducing travel time to sample sites.  UTVs are cheaper to purchase than full-size vehicles (trucks and SUVs) and hold up better when traveling on rough terrain. Safety can be analyzed as a cost savings but more importantly, we believe the presence of rollover protection structures and seat belts provide a safer mode of travel than ATVs or motorcycles. This poster will analyze the pros and cons of using UTVs for rangeland monitoring.

PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER APPLICATION ON DESERT GRAMINOIDS OF DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN. Mohamed B. Abdallah1, Ricardo Mata-Gonzalez*1, David Martin2, Jay Noller1; 1Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 2Los Angles Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles, CA

ABSTRACT

Studies in arid environments have evaluated the effect of groundwater variation and simulated precipitation on plant production and vegetation condition but it is unclear if plants respond equally to the availability of surface water or groundwater.  This study was conducted in a greenhouse to evaluate growth and physiology of three desert graminoids (Distichlis spicata, Leymus triticoides, and Juncus arcticus) as affected by surface water availability (mimicking precipitation) or subsurface water availability (mimicking groundwater).  The species of study are amply distributed in wetlands and open rangelands of western USA and were collected from two sources of ecological distribution: an area near Bishop, California, and an area near Burns, Oregon. We had two general hypotheses: 1) that the use of surface water is favored over groundwater and 2) that there are ecotypic differences in the response of the species to water availability. We examined the hypotheses by growing the species in two-layer pots in which soil water content in the upper and lower layers was controlled independently. Plants were subjected

to one of three watering treatments: water applied only to the upper layer, water applied only to the lower layer, or water applied both to upper and lower layers.  The first hypothesis was partially supported by the results of the study, but variability existed among species. However, when all species had equal access to both surface soil water and groundwater plants tended to preferentially use surface water.  The second hypothesis was clearly supported by our results.  Although the mechanism is not clear, it is possible that an area with periodic and predictable shallow groundwater underlying a dry or saline soil layer, such as the California site, might favor plant ecotypes with high proficiency in water acquisition by deeper roots. 

BENCHMARKING SOIL CARBON ACROSS ALBERTA'S GRASSLANDS: INFORMING THE VALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM GOODS AND SERVICES. Donald F. Schoderbek*1, Edward Bork1, Scott Chang2, Cameron N. Carlyle1, Daniel B. Hewins1, Walter Willms3, Mark P. Lyseng1, Barry Adams4, Mike Alexander5, Craig DeMaere5, Jennifer Richman6, Tennille Kupsch7; 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, BC, 3Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, 4Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Lethbridge, AB, 5Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Pincher Creek, AB, 6Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, AB, 7Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Red Deer, AB

ABSTRACT

Livestock production in many regions of North America is coming under significant economic pressure, including rising production costs, increasing regulatory constraints, as well as competing land uses. Revenue diversification from perennial grasslands to include environmental goods and services (EG&S) could provide an alternative framework within which these agro-ecosystems can be managed, and may provide both socio-economic and environmental benefits. Despite this, policies to reward landowners for EG&S remain poorly developed at this time. In this poster, we introduce an ongoing research project intended to more fully understand the role of grasslands in storing carbon. Where carbon storage can be increased, this process could offset increases in atmospheric CO2 associated with industrial activities. We are developing carbon profiles that include vegetation and soil components across a large number of sites in the northern temperate grasslands of Alberta, Canada. To do this, we are sampling soils inside and outside 120 long-term livestock exclosures maintained by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, and which represent a wide agro-climatic gradient (~300-500 mm precipitation) across the region. Soils will be assessed for carbon stores, and interpreted using a combination of soil physical properties, as well as detailed vegetation data. Collectively, this information will provide an understanding of the role of livestock grazing, growing conditions, and plant community composition in regulating carbon storage. We expect the results of this study to inform policy makers on the importance of grasslands for carbon storage, and help identify strategies to reward livestock producers for this environmental service.

PHENOTYPIC DIVERSITY OF PLAINS BRISTLEGRASS (SETARIA MACROSTACHYA) POPULATIONS IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO. Carlos Morales-Nieto*1, Alicia Melgoza-

Castillo2, Otilia Rivero-Hernandez2, Martin Martinez-Salvador3, Pedro Jurado-Guerra3; 1Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, Chihuahua, Mexico, 2Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, UACH, Chihuahua, Mexico, 3INIFAP, Sitio Experimental La Campana, Chihuahua, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Grasses are ecologically and economically important. They represent one of the most common taxonomic groups in rangelands and constitute the main source of feed for livestock. Plains bristlegrass (Setaria macrostachya Kunth) is a native, high forage value grass that has been heavily grazed and greatly reduced in population. The objective was to estimate morphological variability of 44 populations of Plains bristlegrass in Chihuahua State. Individuals from each population were transplanted into field plots, under rain-fed conditions in a semiarid region. Two years later, nine morphological characteristics were measured in each population. Principal component and cluster analysis were applied to the data using Ward method. Overall plant height and foliage ranged from 49 to 96 and 20 to 63 cm, respectively. Stem density and thickness ranged from 12 to 67 cm and 0.2 to 0.5 cm, respectively. Dry matter had significant correlations with other variables such as stem density (r = 0.58, P ≤ 0.0001), plant height (r = 0.53, P ≤ 0.0002) and forage height (r = 0.48 , P ≤ 0.0009). First three principal components were responsible for 73.7% of total variation. Cluster analysis integrated five groups, based on the method of linkage WARD. Populations 253 from Villa Ahumada, 308 and 323 from Casas Grandes municipalities, showed the highest potential for forage production and have potential to be released as promissory cultivars for rangeland seeding programs.

PHENOTYPIC DIVERSITY OF PLAINS BRISTLEGRASS (SETARIA MACROSTACHYA) POPULATIONS IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO. Carlos Morales-Nieto*1, Otilia Rivero Hernández2, Otilia Rivero-Hernandez3, Otilia Rivero-Hernández2, Martin Martinez-Salvador4, Pedro Jurado-Guerra4, Alicia Melgoza-Castillo3; 1Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, Chihuahua, Mexico, 2Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia-UACH, Chihuahua, Mexico, 3Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, UACH, Chihuahua, Mexico, 4INIFAP, Sitio Experimental La Campana, Chihuahua, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Grasses ecologically and economically important. They represent one of the most common taxonomic groups in rangelands and constitute the main source of feed for livestock. Plains bristlegrass (Setaria macrostachya Kunth) is a native, high forage value grass that has been heavily grazed and greatly reduced in population. The objective was to estimate morphological variability of 44 populations of Plains bristlegrass in Chihuahua State. Individuals from each population were transplanted into field plots, under rain-fed conditions in a semiarid region. Two years later, nine morphological characteristics were measured in each population. Principal component and cluster analysis were applied to the data using Ward method. Overall plant height and foliage ranged from 49 to 96 and 20 to 63 cm, respectively. Stem density and thickness ranged from 12 to 67 cm and 0.2 to 0.5 cm, respectively. Dry matter had significant correlations with other variables such as stem density (r = 0.58, P ≤ 0.0001), plant height (r = 0.53, P ≤ 0.0002) and forage height (r = 0.48 , P ≤ 0.0009). First three principal components were

responsible for 73.7% of total variation. Cluster analysis integrated five groups, based on the method of linkage WARD. Populations 253 from Villa Ahumada, 308 and 323 from Casas Grandes municipalities, showed the highest potential for forage production and have potential to be released as promissory cultivars for rangeland seeding programs.

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF PLAINS BRISTLEGRASS (SETARIA MACROSTACHYA) POPULATIONS IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO. Carlos Morales-Nieto*1, Alicia Melgoza-Castillo2, Otilia Rivero-Hernandez2, Martin Martinez-Salvador3, Pedro Jurado-Guerra3; 1Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, Chihuahua, Mexico, 2Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, UACH, Chihuahua, Mexico, 3INIFAP, Sitio Experimental La Campana, Chihuahua, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Use of molecular markers has been successful at genetic diversity studies of grasses. Plains bristlegrass (Setaria macrostachya Kunth) is a native grass with good forage value in Mexico; however, due to inadequate grazing practices its populations have been decreased. In this study, genotypic diversity of plains bristlegrass populations was explored and characterized in Chihuahua grasslands. Analysis of genetic diversity was estimated with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) with four pairs of primers. With the banding pattern a binary matrix of presence and absence of bands was made. Molecular data were analyzed using the Statistical Package NTSYSpc. Results showed 186 bands, the 56.45% (105 bands) exhibited polymorphism and 43.55% (81 bands) monomorphism. Polymorphic bands number was 44, 36, 40 and 42 for different combinations of primers EcoRI-AAG+MseI-CTG, EcoRI-ACT+MseI-CTG, EcoRI-AGG+MseI-CAG, and EcoRI-AAC+MseI-CAG, respectively. Monomorphic fragments for these same combinations were 5 for EcoRI-AAG+MseI-CTG, 12 for EcoRI-ACT+MseI-CTG, 3 for EcoRI-AGG+MseI-CAG and 4 for EcoRI-AAC+MseI-CAG. The highest percentage of polymorphism (93%) and polymorphic bands (40) was obtained with the combination of EcoRI-AGG+MseI-CAG primer. Cluster analysis, using Dice coefficient, distinguished four groups. Group I included 33 populations, group II included eight populations, group III joined only one population, and finally the group IV comprised two populations. Ecotypes with high forage potential, based on genetic variability, were 308, 507 and 252). These results are the foundation to start genetic programs on this important forage grass.

EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF GRAZING ON MICROBIAL ACTIVITY ACROSS A BIOGEOCLIMATIC GRADIENT IN NORTHERN TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS. Daniel B. Hewins*1, Edward Bork1, Cameron N. Carlyle1, Scott Chang2, Barry Adams3; 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, BC, 3Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Lethbridge, AB

ABSTRACT

Climate change is disrupting natural processes globally. Grasslands cover as much as 40% of the earth’s terrestrial surface and appropriate management could increase the amount of carbon stored in these ecosystems, thereby providing valuable offsets to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.  Presently there is limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms that may

regulate: 1) the dynamics of C cycling in grasslands, and 2) the potential for increasing C sequestration therein. Grazing practices have been shown to strongly influence plant community assemblages, which in turn, have the potential to influence C and nutrient cycling by changing the amount, timing and quality of litter inputs. Moreover, these changes are likely to occur both above and below ground, thus affecting microbial activity. As the proximate drivers of C and nutrient cycling, microbes produce extracellular enzymes responsible for converting organic matter into simpler compounds and making nutrients available for plant uptake. Ultimately, a better understanding of extracellular enzyme activities in the context of plant community change under livestock grazing will improve our understanding of the fate and residence time of C and nutrients in grasslands. We sampled soils in grazed and long-term non-grazed pastures along a biogeoclimatic gradient (~300-500 mm annual precipitation) across Alberta, Canada. Here we compare the activities of cellulase, hemicellulase, ligninase, phosphatase and glucoseaminidase, a suite of enzymes responsible for the break-down of organic substrates in the surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface soil horizons (15-30 cm), and link these to agro-climatic conditions, the presence of livestock grazing, and other soil characteristics. In the long term, our results aim to inform biogeochemical and economic models, as well as land management practices that will increase C sequestration in grasslands.

THE INFLUENCE OF PASTURE LANDSCAPE ON GERMINABLE SEED BANK HETEROGENEITY. Lysandra A. Pyle*, Edward Bork, Linda Hall; University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

ABSTRACT

Landscape variability is known to influence soil moisture, in-turn influencing soil formation and resulting plant communities. Northern temperate pastures are typically comprised of mesic grasslands separated by depressional wetlands and intermittent woodlands. The influence of topography on the plant community is easily identified above ground, but how does this vary below ground in the seed bank? In central Alberta’s Aspen Parkland, we sampled pastures to assess seed bank heterogeneity, mainly to identify the uniformity of legume seed distribution in pasture. Within each of 11 pastures, 53 soil cores, each 3.2 cm in diameter and 6 cm deep, were extracted 5 m apart in a W-shaped configuration. At each core the relative position on the landscape (upland, midslope, lowland, and flooded) and aspect were recorded. Seed from each core was germinated in individual pots, and seedlings removed and recorded once identified. We intend to use these data to quantify the heterogeneity in seed bank present of northern temperate pastures. In addition to characterizing the abundance and diversity of plant species within the seed bank at a landscape level, these results will provide important insight into the methods needed to conduct scientific investigations of pasture seed banks, including soil sampling sizes and distributions. Finally, results of this work will also help identify those species that are relatively ubiquitous in the seed bank, including those with limited seed mobility, and thus, may have particularly important conservation value.

SOIL ORGANIC CARBON ON GRASSLANDS WITH DIFFERENT RANGE CONDITION IN CHIHUAHUA. Pedro Jurado-Guerra*1, Ruben Saucedo-Teran1, Carlos Morales-Nieto2, Martin Martinez-Salvador1; 1INIFAP, Sitio Experimental La Campana, Chihuahua, Mexico, 2Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, Chihuahua, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Soil organic carbon (SOC) content of grasslands of Chihuahua might vary with range condition. The objective was to estimate SOC on three grassland types under contrasting range conditions in Chihuahua. Soil samples were collected in two different range conditions (poor and good/excellent), two microsites (bare soil and underneath grass), and two soil depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) in shortgrass prairie, bunchgrass grassland, and halophyte grassland. Soil samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the growing season in 2010 and at the end of the growing season in 2011. SOC was analyzed with element analyzer at composite samples. Data were analyzed with linear mixed models and repeated measures separately for each grassland type. Carbon stocks were estimated at 0.30 m soil depth and with soil bulk density estimated in each grassland type. Shortgrass prairie SOC varied (P≤0.0207) from 0.578±0.03% underneath blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) to 0.466±0.03% in bare soil. At the bunchgrass grassland, SOC ranged (P≤0.0364) from 1.101±0.13% in poor range condition/bare soil to 2.834±0.13% % in excellent range condition/underneath purple muhly (Muhlenbergia rigida). SOC fluctuated (P≤0.0036) from 0.315±0.07% at good range condition/15-30cm soil depth to 1.431±0.07% at excellent range condition/0-15cm soil depth in halophyte grassland. Carbon stocks varied from 18 ton ha-1 at the shortgrass prairie, 21 ton ha-1 at the halophyte grassland, and 46 ton ha-1 at the bunchgrass site. SOC varied with grassland type and was mainly affected by range condition and microsite. Bunchgrass grassland, a site with more favorable precipitation, showed the highest carbon stock.

CARBON ACCRUAL AS AFFECTED BY LIVESTOCK GRAZING ON SEMIARID GRASSLANDS OF NORTHERN MEXICO. Miguel A. Hernandez*1, Marisela Pando-Moreno1, Ricardo M. Mata-Gonzalez2, Javier Jimenez-Perez1; 1UANL, Linares, Nuevo León, Mexico, 2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

ABSTRACT

Studies of carbon storage in rangelands are important because of their ample world distribution and their potentially high contribution to worldwide carbon sequestration. The objective of this study was to determine carbon stocks on semiarid grasslands of northern Mexico under grazing and grazing-exclusion for six years. The areas of study were 1) El Salado, located on the north part of the state of San Luis Potosi, and 2) La Soledad, located in the south of the state of Nuevo Leon. The concentration of C in vegetation and soils was determined. Vegetation was sampled every three months for two years to determine aerial biomass production and variation. At the end of the experiment, representative plants were collected to determine the proportion of aerial biomass and root biomass.  Likewise, soil samples from different depths were collected to determine organic C in the laboratory. Biomass production was generally related to the variation in precipitation in El Salado, but not in La Soledad. A high C accrual from aerial biomass was obtained from areas excluded to grazing (323 kg/ha) compared to areas under grazing (141

kg/ha), but only in one of the areas or study (El Salado). On the other study area (La Soledad), grazing did not produce significant differences in C accrual. The lack of response to grazing and precipitation changes in La Soledad are perhaps related to intrinsic soil characteristics. Thus, we conclude that differences in grazing pressure are important in determinations of C sequestration but that soil characteristics can have also an important effect. Our study areas can accumulate high amounts of soil C (between 30,000 kg/ha and 50,000 kg/ha). These amounts are higher than some others reported in arid locations. The factors responsible for this high C accumulation should be further studied.

IMPACT OF VARYING TEMPERATURE AND OSMOTIC PRESSURE ON GERMINATION OF TWO DRYLAND LEGUMES. Michael P. Schellenberg*1, Fuguang Gao2, Melissa Kehler3; 1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, Canada, 2Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Peoples Republic, 3Agriculture ansd Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, SK

ABSTRACT

With future environmental conditions predicted to change to higher temperatures and drier environment combined with data indicating these trends may already beginning to occur the question of which will be adapted needs to be asked. In this experiment, two dryland legumes [Cicer milkvetch (Astragulus cicer L.) and Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.)] were selected to compare their ability to germinate under increased temperature and lower water availability conditions.  The experiment considered two-factors: germination water availability and germination temperature. Germination water potentials had osmotic potentials of 0,-0.5,-1.0 MPa, respectively. They were achieved using Polyethylene glycol dissolved in distilled water to make the desired solution, distilled water was used as the control; Germination temperatures were eight values ranging from 15℃ to 35℃ in 5℃ increments. Warmer temperatures, exceeding 25â°C, decreased germinations as did lower water potentials. Purple prairie clover had� a greater number of germinants than cicer milkvetch at the higher temperatures and greater water potentials suggesting better adaptation to the predicted future growing environment.

WESTERN MONTANA PLANT PHENOLOGY ACROSS AN ELEVATION GRADIENT IN NATIVE AND EXOTIC RANGE. Rebecca A. Durham*1, Dan L. Mummey2, Marirose Kuhlman3, Nathan S. Gordon3, Philip W. Ramsey2; 1MPG Ranch, Missoula, MT, 2MPG Ranch, Florence, MT, 3MPG Ranch, Missoula, MT

ABSTRACT

Plant phenology data provide insight into plant community assemblage, ecosystem changes due to global environmental change, and the interrelationship between plants and insect/animal behavior. Knowledge of timing of vegetative and reproductive stages has management implications in controlling non-native range species. We collected species level plant phenology data in the Northern Sapphire Mountains of the Bitterroot Valley, Montana. Species at 26 sites were monitored weekly for plant developmental stage during one growing season. Sites ranged from 1005m to 1822m and included native and exotic range. Analyses address plant phenology

in regards to local climate, plant functional groups, plant families, native status, microsite conditions, and plant structure. For 70 species, we show plant stage from emergence to senescence, including date of emergence, budding, flowering, fruiting, mature fruit presence, and senescence. We compare native plant phenology to that of non-natives. The dominant exotic forbs emerge early, and flower and set seed later in the season than most natives. This suggests that to minimize damage to native species, herbicide treatment should occur late in the season when most native plants have senesced. These data will be used to plan seed collection efforts and herbicide application. Subsequent years of this long-term monitoring project will illuminate changes in plant patterns due to changing climatic conditions.

LONG-TERM VEGETATION TRENDS OF GRAZED AND UNGRAZED RANGELANDS IN NEVADA. Melissa M. Mahlberg*1, Kaci B. Spahan1, Tracy L. Shane1, Barry Perryman2; 1Great Basin College, Elko, NV, 2University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV

ABSTRACT

Prior to 1934, cattle grazing on Nevada rangelands went largely unregulated which resulted in severely degraded ecosystems. After enactment of the Taylor Grazing Act in 1934, 28 Nevada Plot exclosures were erected to monitor secondary plant succession between grazed and non-grazed areas. The exclusion of livestock from nine intact sites remaining in 2013 provided 76 years of ungrazed vegetation to compare with today’s managed grazing lands. This study focused on determining if a difference could be detected in vegetation cover and density between the vegetation inside and outside of the exclosures.  Density and percent cover of perennial vegetation was collected from five 50 meter transects from inside and outside the exclosure to assess the vegetation composition. The 2013 study found a difference in percent cover at only one site and a difference in density at two sites. The Pyramid Lake #2 site showed a greater percentage of vegetation cover inside (20±5) as compared to outside (8±2) the exclosure. Density was found to be greater outside the exclosure at both the Connors Station [inside (8±1) vs. outside (17±1)] and Wellington [inside (4±0.4) vs. outside (19±5)] sites. Courtois et al. (2004) showed similar findings for density at the Connors Station and Wellington sites, but the difference in percent cover at Pyramid Lake #2 was not detected previously. Courtois et al. had also found differences at other sites that were not detectable in the 2013 study. The changes in density and percent cover from the 2004 study to the 2013 study may be due to variation in precipitation or a response to intermediate grazing disturbances. The long-term vegetation trends may bring to light the positive or negative impacts of managed livestock grazing and assist land managers in rangeland grazing practices.

IMPACTS OF DISTANCE TO PIPELINE DISTURBANCE ON HALIMOLOBOS VIRGATA POPULATIONS AND HABITAT IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA. Meghan Nannt*1, Anne Naeth2; 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

ABSTRACT

Halimolobos virgata (Nutt.) O.E. Schulz (slender mouse ear cress) is a plant species at risk in the Dry Mixed Grass ecoregion of Southern Alberta. This ecoregion alone contains over 392,000 km of oil and gas pipelines. Little is known about effects disturbances such as pipelines can have on prairie plant species at risk and their critical habitat in Alberta. A set back of 300 m from species at risk is recommended for activities such as pipelines by Environment Canada. Specific scientific literature for conserving species at risk in grassland ecosystems is not readily available. This research focuses on effects of 3 year old pipeline construction and reclamation on Halimolobos virgata and its associated critical habitat on the right-of-way and varying distances from it. Soil and vegetation were assessed around individual plants and at varying distances from the centre of the pipeline to understand effects of disturbance on individual plants and their habitat. The research aims to determine the distance needed between rare plant species and pipelines to protect individuals and their critical habitat. Results can be used by resource managers to determine appropriate pipeline routes and mitigation strategies. Valuable information on the biology and response of these species to a disturbance in their habitat will contribute to recovery strategies. The research can be applied to other disturbances and habitats to aid in balancing human disturbance and environmental integrity.

COMPARING ECOSYSTEM IMPACTS OF UNCONVENTIONAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ON WESTERN US RANGELANDS. Kristie Maczko*1, Urs P. Kreuter2, William E. Fox III3, John A. Tanaka4, Cliff S. Duke5, Lori A. Hidinger6, John E. Mitchell7, Daniel W. McCollum7; 1Sustainable Rangelands Roundtable - University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 2Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 3Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Temple, TX, 4University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 5Ecological Society of America, Washington, DC, 6Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 7USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

More diverse energy sources are needed for countries to progress towards energy independence.  The USA Task Force on Strategic Unconventional Fuels concluded that achieving this objective requires development of a domestic unconventional fuels industry. Rangelands cover 50 to 70 percent of the earth’s terrestrial surface and dominate much of the western USA, representing a major source of alternative energies. The Integrated Social, Economic and Ecological Conceptual (ISEEC) framework was developed by the Sustainable Rangeland Roundtable to identify biophysical-socioeconomic links that influence delivery of ecosystem services affected by alternative uses of rangelands.  The framework’s use for selecting suitable indicators to monitor changes in the biophysical-socioeconomic links affected by energy development is also demonstrated. This type of approach can potentially enhance coordination between federal, state and local agencies attempting to set polices and regulations for sustainable development of unconventional energy resources on rangelands.  In North America, many untapped renewable energy resources are associated with rangelands.  Summarized herein is the potential of western rangelands for future production of three energy technologies; natural gas, biofuel and wind

energy.  These energy sources are vertically distributed - below, at, and above ground level – thus, their respective development will likely affect rangeland ecosystems in different ways. After establishing key links affecting delivery and use of ecosystem services from rangelands with respect to alternative energy sources, the next step is monitoring changes in these links.  The ISEEC framework is used to hypothesize 10 biophysical and socio-economic links. By identifying SRR criteria and indicators to monitor each link, a mechanism is provided for systematically testing the hypothesized effect of each link and tracking changes in links over time.  This work can be viewed as a first step toward implementation of energy development approaches that minimize impacts on rangeland ecosystems and introduce responsive management practices to mitigate impacts.

HERBICIDE AND SEEDING EFFECTS ON SOIL MICROBIOTA AS DETERMINED BY PHOSPHOLIPID FATTY ACID ANALYSIS. Beth Fowers*, Brian A. Mealor, Caley K. Gasch; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

Reclamation efforts are aimed at restoring ecosystem structure and function through reestablishment of desirable vegetation. Many restoration efforts focus only on monitoring vegetation response, although soil microbial communities can affect an ecosystem and may be an important factor when considering recovery. Response of soil microbial communities to herbicides is not well documented. A study on reclamation options including seeding desirable species and herbicide application to control weeds was conducted. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of various herbicides and the resulting plant cover on soil microbiota in a reclamation setting. Soil samples (top 10 cm) were collected from each herbicide treatment at one field site in mid-August 2012 after late summer precipitation, following a dry spring and summer. Samples were analyzed using a modified Bligh-Dyer methodology of phospholipid fatty acid analysis which gives an estimate of relative abundance after which microbial signatures were grouped into functional types. Herbicides had no effect on microbial communities. Regressions showed some significant positive relationships between annual forb cover and saprotrophic and protozoa populations (p<0.05). However, increases in microbial abundances of those groups were very small, roughly 0.1 ug fatty acid per g soil difference. Regression of perennial grass and microbial population showed no relationship at an alpha of 0.05. However, AM fungi regressed with perennial grass had a p=0.0665, indicating a slight positive biological association. Microbial activity is greatest when moisture levels are higher, so it is possible that some herbicide and microbial effects were not observable because of the late season sampling.

SEEDLING GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS OF SANDBERG&RSQUO;S BLUEGRASS AND CHEATGRASS. Lauren N. Stoffel*1, Dan L. Mummey2; 1Missoula, MT, 2MPG Ranch, Florence, MT

ABSTRACT

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) germinates in the fall and early spring when other plants are dormant.  This allows the plant to fill in space, use available nutrients, and outcompete neighboring plants. Sandberg’s bluegrass (Poa secunda) germinates concurrently with cheatgrass. The phenological similarities of Sandberg’s bluegrass and cheatgrass suggest that adult Sandberg’s bluegrass is a strong competitor with cheatgrass. Here, we examine how different populations of Sandberg’s bluegrass compete with cheatgrass at the seedling stage. We examined the growth characteristics of seedlings of seven field-collected populations of Sandberg’s bluegrass and cheatgrass at two different temperature regimes. We placed 50 seeds per biotype in germination pouches in a growth chamber for three weeks in a high (20C day and 10C night) and low (10C day and 5C night) temperature setting. We monitored pouches every two days and recorded germination timing. Once roots were visible, we scanned each pouch and analyzed root length every two days.  After three weeks, we harvested and scanned each plant and measured final root and shoot length. The germination timing and root length differed between biotypes.  Populations of Sandberg’s bluegrass which exhibited early germination and faster growth rates could have a better chance at establishment when in competition with cheatgrass. Populations with greater growth rates in cooler temperatures could potentially be planted in fall and fill niche space which could otherwise be taken up by cheatgrass. 

NATIVES OR NONNATIVES FOR RESTORATION, GOOD OR BAD, OUR 2006 BUCKSKIN FIRE EXPERIANCE. Richard D. Madril*1, Kim T. Anderson Ph.D.2, Raymond Brinkerhoff3, Brian Taylor3, William Bate3; 1Bureau of Land Management, Kanab, UT, 2United States Forest Service, Price, UT, 3Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Kanab, UT

ABSTRACT

Following the June 6, 2006 Buckskin Fire, a multi-agency effort was initiated to rehabilitate and protect the 1,400 acres of prime mule deer habitat that had burned.  This group included the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the Cedar City BLM District, and GSENM staff.  To maximize success of the restoration effort a mix of native and non-native species was applied to the burn area. This was followed by chaining of the burned and dead trees and aerial application of additional seed including forage kochia (Kochia prostrata). This multi scale effort allowed the GSENM the opportunity to study, in situ, the changes and fluctuations of different classes and types of vegetation over long term conditions.  Four monitoring sites were established in mid-July 2006, just after the burn but prior to chaining.  Data at the plots have been collected annually since 2006.  The results show establishment of native non-seeded and seeded species took longer to occur.  Kochia prostrata, has not expanded as predicted but became established on the site the following spring. Timing of precipitation appeared to be a factor in the success of plant establishment in 2007. The information collected may also help in determining possible effects of climate change.  Monitoring and data collection will continue into 2015.

REGIONAL RESILIENCE VS. EXOTIC DOMINATION AFTER MOWING WYOMING BIG SAGEBRUSH FUEL BREAKS. Sherman R. Swanson*1, John Swanson1, Peter Murphy1, Kent McAdoo2, Brad Schultz3; 1University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 2University of Nevada, Reno, Elko, NV, 3University of Nevada, Reno, Winnemucca, NV

ABSTRACT

Wyoming big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) rangelands across Nevada’s various regions, major land resource areas (MLRA), ecological sites, and elevation zones have been mowed for fuels management. Shrub mowing can promote healthy and more resilient, Wyoming big sagebrush plant communities that are less flammable and less likely to transition to a state dominated by exotics following wildfire.  Or, mowing can favor exotic and highly flammable vegetation.  Responses vary by geographic location (p<0.05). We tested hypotheses across northern and central Nevada by analyzing soil surface and vegetation cover data from 76 unmowed and adjacent sites mowed between 2001 and 2010.  Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and exotic forb responses were negatively correlated with elevation and were not a problem above 6000 feet. Bare soil decreased (mowed minus unmowed) most and cheatgrass increased most in Northwest Nevada and the Malheur High Plateau and Humboldt Area MLRAs (23 & 24). Sagebrush cover decreased most in Northeast Nevada and Owyhee High Plateau MLRA (25).  Exotic forbs increased most in Northwest Nevada and the Humboldt Area MLRA (24). In Northwest Nevada (MLRA 23), with a lower proportion of summer precipitation, cheatgrass and exotic forb increases were greater and they correlated with the relative cover of sagebrush. Native or perennial grass increases correlated with unmowed cover of sagebrush at low elevations and in northeast Nevada (MLRA 25). Litter increased more in the loamy 8-10 than either the drought loam 8-10 or loamy 10-14 ecological sites. Differing responses by geographic area suggest why different mowing studies may show conflicting results.

NORTHERN TALLGRASS RANGELAND RESTORATION THROUGH INTERSEEDING NATIVE PLANTS. Austin T. Link*1, Shawn DeKeyser2; 1NDSU, Fargo, ND, 2North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

ABSTRACT

Degraded rangelands in southeastern North Dakota are increasing in frequency. Specific problems associated with this case of rangeland degradation are a loss of biodiversity, increasing abundance of invasive species, reduced forage quantity and quality, loss of habitat, and increased risk of erosion. In order to address these problems, and restore rangelands to a healthy prairie ecosystem, an interseeding trial was designed to analyze a variety of pre-seeding treatments including control, burning, herbicide, seeding only, and a burn herbicide combination. 3 reps were used for each treatment in grazed and ungrazed plots. Clipping data was gathered in 2012 and 2013 using .25 m2 quadrats to sample 6 points/treatment/rep ultimately determining changes in production and biodiversity. Analysis of the 2012 clipping data showed significantly higher total production in the ungrazed seed, herbicide treatment than in the ungrazed seed only and ungrazed burn, seed treatments. Grazed seed, herbicide seedbed treatments showed significantly higher production than control and seed only treatments. The 2012 and 2013 results the will be used to provide rangeland technical assistance through media development and consultation with relevant land managers and ranchers. These efforts aim to restore and maintain the biological integrity and increase sustainable production of forages.

PERENNIAL RESILIENCE VS. EXOTIC DOMINATION AFTER MOWING WYOMING BIG SAGEBRUSH FUEL BREAKS. Sherman R. Swanson*1, John Swanson1, Peter Murphy1,

Kent McAdoo2, Brad Schultz3; 1University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 2University of Nevada, Reno, Elko, NV, 3University of Nevada, Reno, Winnemucca, NV

ABSTRACT

Extensive Wyoming big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) rangelands of the Great Basin have been mowed for fuels management. Shrub mowing can promote healthy Wyoming big sagebrush plant communities that are more resilient, less flammable and less likely to transition to a state dominated by exotics following wildfire.  Or, mowing can favor exotic vegetation.  Given these divergent potential effects, managers need enhanced capabilities for predicting mowing outcomes.  We tested hypotheses across northern and central Nevada by analyzing soil surface and vegetation cover data from 76 unmowed and adjacent strips mowed between 2001 and 2010.  Mowing increased litter, basal live vegetation cover, and foliar cover of perennial grasses, herbaceous exotics, cheatgrass, and exotic forbs.  It decreased cover of sagebrush, cryptogams, and bare soil. Response of native grass correlated with native grass, cheatgrass, and native and exotic forbs in paired unmowed areas. Native herb dominance in mowed areas increased with up to 15-20% native grass cover.  Mowing increased herbaceous cover of native perennials more than exotic annuals where unmowed exotics were not dominant or subdominant. Foliar, absolute, and relative cover of mowed cheatgrass and exotic forbs inversely correlated (p<0.01) with unmowed sagebrush relative cover. Cover shifts (from control to mowed) of bare soil, rocks, native graminoids, all graminoids, and other shrubs correlated with unmowed sagebrush cover and relative cover.  Low native grass cover appears to increase risk of post-mowing exotics domination, especially where cheatgrass was greater than about 10%. Mowed cheatgrass cover correlated with both native and exotic forbs in unmowed areas. The best herbaceous cover variables for predicting herbaceous responses following mowing are native grass and cheatgrass.  Locations most likely to respond positively have herbaceous vegetation dominated by perennial grasses, have little cover of cheatgrass or other annuals, and are dominated by sagebrush, especially if it is not too large.

ECONOMICS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF BIOSOLIDS TO REHABILITATE OLD BOER LOVEGRASS PASTURES IN NORTHERN SONORA, M&EACUTE;XICO. Martha H. Martin-Rivera*1, Fernando A. Ibarra-Flores1, Salomon Moreno-Medina2, Alfredo Aguilar-Valdez3, Fernando A. Ibarra-Martin1, Francisco G. Denogean-Ballesteros2, Rafael Retes-Lopez1; 1University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico, 2University of Sonora, Santa Ana, Mexico, 3University Antonio Narro, Torreon, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Forage production with Boer lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula var. conferta) increases two to three fold as compared to native grasses but productivity declines as stands become old. This study was conducted at Cananea, Sonora, México to evaluate forage responses of old Boer lovegrass stands following biosolids applications and to evaluate the economic impact. Biosolids were hand-applied during 2006 on triplicate 25 m2 plots. Variables evaluated were plant density, height, basal cover, forage production, changes in animal carrying capacity and net income. All variables were measured three growing seasons after biosolids application. A randomized complete block design was used. Data was analyzed by ANOVA (P≤0.05). Plant density, height,

and basal cover were significantly increased (P≤0.05) by biosolids. Boer lovegrass density increased from 43.2 to 67.6 %; plant height increased from 36.7 to 41.6 %; and basal cover increased from 37.0 to 52.4 % in plots treated with biosolids at rates of 25 and 50 t/ha, respectively. Total forage production averaged 0.96 t/ha dry matter basis in the checks and increased 69.8 and 113.3 % on plots treated with 25 and 50 t/ha of biosolids, respectively. Biosolids significantly increased Boer lovegrass plant density, height, basal cover and forage production even three growing seasons after application at rates of 25 and 50 t/ha in a semiarid rangelands. Ranchers using biosolids may almost double the grazing capacity and the production potential of their rangelands. Ranchers using biosolids to restore productivity in old Boer lovegrass stands may increase income from $127.30 to 245.20 pesos/ha/year.

PROFITABILITY OF TRONADOR® HERBICIDE TO CONTROL BRITTLEBUSH IN BUFFELGRASS PASTURES AT CENTRAL SONORA, M&EACUTE;XICO. Fernando A. Ibarra-Flores*1, Martha H. Martin-Rivera1, Salomon Moreno-Medina2, Jared Atondo-Murrieta3, Fernando A. Ibarra-Martin1, Francisco G. Denogean-Ballesteros2, Rafael Retes-Lopez1; 1University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico, 2University of Sonora, Santa Ana, Mexico, 3Dow AgroSciences, Hermosillo, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Profitability of controlling high densities of brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) in buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) pastures is not well documented. The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Tronador® herbicide to control brittlebush and the benefit-cost relation associated with infestation reduction. Treatments were: Tronador® at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% in water, Tordon 101® 1.0% in water and the untreated check. The herbicide was applied to the foliage in 40 m2 plots during the summer of 2010 by using a back sprayer. Evaluated variables were: brush mortality, grass density, height, basal cover and forage production of buffelgrass and native grasses. A randomized complete block design was used with 6 treatments and 3 replications. All variables were analyzed by ANOVA. Financial runs were conducted by using a computer program for Project analysis and formulation. Tronador® herbicide controlled 20, 80, 100 and 100% of brittlebush at rates of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%, and Tordon 101® at 1% controlled 100% of plants. Neither native grasses nor buffelgrass plants were damaged by the herbicide. Buffelgrass density, height, basal cover and forage production was increased 28.8 to122.8% with herbicide application. Herbicide treated areas produced annually 1.3 tons of additional dry forage per hectare. Mean annual income during the projected 14 years was $241.6 and $597.6 pesos/ha in a ranch without and with the application of Tronador® at 1.5% as brush control practices, respectively. A producer with a brittlebush invasion problem which applies these herbicide for vegetation control may gain additionally $356.00 pesos/ha, annually.

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DYNAMICS IN PLANT COMPOSITION IN TWO PASTURE-TYPES ON A SUBTROPICAL CATTLE RANCH. Julia H. Maki*1, Elizabeth H. Boughton2; 1MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center, Lake Placid, FL, 2Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, FL

ABSTRACT

Pastures are composed of many plant species ranging from planted grasses and native species to invasive pest plants, and composition directly influences the quality and quantity of forage. Many factors drive plant composition of pastures including nutrient availability, disturbance (natural and human-induced) and climate.  Understanding the factors influencing pasture composition is important for informed management to maximize beneficial over pest plants.  In this study we examine seasonal differences in pasture composition across spatial scales between two pasture-types: 1) intensively managed improved pastures (IMP) and 2) less managed semi-native pastures (SNP).Plant species assessments were conducted in 12 pastures at MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center, distributed evenly among IMP (planted with bahiagrass, fertilized, and ditched) and SNP (native grasses, not fertilized and less ditched.)  We used a modified Whittaker plot to sample vegetation; a nested design with plots at 4 spatial scales from 1m2 to 1,000m2.  Data was collected in February and June of 2011. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination was used to assess community similarities between pasture types, and log-log species area curves were created to compare species richness for each cumulative area sampled. As expected, there were more species found (68) in the wet summer season compared to winter (57).  In both winter and summer, perennial grasses contributed the greatest percentage of cover in each pasture type. Certain pest species were encountered more often in the improved pastures, including thistles (10.2% of IMP plots, 2.3% of SNP plots), and smutgrass (4.9% IMP, 2.7% SNP). Other pest species like dog fennel were encountered with similar frequencies in both pasture types (5.7% IMP, 4.5% SNP). In both pasture types species richness increased significantly across all spatial scales, suggesting that species diversity is patchy and that smaller sized plots may underestimate richness in large expansive pastures. Monitoring at multiple spatial scales may also allow for the early detection of invasive species, which can allow for more target and cost-effective management. This data only provide preliminary insights into seasonal patterns and spatial scale in pasture composition. We plan to implement a more in-depth pasture monitoring program that links plant composition, pasture management, and cattle activity.

EFFECTS OF MECHANICAL DISTURBANCES ON THE INVASION OF EXOTIC GRASSES IN THE SONORAN DESERT. Felix Ayala-A.*, Francisco G. Denogean B., Salomon Moreno M., Ana Bertha Martinez D., Luis Ernesto Gerlach B.; Universidad de Sonora, Santa Ana, Sonora, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Severe droughts and past abuses by overgrazing are present in part or most rangelands and sometimes drastic manipulations of the rangeland ecosystem are required or desired to reestablish herbaceous vegetation. In the 1980´s permits were issued to the state of Sonora in

Mexico for clearing existing vegetation by bulldozer followed by the seeding with buffelgrass, with the intention of increasing productivity of forage for livestock. Seeding cleared areas with monocultures of introduced species negatively affects habitat quality for important wildlife species; and they often expand well beyond sites where they have been seeded and replace native vegetation. Our objectives were to evaluate vegetation diversity 25 years after clearings, and to determine the effects of aeration on the invasion of exotic grasses on previously disturbed and undisturbed desert scrub vegetation. The study was conducted in the southern end of the Sonoran Desert in the state of Sonora, Mexico. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Treatments evaluated were: aeration, aeration on previous cleared area 25 years before, cleared area 25 years before, and control. Response variables included canopy cover of woody plants, canopy cover of herbaceous plants and native species richness. The indicators of aeration as management practice on the southern end of the Sonoran desert reflect an increase in herbaceous vegetation.

UNDERSTORY VEGETATION RESPONSE TO MECHANICAL MASTICATION OF PINON AND JUNIPER FORESTS. Jordan Bybee*1, Bruce A. Roundy1, April Hulet2, Kert Young1, Darrell Roundy1; 1Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 2USDA-ARS, Burns, OR

ABSTRACT

Mechanical mastication (shredding) is an increasingly popular method of removing piñon and juniper trees in Utah. We compared vegetation cover on shredded or shredded/seeded and adjacent unshredded areas on 44 sites. The objective of this study was to evaluate how ecological site (sagebrush-encroached or tree sites), treatment, and pretreatment tree cover affected the response of the functional groups (shrubs, perennial herbaceous understory, and cheatgrass) of interest. Mixed model analysis of covariance and the Tukey test were used to determine significant differences among ecological site type and treatment combinations for each 5% increment of pretreatment tree cover. Shrub cover was unaffected by treatment.  Generally, shredding increased perennial herbaceous understory cover on both ecological site types, even at high pretreatment tree cover. This was especially true for the shredded/seeded treatment. Cheatgrass also increased in cover with tree shredding although to a lesser extent on shredded/seeded treatments, indicating some suppression of cheatgrass by seeding.  Tree shredding not only reduces canopy fuels and facilitates fire suppression, but also maintains shrub cover and stimulates growth of desirable perennial herbaceous species. Appropriate management of PJ forests based on ecological site and tree cover can better create and maintain a productive understory.

STRATEGIES FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF GRASS IN GRASSLAND REVEGETATION.Raul Corrales-Lerma*1, Carlos Morales-Nieto2; 1Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, UACH, Chihuahua, Mexico, 2Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecologia, Chihuahua, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate alternatives in the grasslands revegetation in poor condition. The experiment one consisted in reseeding blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), side oat grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) and weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula). Four densities were evaluated: control treatment 100% (T "1"), two 125% treatment (T "2"), three treatment 75% (T "3") and four 50% treatment (T "4 "). The variables evaluated were plant density (PD), plant height (PH) and tiller diameter (TD). In the second experiment was evaluated different seed beds, range restored (SB-1), disc harrow (SB-2) and roller aerator (SB-3), using a grass mix. Dry matter production was estimated. Statistical analysis included seed density and species as fixed effects and their interaction, using a 3 x 4 factorial completely randomized blocks and five replicates per treatment. For the experiment conducted two ANOVA and comparison of means. In both experiments was used the GLM procedure of SAS. The number of plants was higher (104) in Weeping lovegrass (P ≤ 0.001) with respect to side oats grama  (21 and 17 plants/m2). The plant height was higher (14.2 cm) in weeping lovegrass (P ≤ 0.001) with respect to the side oats grama (1.3 and 1.1 cm). The diameter of tillering in plants was higher (1.13 cm) on weeping lovegrass (P ≤ 0.001) compared with blue grama and side oats grama (0.82 and 0.76 cm). Forage production in with roller aerator, was lower (P <0.05) than in the range restored and harrow discs (207, 305 and 389 kg DM ha-1). Weeping lovegrass showed a better performance in emergence and survival, compared with blue grama and sideoats grama in PS, PH and TD. Seedbed prepared with a roller aerator, was lower in ability for DM ha-1 production, compared with seedbed prepared with range restored and disc harrow.

ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIVE PERENNIAL GRASSES IN THE PRESENCE OF CHEATGRASS AND IMAZAPIC. Shayla A. Burnett*, Brian A. Mealor; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), a significant weed in the western US, easily inhibits revegetation efforts following ecosystem disturbance. Imazapic is a commonly used herbicide for cheatgrass management, but more information is needed regarding effective application timing for restoration efforts. Three native perennial grasses important for restoration projects include: western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Á. Löve), needle and thread (Hesperostipa comata (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth), and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis (Willd. Ex Kunth) Lag. Ex Griffiths). We aimed to determine (1) if native species establishment exhibited a tradeoff between cheatgrass competition and injury from herbicide and (2) if this differed between a pre- or post-emergent application of imazapic at 70 g ai ha-1. A standard replacement series design was used with 5 proportions of each of the three native species (0% or cheatgrass monoculture, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% or native monoculture). Three herbicide treatments (no herbicide, pre-emergent, and post-emergent) were compared. The 39 treatments were replicated 5 times in a randomized complete block design. After 9 weeks, aboveground biomass was harvested, dried, and relative yield (RY) indices calculated to assess competitive ability. Both imazapic applications reduced cheatgrass biomass (p<0.05). Western wheatgrass and needle and thread biomass were reduced less by a pre than post application but either timing equally reduced blue grama (p<0.05). Without imazapic, cheatgrass produced more biomass than native species with this difference less pronounced as the proportion of native species increased (p<0.05). RY and RYT values were lower than expected indicating: 1) interspecific competition was more

important than intraspecific and 2) mutual antagonism between the species. In situations where cheatgrass may impact restoration efforts, pre-emergent applications of imazapic at 70 g ai ha-1 will reduce cheatgrass with less negative impacts on newly-seeded native grasses than post-emergent. Ensuring sufficient proportions of native species on the site may reduce cheatgrass.

TEMPORAL RESILIENCE VS. EXOTIC DOMINATION AFTER MOWING WYOMING BIG SAGEBRUSH FUEL BREAKS. Sherman R. Swanson*1, John Swanson1, Peter Murphy1, Kent McAdoo2, Brad Schultz3; 1University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 2University of Nevada, Reno, Elko, NV, 3University of Nevada, Reno, Winnemucca, NV

ABSTRACT

Mowing Wyoming big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) rangelands can provide short-term to long-term benefits for management of fuels, wildlife habitat, and rangeland health depending on changes in the plant community through time. Shrub mowing can promote healthy Wyoming big sagebrush plant communities that are more resilient, less flammable and less likely to transition to domination by exotics following wildfire.  Or, mowing can favor exotic vegetation. Either immediate response could change with time and management. We tested hypotheses across northern and central Nevada by analyzing soil surface and vegetation cover data from unmowed and adjacent sites mowed up to 10 years previously. Mowing occurred only once at 69 of the 76 locations. Live sagebrush cover was lower in mowed areas in all age classes. Dead sagebrush declined with time (p<0.001) and always became lower than in unmowed adjacent sites after nine years. Sagebrush relative cover differed by age class and was up to 30-35% after 5-6 years. However the shift in live sagebrush cover (unmowed minus mowed) did not vary across age classes, suggesting the relative cover difference was caused by annual or perennial herbaceous plants. Mowed perennial and native grass cover was greater than in unmowed areas in all age classes. Litter cover was higher whereas bare soil and cryptogam cover was lower than in unmowed areas in all age classes. Cryptogam and native forb cover declined with age of the mowing (p<0.001 & p<0.02). Native grass increased with age of mowing (p=0.01). Exotic forbs were significantly greater than in unmowed areas only in the 1-2 year increment and appeared to greatly diminish by year seven.  Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) did not change significantly with age and was significantly (p<0.05) greater than in unmowed areas only in age classes 1-2 and 9-10.  It’s increase was greater than perennials at only 15 of 76 locations. Mowed areas become more resilient with age except in areas where cheatgrass appeared to persist or increase as native forbs declined.

STATUS REPORT ON SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES OF POLE MOUNTAIN WETLANDS, MEDICINE BOW NATIONAL FOREST; ALBANY COUNTY, WYOMING. Joy Handley*; University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

Systematic surveys were conducted for Sensitive wetland plants on Pole Mountain, Medicine Bow National Forest.  At the start of the project, three species designated Sensitive by U.S.

Forest Service (USFS) were known from single locations.  As a result of surveys, the original records were greatly expanded and the three Sensitive species are now known from eleven locations.  In addition, four other Wyoming species of concern were documented, and new information was collected on nine other USFS Species of Local Concern in wetland habitats of the study area. The Sensitive species are highly-restricted on the Pole Mountain landscape. The habitat information and wetland documentation that were addressed as part of Sensitive plant surveys contribute information on rare plant species habitat requirements and Pole Mountain wetlands in general.

SAGA OF THE BI-STATE SAGE-GROUSE PLANNING EFFORT TO ADDRESS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES LISTING. Shelia Anderson1, Tracey J. Wolfe*2; 1Resource Concepts, Inc., Carson City, NV, 2USDA-NRCW, Wellington, NV

ABSTRACT

   The Bi-State DPS comprises a genetically unique meta-population of greater sage-grouse that defines the far southwestern limit of the species’ range. This genetic distinction may be the result of natural geologic events and subsequent long-term geographic isolation based on prevailing physiographic and habitat condition. A collaborative approach for conservation of the Bi-State greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) was initiated in 2002 by the Bi-State Local Area Working Group (LAWG) under the guidance of the Nevada Governor’s Sage Grouse Conservation Team. Over the past ten years, resource management agencies and stakeholders have implemented actions for long-term conservation of greater sage-grouse in the Bi-State area. The collaborative partnerships and efforts stemming from the LAWG have had a positive influence on sage-grouse conservation and management decisions in the Bi-State area.  Final determination for listing occurred in September, 2013.

CREATING AND UTILIZING NESTED NICHE MODELS FOR GREATER SAGE-GROUSE (CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS) HABITAT IN THE STATE OF UTAH. Chris s. Balzotti*1, Philip Dennison2, Randy Larsen3, Steven L. Petersen4, Mitchell Power2, Richard Forster2; 1University of Utah, provo, UT, 2University of Utah, Salt Lake, UT, 3Brigham Young University, provo, UT, 4Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

ABSTRACT

Concern over greater sage-grouse management has increased over recent years and Utah land managers are in the process of improving their sage-grouse protection plans. Some of the challenges to sage-grouse management in Utah include extent of potential habitat, cost of assessment and diverse land ownership (private, BLM, DWR, Forest Service, Native American, etc.). To assist with this process, we created state-wide predictive models using multiple methods to delineate potential sage-grouse habitat. Non-parametric multiplicative regression was utilized to create sagebrush presence models. Total vegetation cover models were created using generalized additive models. These were then combined with topographic and climate variables in Maxent, Hyperniche and Random Forest to delineate potential sage-grouse habitat. A combined sage-grouse model was created utilizing outputs from all 3 models. All models were assessed using both model strength (during creation) and validation (as defined by overall accuracy compared to field collected data). Additionally, the models were used to identify potential corridors for current and future sage-grouse population movements.  

INCORPORATING RANGE DATA AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL IN RELATED DISCIPLINES. Suzi Miller1, Rick Krause1, Jack D. Alexander III*2, Emily D. Jencso3, Gary E. Horton Jr.3; 1The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, Warm Springs, OR, 2Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Belgrade, MT, 3Synergy Resource Solutions, Inc., Bozeman, MT

ABSTRACT

The quantification of habitat attributes and vegetation composition changes (range trend) on the 420,000 acres of rangeland within the Warm Springs Reservation is an important part of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon’s (CTWSRO) Integrated Management Plan. Observers collected rangeland data at 504 plots (206 quantitative, 298 qualitative). Data attributes included species composition by weight, vegetation production, multi-level canopy and soil cover, percent cover, soil stability, canopy and basal gap, and rangeland health.  These attributes can be analyzed to provide multi-disciplinary management input. GIS analysis provided integration of percent cover, palatability factors, water availability, and slope, in order to determine livestock carrying capacity. CTWSRO wildlife biologists are able to use the same attribute data to determine carrying capacity for big game populations, design habitat improvement projects, and revise big game management plans. The Fuels Department utilizes the data as inputs to fire models.

HOW WE APPROACH PRACTICAL RANGE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION FOR NATIVE LANDS IN ARIZONA. Doug Tolleson*; University of Arizona, Camp Verde, AZ

ABSTRACT

The state of Arizona is home to 22 American Indian Tribes, Nations, or Communities. Twenty one federally-recognized Indian reservations are found here. More than 30% of the land base in the state is under some form of legal Indian jurisdiction. The University of Arizona's participation in the Federally Recognized Tribe Extension Program began in 1990. There are 7

University of Arizona Extension offices associated with tribes, and several of the nations have their own agricultural or natural resource departments. So, the basis for working with Native American students, ranchers and natural resource professionals in association with the university is well established. There are several ongoing extension activities such as the Range Livestock Nutrition Program workshops for the Navajo, Hualapai, and San Carlos Apache, the Hopi Field Day for Farmers and Ranchers, the Hopi Trail Ride/Range Tour and Hopi Youth Range/Natural Resources Camp. The range rides and tours are in particular very hands on and deal with specific topics on the ground. We also conduct opportunistic activities on invitation such as range monitoring field days for tribal personnel and or ranchers. The Arizona Section of SRM also has an active Native Range Committee and has conducted several Native Range sessions in our annual meetings. Tribal members serve in leadership positions within the section.

RANGELAND MONITORING. Virginia Yazzie-Ashley*; US Forest Service, Grants, NM

ABSTRACT

Monitoring is a collection, analysis and interpretation of resource information used to document changes in key areas on rangelands over time.  Monitoring can be applied to any actions to determine if the goals and objectives are being met.  The objective here will be to emphasize the importance of rangeland monitoring.  Land managers and ranchers often would like to see the rangelands they own or managed be sustainable and productive to provide for livestock and wildlife grazing.  Monitoring provides a basis for rangeland management, planning, inventory and assessment.   The presentation would also include the timing and frequency of monitoring, selection of attributes and methods. Keywords: monitoring, key areas, timing, frequency, attributes.

APPLICATION OF GRAZING UTILIZATION MEASUREMENTS. Dennis Becenti*1, Doug Tolleson2; 1NRCS (retired), Ft Defiance, AZ, 2University of Arizona, Camp Verde, AZ

ABSTRACT

Herbivory is the process by which animals consume plants to acquire nutrients. Grazing is a form of herbivory that is often distinguished as a process involving livestock harvesting primarily grasses. Similarly, browsing is herbivory of woody plants such as shrubs or trees. Grazing is an important part of the nutrient cycle and food web, providing a means to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into plant biomass and subsequently, animal protein or other products. Utilization is a term applied to the amount of plant tissue removed during grazing. Utilization can be measured at the end of a grazing period or at the end of a growing season. These measurements

can help inform current and future grazing management decisions. Typical grazing utilization assessment methods include stubble height, height:weight relationships and paired plot harvest. These measurements can be mapped and displayed via GIS to inform management at the landscape scale. The range management staff of the Hopi Tribe in Arizona applies these methods to work with ranchers as they make annual grazing management plans.

INTRODUCTION TO RANGE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT. Delane J. Atcitty*; SRM-Native American Forum, Taos, NM

ABSTRACT

 Present the introduction of livestock to Native American tribes, and how the United States Government reservation system affected rangeland grazing management.  Discuss where we are today in Native range livestock management on rangelands.Topics to be covered: definition of rangeland management, rangeland ecosystems and the relationships of range management to other disciplines, stewardship of rangelands, modern grazing management strategies, quantity vs. quality of livestock, and improving range livestock value.Keywords: Native American rangeland, rangeland ecosystems, modern grazing management strategies, stewardship.

HOW TO USE ECOLOGICAL SITE DESCRIPTIONS. Pete Deal*1, Doug Tolleson2; 1Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kissimmee, FL, 2University of Arizona, Camp Verde, AZ

ABSTRACT

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service describes an ecological site as a “distinctive kind of land with specific physical characteristics that differ from other kinds of land in its ability to produce a distinctive kind and amount of vegetation”.  Ecological site descriptions are the documents that resource managers and planners use to inform decision making on rangelands. Ecological site descriptions contain information on such as: biophysical properties, vegetation and soil surface reference conditions, and, state and transition models. These documents help to describe and classify the landscape with respect to past and current conditions, as well as to help determine potential future conditions in response to climate, disturbance and management.

OVERVIEW OF SEMINOLE RANGELAND AND LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT.Doug Tolleson*; University of Arizona, Camp Verde, AZ

ABSTRACT

The Seminole tribe is one of the largest cattle producers in the US. Tribal managers will describe livestock and range management on their lands. Successful programs include cattle identification, branded beef, and rangeland improvements. Description of the lands and herds to be visited on an afternoon field trip will be provided.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM WITH JUNIPERS IN THE GREAT PLAINS. Sherry A. Leis*1, Carol Blocksome2; 1Great Plains Fire Science Exchange, Springfield, MO, 2Great Plains Fire Science Exchange, Manhattan, KS

ABSTRACT

While many species of Junipers (Juniperus spp.) are native to the Great Plains, their populations have immensely increased during the last 50 years.  Factors that led to the current population size and distributions include changes in fire frequency and extent, ecosystem fragmentation, and extensive juniper plantings for windbreaks and in urban areas.  Scientists have been studying the ramifications and control measures of the juniper expansion, but there are aspects of tree biology and ecology that are still unknown.  Furthermore, policy makers in the region have not recognized or prioritized the Juniper expansion problem sufficiently to motivate the public to make changes.  Join us for this workshop that aims to review the current state of understanding of Juniper biology and ecology.  Participants will then use that information as a launch pad to frame a plan to address reducing hazards posed by Juniper expansion through  control and policy changes.  Sam Fuhlendorf, John Briggs, Larry Sanders, and Dirac Twidwell will provide the state of the science, which will be followed by facilitated group discussion aimed at producing actionable steps.  All are encouraged to participate in the discussion.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXPANSION OF JUNIPERUS INTO GRASSLANDS? John M. Briggs*, John M. Blair; Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

ABSTRACT

The loss of grassland due to anthropogenic activities has increased dramatically over the last 150 years. Originally the greatest threat to native grasslands was their conversion to row-crop agriculture. Today remnants of the grasslands that escaped the plow are threatened by the invasion and expansion of woody species. In eastern KS, establishment and expansion of Juniperus virginiana (one of the most common trees in North America) can completely displace native tallgrass prairies in < 40 years.  A similar replacement of grasslands by this and other Juniperus species is occurring in Texas and Oklahoma. In this presentation, we will provide a

broad synthesis on the current understanding of Juniperus biology and ecology, which may provide a basis for the management of remaining grasslands threatened by Juniperus invasion and expansion. The ecological consequences of the replacement of C4 dominated grasslands by Juniperus have been well documented. These include shifts leaf-level physiology based on changes in photosynthetic pathway of the dominant species (from C4 grasses with high photosynthetic potential to C3 trees with much lower rates of C uptake), concurrent shifts in environmental controls over patterns of growth (from water availability in grassland to temperature in forest), large increases in aboveground productivity and biomass in forest, and reductions in plant species richness during the transition from grassland to forest. We need to understand how grasslands being invaded by Juniperus species can be managed to arrest this increase or even reduce woody plant abundance, (2) how the long-term stability of these forests compares to native grassland, particularly with regard to fire, extreme drought, climate change, and C storage, and (3) the degree to which closed-canopy Juniperus forest represents an alternative stable state, or one that can be readily restored to grassland.

INVASIVE SPECIES PUBLIC POLICY: REDCEDAR MANAGEMENT OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES. Larry Sanders*; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

ABSTRACT

One of panel presentations entitled Redcedar Management Policy Options/Consequences. Presentation will review potential benefits and costs of species existence in affected states such as Oklahoma.  Policy options and likely consequences will be discussed to provide a framework for policy action at the state level. Key issues and questions will be reviewed to stress the complexity of the management problem for public decision makers and private land managers. Research needs will be highlighted.

ECOLOGICAL INTERVENTION IN JUNIPERUS ENCROACHED RANGELANDS. Dirac Twidwell*; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

ABSTRACT

Management of encroaching woody species in the rangeland discipline has historically centered around reactive intervention strategies involving mechanical or chemical treatments that seek to reduce the abundance of woody plants after they become established. Yet, such reactive approaches have not solved the woody encroachment problem, and grass-dominated ecosystems around the world continue to be displaced by woody plant species.  As a result, many valued ecosystem services in rangelands have been depleted, indicating the clear need to integrate preventative intervention techniques with reactive ones. Here, I provide an overview of an integrated intervention approach for the management of woody plants in rangelands and discuss new preventative and reactive approaches to woody plant management that have emerged in

recent years. I compare the ecological effectiveness of these techniques to more conventional woody plant management practices, and discuss the suite of political and economic factors constraining their application.

WINTER SURVIVAL RISK FOR PRONGHORN EXPOSED TO WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH-CENTRAL, WYOMING. Jeffrey L. Beck*1, Kaitlyn L. Taylor1, Snehalata V. Huzurbazar2; 1University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 2Department of Statistics, Laramie, WY

ABSTRACT

Landscapes with high potential for wind energy development often coincide with suitable wintering habitat for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana).  Evaluating the influence of energy development on pronghorn winter survival is particularly critical because they encounter elevated energetic demands during this time.  We evaluated pronghorn survival risk on a landscape developed for wind energy production (Dunlap Ranch) over 3 winters (2010, 2010–2011, 2011–2012) in south-central Wyoming, USA.  We modeled survival with GPS data from 52 doe pronghorn captured in January 2010 and December 2011.  Twenty-four GPS-marked pronghorn died with the majority of deaths in winter 2010–2011.  The Kaplan-Meier survival estimate (Åœ) for winter 2010 was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.94–1.00), winter 2010–2011 was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.36–0.74), and winter 2011–2012 was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.82–1.00).  We employed hierarchical modeling with Anthropogenic, Environmental, and Wind Energy predictor variable categories using the Cox proportional hazards model.  We allowed top models from each category to compete with each other in all possible combinations to identify an overall top model.  We identified 9 competitive models (∆ AIC ≤3.829) for pronghorn winter survival inclusive of predictor variables from Anthropogenic, Environmental, and Wind Energy categories.  The Wind Energy model was uninformative and did not improve model fit when included with Anthropogenic or Environmental models.  Our top model included anthropogenic and environmental predictors, indicating pronghorn winter mortality risk decreased in winter with increasing distance from major roads (hazard ratio = 0.80, 85% CI: 0.68–0.95), with increasing time spent in sagebrush (Artemisia L. spp.) habitats (hazard ratio = 0.96; 85% CI: 0.95–0.97), and with increasing terrain ruggedness (hazard ratio = 0.08, 85% CI: 0.01–0.51).  We did not identify an effect of wind energy development on pronghorn survival; however, our findings may not be applicable to pronghorn populations exposed to larger-scale wind energy developments.

CAN GRAZING IMPROVE WATERFOWL HABITAT IN REED CANARYGRASS (PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA) INVADED WETLANDS? Heidi L. Hillhouse*; University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

ABSTRACT

The Rainwater Basin region of Nebraska is a key stopover location during spring waterfowl migrations.  The availability of appropriate food resources is a major management concern, with

preferred food sources being seeds of annual and perennial wetland plants.  Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a widespread invasive species in wetlands that suppresses more desirable seed producing species.  Grazing is commonly used to manage regional wetlands, but there is little information on how the timing of grazing affects management goals related to wetland vegetation. We selected three wetlands with a history of recent grazing and evaluated seed production and end of season reed canarygrass biomass in response to four grazing grazing treatments.  Treatments included grazing until June 15th, July 15th, August 15th (standard practice), and ungrazed.

A TWO DECADE COMPARISON OF SAGE-GROUSE LEK COUNTS BETWEEN TWO GRAZING SYSTEMS. Gregg Simonds*1, Eric D. Sant2; 1ORC, Park City, UT, 2Open Range Consulting, Park City, UT

ABSTRACT

Two areas of Rich County, Utah (Three Creeks and Deseret Land and Livestock [DLL]) have experienced different sage-grouse population trends over the last 20 years. Three Creeks is made up of three BLM allotments. These allotments have had season-long low density grazing. Six miles south of the Three Creeks is DLL. DLL is largely private and has employed since 1978 an adaptive grazing strategy that provides enough growing season rest for plant recovery. During the active growing season, a quarter of DLL’s pastures are rested. The grazing is shorter in duration with much higher density than Three Creeks. The stocking rate of cattle at DLL in 2010, a near average precipitation year, was 4.4 Acres/AUM. This includes the 23% of the area that was rested. The Three Creeks stocking was adjudicated at 6.75 Acres/AUM.  We assessed the functional ground cover characteristics using a remote sensing method. At DLL, the sagebrush cover and bare ground was significantly less and the herbaceous cover was significantly more than Three Creeks. Heterogeneity of sagebrush cover was also greater on DLL. Sage-grouse numbers at DLL had four times more males per lek, and the density was nearly twice as great as Three Creeks. Further comparisons showed sagebrush treatments having both positive and negative effects on sage-grouse numbers depending on size of treatment.

INTERACTIONS AMONG RANGELAND VEGETATION, BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOG COLONIES, AND GRASSLAND AVIFAUNA IN NORTHERN SOUTH DAKOTA. Amanda R. Lipinski*1, Kevin K. Sedivec1, Benjamin Geaumont2; 1North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2North Dakota State University, Hettinger, ND

ABSTRACT

Concern continues to grow for both declining black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) and grassland bird populations in North America. Much of the remaining habitat is rangeland, and understanding community interactions among vegetation, grassland birds, and prairie dogs in a dynamic rangeland setting will be crucial to future management decisions. Therefore, we developed a study geared towards providing a better understanding of how the simultaneous

occurrence of prairie dogs and cattle influence the local bird community. Preliminary data was collected May – August of 2012 on bird and vegetation communities both on and off prairie dog towns near McLaughlin, South Dakota. The study site consisted of five pastures, with varying levels of prairie dog occurrence. Season-long cattle grazing (June-October) occurred in four of five pastures. Forty-one (300 m) transects (16 on-town and 25 off) were placed randomly throughout the pastures. Distance sampling was used to survey birds twice on all transects. Vegetation sampling was completed on 21 plots/transect on 24 of 41 transects using modified Daubenmire frames to measure canopy cover, Robel poles to determine visual obstruction, and 10-pinpoint frames to calculate basal cover. Thirty-six bird species were recorded on prairie dog towns and 34 species were observed off dog towns. H’ values for birds were attained using the Shannon-Weiner diversity index. Off-town transects were on the high end of typical values with H’=2.33. On-town transects had less species evenness with H’=2.72, which is considered outside the typical H’ range of 1.5 to 2.5. Species richness values ranged from 12-25 for on-town transects and 8-24 for off-town transects. Dominant vegetation species for on-town transects included Pascopyrum smithii, Dyssodia papposa, and Sphaeralcea coccinea. Off-town transects were dominated by Pascopyrum smithii, Nassella viridula, and Poa pratensis. On and off-town average maximum live vegetation was 18.6 cm and 46.4 cm tall, respectively.

DOE-FAWN BEHAVIOUR FOLLOWING PARTURITION IN MULE DEER, ODOCOILEUS HEMINIONUS, ACROSS TREATED AND UNTREATED HABITAT TYPES. Chase A. Taylor*1, David W. Kramer2, Grant E. Sorensen1, Philip S. Gipson1, Mark C. Wallace1, Robert D. Cox1; 1Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 2University of Georgia, Athens, GA

ABSTRACT

 Doe-fawn behaviour was studied from parturition to 14 days of age in a free-ranging population of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in northcentral New Mexico. Mechanical treatments of gambel oak (Quercus gambelii ) and mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) were implemented to improve browse quality and quantity. Fawns were bedded 91% of total sampling periods and selected mature brush species for bed sites during 88% of those periods. The vegetation species with the highest use for bed site selection was untreated gambel oak (50%). Gambel oak was used 3.3 times more than any other vegetation present. Untreated vegetation was selected for bed sites 4.2 times more often than treated vegetation. Fawns displayed hider phase behaviour characteristics for the first 10 days of life and were mostly inactive unless visited by their dam. Siblings remained lying separately 77% of the time and were maintained individually by the dam unless nursing. Dams were present with fawns 35% of the time and most dam-fawn interactions took place between 00:00 and 04:00. Nursing bouts were observed most often (6.1% to 7.8%) between 00:00 to 04:00 and 04:00 to 08:00. Nursing bouts were observed twice as much during dark hours 47% as during hours with sunlight 23%. Mean nursing bout length was 2.04 minutes, but notably decreased in frequency as fawn age approached 14 days. Fawns were observed standing and moving 1.8 times more in the dark (12.5%) than during light hours (7%). Fawns accompanied dams while the dams browsed on low growing vegetation at approximately 10 days of age.

HYDRO-AXING EFFECTS ON BROWSE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO WINTERING MOOSE ON THE COPPER RIVER DELTA, ALASKA. Sharon E. Smythe*, Dana Sanchez, Ricardo M. Mata-Gonzalez; Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

ABSTRACT

Moose (Alces alces gigas) were introduced to the Copper River Delta (CRD) of SE Alaska from 1949-1958. The moose summer range on the western region of the delta encompasses 830 km2, but winter winds over the Copper River and snow conditions can restrict moose winter range to 50 km2. Stakeholder pressure is mounting to increase the current population of approximately 600 moose. However, this requires an understanding of the nutritional carrying capacity (NCC) during winter on the CRD, which is complex. In addition, because of a 1964 earthquake, the delta rose by 1.8-3.4 m, increasing drainage and accelerating the successional shift from more palatable browse species like sweetgale and willow (Myrica gale, Salix spp) to less palatable alder and spruce (Alnus viridis sinuata, Picea sitchensis). Managers implemented experimental hydro-axing in multiple stand types in 1990, 2008, and 2010 in order to counter the successional trend. We investigated responses in diversity, biomass, nutritional values, and utilization of browse species between treated and untreated stands. We found strong stand type differences in response to hydro-axing. For example, treated (1990) sweetgale-dominated stands displayed little change in species diversity but produced 46.7% greater available biomass of willows and sweetgale than untreated controls. Utilization of three core browse species, Barclay’s willow (Salix barclayi), Hooker’s willow (S. hookeriana), and Sitka willow (S. sitchensis), increased to three times the level observed in untreated stands, implying benefits to productivity, quality, or both. Other stand types, such as (2008) spruce-cottonwood-dominated, (2010) alder-dominated, (2010) sweetgale-dominated stands, displayed an initial decrease in diversity of less-preferred species. These analyses, combined with estimates of NCC under a range of winter scenarios, will assist managers in deciding whether the significant costs and difficulties associated with hydro-axing are practical to increase or sustain the moose herd in this area. 

SEASONAL RESOURCE SELECTION AND DISTRIBUTIONAL RESPONSE BY ELK TO DEVELOPMENT OF A NATURAL GAS FIELD. Jeffrey L. Beck*1, Clay B. Buchanan1, Thomas E. Bills2; 1University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 2Bureau of Land Management, Buffalo, WY

ABSTRACT

Global energy demand is predicted to increase dramatically, suggesting the need to better understand the role of disturbance and develop more efficient conservation strategies for affected wildlife populations.  We evaluated elk (Cervus elaphus) response to disturbance associated with natural gas development in summer and winter, including shifts in resource selection and concomitant distribution.  We monitored elk before (1992–1995) and during (2008–2010) coal bed natural gas (CBNG) development in the ~498-km2 Fortification Creek Area (FCA) of northeastern Wyoming, USA where approximately 700 CBNG wells and 542 km of collector,

local, and resource roads were developed from 2000 through 2010.  We developed resource selection functions for summer and winter using VHF locations from female elk prior to CBNG development and GPS locations from female elk during CBNG development to assess spatial selection shifts.  We created models at the population level by pooling across all locations for before and during development data and incorporated individual variation through bootstrapping standard errors for parameter estimates.  Comparison of elk resource selection before and during natural gas development demonstrated behavioral and distributional shifts whereby during development, elk used distance and escape cover to minimize exposure to roads.  Specifically, during development elk selected areas with greater Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum Sarg.) cover, terrain ruggedness, and farther from CBNG roads depending on season.  Elk distributional changes resulting from avoidance behavior lead to a loss of areas formerly classified as high use by 43.1% and 50.2% in summer and winter, respectively.  We suggest reducing traffic, protecting woody escape cover, and maintaining refugia within the energy development footprint to promote persistence of elk and other wildlife within energy fields.

ELK HABITAT USE ON DEGRADED RANGELAND IN THE SAPPHIRE MOUNTAINS, MT. Teagan Hayes*1, Philip W. Ramsey2; 1MPG Ranch, Missoula, MT, 2MPG Ranch, Missoula, MT

ABSTRACT

We monitored winter range use by elk in the Northern Sapphire Mountains of the Bitterroot Valley, Montana over the winters of 2011-2012 and 2012-13.  The goal of the project is to acquire data on elk habitat use and grazing preference on a former cattle ranch.   A herd of around 300 spends most of the winter on or near the study site.  The highest wintering elk numbers were recorded in November 2011, with 426.  Vegetation surveys were conducted on a grid pattern across the property during 2010 – 2012.  Of the 3,845 hectares within the property boundary, 2,130 hectares of rangeland include altered plant communities due to intensive grazing, exotic forage grass seeding, and herbicide applications. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) dominates 32% of the rangeland area.  Seeded exotic forage grasses dominate 20% and perennial invaders dominate 6.8%.  Pristine or less-degraded plant communities dominated by native grasses cover 681 hectares.  We collected additional data for this project through observation, scat density surveys, diet analysis, and forage availability estimates through biomass collection.  During two field seasons, we conducted over 150 elk survey days with more than 450 locations. Elk locations and frequency of observation were assessed using habitat selectors that include dominant vegetation, slope, aspect, elevation, insolation, and proximity to water and roads.  Preliminary analyses of the data gathered to date will provide insights in assessing elk response to restoration efforts that seek to replace many weed-dominated communities with diverse native vegetation.

UTILIZING WINTER GRAZING TO INCREASE HABITAT HETEROGENEITY FOR GRASSLAND BIRDS. Christina M. Koehler*1, Patricia Johnson2, Kent Jensen1; 1South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 2South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD

ABSTRACT

Grassland birds require variability in habitat, with various species having affinity for grasslands with specific structural characteristics. Patch-burn-graze systems have been implemented in many areas of the United States to increase rangeland heterogeneity and improve range utilization and grassland bird habitat.  However, in the Northern Great Plains, burning is often viewed negatively. We are investigating whether patch winter grazing can 1) create environmental heterogeneity similar to that created by burning, 2) increase avian diversity on rangeland and 3) do so without negatively impacting livestock production.  The primary objectives (1) compare bird species diversity, composition, and densities between patch treatment versus continuous season-long (control) pastures, (2) evaluate habitat structural differences between  patch treatment and continuous season-long (control) pastures, (3) compare livestock performance (weight gain) and vegetation utilization between patch treatment and continuous season-long (control) pastures, and (4) evaluate spatial resource use by livestock in patch treatment versus continuous season-long (control) pasture. Study pastures are located at SDSU Cottonwood Research Station.  Four native mixed-grass prairie pastures have be divided in half, with one half receiving the patch treatment and the other will be the non-patch control. A patch representing twenty percent of each treatment sub-pasture was winter grazed to remove most of the standing vegetation in Year 1.  A separate second patch underwent the same winter grazing treatment in Year 2. Data collected will be analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA. We anticipate an increase in grassland spatial heterogeneity by creating patches with intense winter grazing that are rotated across the landscape over several years without detrimental losses in livestock performance. We hope this study will provide an alternative more likely to be adopted by the regional ranching community in the Northern Great Plains to increase rangeland heterogeneity.

VULNERABILITY OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION ON U.S. RANGELANDS: A SYNTHESIS OF CRITICAL FACTORS. Matt C. Reeves*1, Karen Bagne2; 1USDA Forest Service, Florence, MT, 2Consultant, Canton, OH

ABSTRACT

Rangelands are an important component of global ecosystems and provide key ecological services. Beef production on rangelands is economically valuable in the U.S., but no spatially explicit estimates of vulnerability are currently available, which is especially important considering the broad geographical coverage of rangelands. We took an ecological approach to estimating climate change impacts to rangelands and subsequent changes to factors that would then affect cattle production. Multiple impact factors that may be opposing were anticipated and were combined to create a comprehensive picture of the future of U.S. beef production on rangelands. Furthermore, we demonstrate how different ecological factors have different probable futures and how examining multiple factors can provide new insights and adaptation

solutions over single factor approaches.  Results suggest the southwestern U.S. is the most vulnerable while northern rangelands are the least. While significant regional variation exists, the future of cattle production does not seem to be imminently threatened based on the analysis framework and range of climate scenarios used in the study.       

CATTLE-WILD UNGULATE EFFECTS ON SAGEBRUSH PLANT COMMUNITIES IN NORTHERN UTAH. Kari E. Veblen1, Christopher McGlone2, Kyle Nehring*1, Mark E. Ritchie3; 1Utah State University, Logan, UT, 2USDA-ARS, Logan, UT, 3Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

ABSTRACT

Rangelands cover more 31% of the land area of the US. Historically, about 62 million ha in North America were dominated by sagebrush, but today, half has been lost or highly degraded. The majority of these sagebrush ecosystems are managed for livestock grazing.  Sagebrush ecosystems also are important habitat for sensitive species such as sage-grouse.  The large herbivore community in these systems typically includes livestock, such as cattle, and wild ungulates, such as elk, pronghorn and mule deer. Herbivory by all these species can influence long- and short-term plant community dynamics. We used a series of long-term 90m x 90m exclosures to investigate the separate and combined effects of cattle (managed under a rotational grazing system) and wild ungulates in an area of sagebrush steppe in northern Utah.  We used semi-permeable fencing to create the following three exclosure treatments:  1) all large herbivores (i.e., cattle + wild ungulates) excluded, 2) livestock excluded, 3) no large herbivores excluded.  Biomass was sampled in 1992-1998, 2002, and again in 2012-2013. Intensive field sampling of ground cover (including biological soil crusts) and shrub densities took place in 2013, twenty-two years after the initiation of the experiment. We report on changes in plant densities, plant community composition and other indicators of range condition associated with various combinations of livestock and wild ungulate herbivory.

CHARACTERIZING CARBON STABILITY IN SOILS ASSOCIATED WITH GRAZED AND NON-GRAZED GRASSLANDS ACROSS A BROAD AGRO-CLIMATIC GRADIENT IN ALBERTA. Donald F. Schoderbek*1, Edward Bork1, Scott Chang2, Cameron N. Carlyle1, Daniel B. Hewins1, Barry Adams3; 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, BC, 3Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Lethbridge, AB

ABSTRACT

In order to offset CO2 increases in the atmosphere, research aimed at determining the potential to enhance carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems has become imperative.  In addition to occupying a large area of the earth’s surface (~40%), grasslands store much of their carbon as soil organic matter below-ground, where it remains relatively protected from above-ground disturbances.  The stability of soil carbon, however, also varies with organic matter size fractions, and differences in this stability may help explain how grasslands may be managed to

optimize carbon storage in the long-term.  The purpose of this study was to quantify the size fractions of organic matter in northern temperate grassland soils.  To do this, we evaluated carbon levels in small (<53 mm), medium (53 – 230 mm), and coarse (> 230 mm) fractions of soils associated with grasslands exposed and protected from livestock grazing, and further stratified to represent a large gradient in agro-climatic conditions (~300-500 mm of annual precipitation) across Alberta, Canada.  Soil carbon was assessed from 10 bulked sub-sampled cores extracted to 30 cm depth both inside and outside a network of long-term cattle exclosures managed by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.  Results of this study will have implications for characterizing carbon stores in these ecosystems, as well as understanding how differences in growing conditions and grazing history may alter carbon stability, and ultimately influence the role of these grasslands in serving as important carbon sinks.

ATMOSPHERIC CO2 ENRICHMENT AND GRASSLAND PRODUCTIVITY: SCALING CO2 EFFECTS THROUGH THE PLANT COMMUNITY. Wayne Polley*, Philip A. Fay; USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Temple, TX

ABSTRACT

Ecosystem responses to atmospheric CO2 enrichment, as to other climate change drivers, depend on plant community responses to CO2 (community response) and feedbacks from community change on ecosystem processes (community effect).  We used data from two multi-year experiments in central Texas, USA to assess the role of plant communities in the response of grassland productivity to CO2 enrichment.  In experiments with C3-C4 pasture and C4-dominated tallgrass prairie assemblages, increasing CO2 from pre-Industrial to elevated concentrations increased aboveground productivity (ANPP) by 80-120 g/m2 per 100 ppmv rise in CO2.  Feedbacks from species change on the ANPP response to CO2 differed in these experiments.  CO2-mediated change in the C4 composition of communities increased ANPP slightly in C3-C4 pasture, but accounted for 14-38% of the ANPP increase in C4-dominated prairie.  Community responses to CO2 were linked to plant traits associated with a positive response to greater water availability.  By contrast, community effects on ANPP were linked to species differences in water-use efficiency.  Our results indicate that the species traits favored by climate change drivers may differ from the traits that determine feedbacks of community change on ANPP. 

INVESTIGATING RESILIENCE AND STABILITY OF MESIC GRASSLANDS WITH A MINIMAL MODEL OF ENCROACHER DYNAMICS. Francesco Accatino*1, Rodolphe Sabatier2, Carlo De Michele3, David Ward4, Katrin Meyer5, Kerstin Wiegand5; 1Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy, 2INRA UMR SADAPT, Paris, France, 3Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy, 4University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Italy, 5University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany

ABSTRACT

Woody plant encroachment is one of the major threats to mesic grasslands. Dynamics of encroachers is mainly controlled by fire. The absence of fire for a year can be considered a disturbance, because it creates a temporal window where a cohort of woody encroachers can establish and thereby reduce grass production. Grazing pressure removes grass biomass and decreases the probability of fire ignition and spreading. We developed a spatially implicit minimal model of encroacher dynamics to investigate the role of grazing pressure and woody plant encroachment rate on the resilience and stability of a mesic grassland. A specificity of the model is the inclusion of a feedback loop between the density of encroachers and fire probability, so that fire is an emergent property of the system. Model results show that a mesic grassland is stable and resilient when characterized by a low encroachment rate and a low grazing pressure. If the grazing pressure is high and the encroachment rate is low, the grassland suffers from long term encroachment at low densities. If the encroachment rate is high with a low grazing pressure the grassland can be colonized very quickly in the rare years without fire. Based on these considerations, we give directions for management.

NATURAL SUCCESSION IN SHRUBLANDS 66 YEARS AFTER FIRE IN THE GREAT BASIN. Lesley R. Morris*1, Elizabeth A. Leger2; 1OSU Ag & Natural Resources Program, La Grande, OR, 2University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV

ABSTRACT

The invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) continues to spread across the Great Basin, fuel wildfires, and dominate large expanses that were once sagebrush shrublands. The shifts have been so dramatic that much of the research in rangeland management has focused upon the degradation brought by these changes. Monitoring of short-term recovery occurs in these systems, but considerably less is known about the long-term recovery of native plant communities after fire. Research using historical data has shown that, in some instances, rangelands can transition out of an annual dominated state into a native perennial state over time, sometimes without intervention. Using repeated measures in time, we examined the natural successional status of two shrubland sites in the Great Basin near Reno, NV. The plots, established by Dwight Billings in 1941, burned completely in 1947 (66 years ago). He collected density data on herbaceous species 1 year and 41 years after the fire. At both sampling intervals, B. tectorum and other annual-invasive species dominated the sites. Our re-sampling 25 years later found B. tectorum no longer maintained dominance on the north-facing site, and native grasses were common. The south-facing site still contained a high density of cheatgrass, but it was less abundant than it was in previous years.  Our results suggest that native plant communities can re-establish after fire and cheatgrass dominance, especially on north-facing slopes, though it may take up to ~70 years. This study highlights the importance of repeated and long-term measurements for the developing restoration plans and state-and-transition models, as community trajectories may not be apparent from short-term monitoring.

SHIFTS IN PLANT COMMUNITY REESTABLISHMENT POST-FIRE DUE TO SMALL MAMMALS. Rory C. O’Connor*, Samuel B. StClair, Richard A. Gill; Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

ABSTRACT

Deserts of North America are experiencing larger wildfires at shorter intervals. This increased fire frequency is attributed to increasing temperatures, droughts, and fuel buildup from non-native annual grasses Bromus rubens and Bromus tectorum. The transition from desert shrub land to annual grassland following fire may be mediated by small mammals.  But the specific influence of small mammals on the reestablishment of native plant communities has not been well quantified post-fire. To measure these influences we established long-term studies at sites in the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts.  These cross-factorial experiments examine the main and interactive effects of fire and small mammals. The experiment includes burned and unburned treatments with small mammal exclusion or inclusion.  Plant cover and density have been collected each year. We have evaluated the responses of the plant communities to fire and small mammals and have found strong bottom-up responses of fire in increasing densities of Erodium cicutarium, Schismus arabicus, and Ceratocephala testiculata. The presence of small mammals strongly decreases the invasive plants Bromus rubens and Halogeton glomeratus. These plant community responses are creating intermediate vegetation states as either a fire prone or fire resistant community.  Small mammal abundance post-fire shifts the dominance of the invasive species to create these intermediate vegetation states.

LOTUS UTAHENSIS: SOUTHERN GREAT BASIN LEGUME FOR POSSIBLE USE IN RANGELAND REVEGETATION. Douglas A. Johnson*, Kevin J. Connors, Shaun Bushman, Thomas A. Jones; USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Lab, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Rangeland ecosystems in the western USA are increasingly vulnerable to wildand fires, weed invasion, and mismanagement.  On many of these rangelands, revegetation/restoration may be required to improve degraded conditions, speed recovery, and minimize soil erosion.  Legumes native to the Great Basin are of interest in revegetation/restoration because they have the potential to biologically fix nitrogen, provide high protein forage for livestock and wildlife, and enhance native pollinator habitat.  Few native legumes, however, are commercially available as seed.  Utah trefoil (Lotus utahensis Ottley) is a legume species that is native to the southern Great Basin and occurs in southern Utah, southern Nevada, and Arizona.  Species in the genus Lotus contain tannins, which are known to prevent bloat, reduce parasites in the intestinal tract, and enhance amino acid absorption.  We used the Southwest Environmental Information Network (SEINet) to identify possible collection sites for Utah trefoil (http://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/index.php).  Seed was collected from 18 sites throughout its distribution, plants were germinated and grown in a greenhouse, and transplants were established in common gardens at three sites in northern Utah during May 2013.  Plant development, morphological, and physiological characteristics will be evaluated for each of the collections at the three sites.  Genetic relationships among the collections will be evaluated using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers.  These data will form the basis for an eventual germplasm release of Utah trefoil.

SIMULATION OF LONG-TERM SOIL WATER DYNAMICS - IMPLICATIONS FOR YIELD ON RANGELANDS. Julie Finzel*1, Mark Seyfried2, Mark Weltz3, Karen

Launchbaugh4; 1UC Cooperative Extension, Bakersfield, CA, 2USDA-ARS, Boise, ID, 3USDA-ARS, Reno, NV, 4University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

ABSTRACT

Scientists have been seeking to quantify the dynamics of plant growth since the early twentieth century by measuring and simulating transpiration and precipitation. In this study the Soil Ecohydrology Model (SEM) was used to simulate soil moisture and forecast plant growth using a yield index at three sagebrush steppe sites, representing a range of vegetation and climate conditions. SEM is a capacitance parameter model that uses a water budget equation to simulate changes in soil moisture and a modification of the de Wit equation to forecast yield. Model simulated soil moisture data were evaluated using long term measured soil moisture data. Yield estimates were forecast using the yield index from SEM and NRCS ecological site descriptions. Results showed no significant difference between measured and simulated total soil water (TSW) values at the three sites. Correlation between measured and simulated TSW datasets was strong at all sites. Study results justify the extension of model outputs to the yield index, which reflected increases and decreases in within year precipitation well. This talk will present the results of the study and outline potential implications for rangeland management.

PINPOINTING ECOLOGICAL THRESHOLDS: HOW MUCH CATTLE IMPACT IS NEEDED TO GENERATE PERSISTENT ECOSYSTEM HOTSPOTS? Lauren M. Porensky*1, Kari E. Veblen2; 1USDA ARS, Fort Collins, CO, 2Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Alternative stable states are common in rangeland ecosystems, and livestock management activities can precipitate threshold shifts between states. However, it is often difficult to pinpoint the level of management impact associated with a given threshold shift. We used a controlled, replicated experiment to investigate ecological thresholds in sub-Saharan Africa, where temporary cattle corrals (bomas) are commonly used to protect livestock at night. Abandoned boma sites develop into nutrient-rich ecosystem hotspots that can persist for centuries, are characterized by unique vegetation, and attract wildlife. In central Kenya, these hotspots take the form of treeless glades with long-term ecological and conservation benefits. Wildlife-mediated feedbacks tend to keep glades from reverting to non-glade vegetation. However, in the modern context (high human populations and limited land availability), traditional boma management can lead to persistent degradation in areas surrounding the boma site. We asked how long bomas must be occupied to initiate threshold shifts towards beneficial glade hotspots while avoiding threshold shifts towards degraded states around boma sites. We hypothesized that as boma occupation time increased, 1) boma sites would be more likely to convert to glade hotspots, and 2) vegetation and soils surrounding the sites would be more likely to undergo shifts towards persistent, degraded states. Twenty-five 200 x 200m sites were randomly assigned to five boma occupation treatments: four-day, one-week, two-week, one-month, and control (no boma). Each boma was 20m in diameter and held 200 cows. Fourteen months after boma abandonment, all sites occupied for >4 days were dominated by glade-specialist plant species. Areas around one-month sites were characterized by high levels of bare ground and few perennial plants. Our findings suggest that relatively little livestock impact is needed to initiate threshold shifts within

abandoned boma sites. Moderate occupation times may be best for balancing the negative and positive ecological impacts of bomas.

A GEOGRAPHICALLY-BROAD ASSESSMENT OF RANGELAND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND INFLUENCE OF GRAZING MANAGEMENT. Shannon R. White*, Thomas J. Habib, Dan Farr; Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, Edmonton, AB

ABSTRACT

Quantitative assessment of multiple ecosystem services (ES) can help recognize the full value of a land base, identify management practices that lead to increased ES provision, and eventually lead to novel markets. However, we are generally lacking the geographically-broad, comprehensive assessments of ES that are needed to inform policy. This information is particularly necessary in rangelands, with their history of competing land uses, and importance in providing multiple ES. Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing value-neutral biological information, and is partnered with numerous universities, and private and public sector organizations. As such, it is well-suited to providing a credible, high-quality assessment of ES. We performed an extensive assessment of the value of two ES – forage production and carbon storage – across the native rangeland of Alberta, Canada, and effects of grazing management on these ES. We used publicly-available climate and soils data as input into the CENTURY model, which is widely used to model soil carbon and related ecosystem processes, to estimate these services at 29,105 rangeland sites with unique combinations of soil and climate characteristics. We estimate the value of rangeland in providing forage at $1.1 billion, based on the cost of equivalent supplemental feed, and the value of total stored soil carbon as $1.7 billion, based on current market value of carbon. Higher stocking rates decreased both aboveground productivity and total soil carbon, suggesting that sustainable stocking rates can be used to maximise ES provision. As the first province-wide assessment of its kind, we anticipate this evaluation will be invaluable in guiding management for ES, including assessing trade-offs in multiple ES provision and identifying ES priority areas.

SATELLITE-DERIVED EOS MODIS DATA PRODUCTS TO STUDY RANGELAND ECOSYSTEMS. Bhaskar Ramachandran*; NASA EOS LP DAAC/USGS EROS Center, Sioux Falls, SD

ABSTRACT

Understanding and appreciating the dynamics of land science requires us to view terrestrial ecosystems as complex adaptive systems.  Rangelands provide a good example of such systems both in terms of their structure and behavior.  They comprise large swaths of natural landscapes that structurally comprise grasslands, woodlands, shrublands, wetlands, and deserts.  Compositionally, rangeland types may include tallgrass and shortgrass prairies, desert grasslands and shrublands, woodlands, savanna, chaparral, steppe, and tundra. Rangelands demonstrate wide spatial and temporal heterogeneities in terms of their land-use and land-cover characteristics.  As human and climatic drivers influence the present and future of our physico-

ecological systems, rangelands are increasingly becoming linked across all spatial scales through the exchange and flows of people, information, materials and services.  Managing rangelands, therefore, should account for the dynamics of both the social and ecological components that provide the framework for future development towards resilience-based management.  The most fundamental requirement to meet such new management standards is developing accurate domain knowledge of all components that characterize the structure and functioning of rangelands.  This includes, for instance, capturing the vegetation dynamics through time, or determining the carrying capacity of rangelands.This presentation demonstrates a consistent and cost-free satellite-derived data source with enormous potential to contribute towards resilience-based rangeland management. The NASA Earth Observing System’s (EOS) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) mission acquires continuous multispectral global data at moderate resolutions from twin instruments in different orbits.  The Terra and Aqua incarnations of the MODIS instrument help generate a variety of moderate resolution data products at sufficient spectral and temporal granularity to monitor global environmental processes.  This presentation provides a synoptic view of how MODIS biophysical products spanning over a decade are deemed potentially useful to study and model rangeland ecosystems and services.

A STATISTICALLY ROBUST METHOD FOR REMOTELY CHARACTERIZING RANGELAND DEGRADATION . Matt C. Reeves*1, Scott Baggett2; 1USDA Forest Service, Florence, MT, 2USDA Forest Service, Fort Collins, CO

ABSTRACT

Rangeland degradation is a growing problem throughout the world. Differences in land use between developed and undeveloped countries obviate the need for assessment protocols suitable for detecting degradation resulting from both past and present practices. A statistically robust algorithm for comparing the trend and “status” of vegetation productivity to user defined reference conditions was developed. Vegetation productivity was estimated from 2000 to 2012 using annual maximum Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the MODIS satellite platform.  Each pixel was compared with reference conditions derived from surrounding pixels on similar sites with nearly identical potential production. Trends in degradation were determined by comparison between the slopes of the linear trends in mean annual maximum NDVI at each pixel and reference conditions with a one-sample t-test.  In contrast, the status of degradation at each pixel was evaluated by comparing its mean annual response of NDVI between 2000 and 2012 to that of reference conditions over the same time period using a one-sample t-test. These procedures to evaluate trends and status of degradation were applied across northern and southern Great Plains of the United States. Trends in degradation were almost undetectable across the entire study area. In contrast the degradation status assessment revealed that 16% (7,330,625 ha) of the vegetation on the northern Great Plains and 9% (3,295,106 ha) of the Southern Great Plains were significantly different (degraded) (P ≤ 0.01) from reference conditions. The amount of annual net primary reduction lost resulting from these degraded lands relative to reference conditions was estimated at 1.99 Tg C yr-1, less than 1% of the total annual net primary production in the study area of 211 Tg C yr-1.    

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CATTLE AND WILDLIFE GRAZING ON GRASSLAND RECOVERY IN SOUTHEASTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA. Brian M. Wikeem1, Timothy J. Ross*2, Reg F. Newman3; 1Soltera Resources, Bowser, BC, 2Ross Range and Reclamation Services, Cranbrook, BC, 3Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Kamloops, BC

ABSTRACT

A habitat monitoring program was initiated in 1991to mitigate long-standing conflicts concerning forage allocation among cattle, elk, and deer in southeastern British Columbia. The sites were re-sampled in 2009. The Skookumchuck Prairie Historical Exclosure was constructed in 1951 and was sampled at 10-year intervals between 1960 and 2009. In 1951, plant communities on both the grazed and ungrazed areas were dominated by early seral species. Inside the exclosure, the plant community advanced to a stand dominated by rough fescue (Festuca scabrella) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), whereas the grazed area remained at an early seral stage. Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum), which was virtually absent inside the exclosure in 1951, peaked in cover by 1970 and then declined from about 50% cover to less than 5% by 2009. Constructed in 1991, the Skookumchuck Prairie "Three-way Exclosure" Site was divided into three grazing treatments to allow differential access to cattle, wildlife, and cattle and wildlife together. An exclosure was constructed adjacent to the grazed areas. Early seral plant communities dominated all four areas in 1991. After 18 years, rough fescue and Idaho fescue cover had increased significantly in the Ungulate Exclosure and Cattle Only Area, but cover of these species remained negligible on the Wildlife Only and Combined Use Areas. Vegetation changes in both the grazed areas and ungrazed exclosures at Premier Ridge and Pickering Hills were stagnant for 18 years, indicating that historical grazing had impeded recovery. These exclosures demonstrate that rangelands can recover to higher seral stages given proper management and sufficient time. Plant communities resulting from such recovery, however, will contain a mix of native dominant species and naturalized alien species that may have reached a new “steady state” or “potential natural community.”  Long-term exclosures provide a rare opportunity to evaluate undisturbed plant communities over extended time periods.

ECOLOGICAL SITE INVENTORY IN FLORIDA: A SOIL-SITE MODEL CASE STUDY USING EXISTING DATA. Susan C. Carr*1, Rick A. Robbins2; 1NRCS, Tavares, FL, 2USDA-NRCS, Gainesville, FL

ABSTRACT

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implemented a nationwide program to identify and classify land units known as Ecological Sites.  Ecological Sites constitute the basic subdivision for the ecological inventory and analysis of landscapes, and are distinguished by the presence distinctive physical and biological features which can be mapped using NRCS Soil Survey and related spatial data.  First, we present our efforts to develop a model of soil-Ecological Site relationships based on existing data in Central Florida.  Existing datasets include the NRCS’s SSURGO database, and various spatially explicit and field verified maps of natural

community distribution on Florida’s public lands (i.e. the “Cooperative Land Cover, version 2.2” map, available from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory).  We show how Ecological Site concepts are developed from existing data sources and serve as “hypothetical Sites” for further refinement and verification via field inventory and literature review. Second, we a case study of how field verification compliments existing data analysis and interpretation.  Specifically, we describe Yellow Sands Xeric Uplands Ecological Site based on soil properties, physical geography, as well as other ecological and bio-geographical drivers.  Interpretation of existing site-specific data, coupled with our own field sampling, allowed us to identify specific soil and non-edaphic properties as drivers of natural vegetation distribution and successional dynamics.  We present results from this on-going xeric uplands project in the context of Ecological Site inventory in Florida, and discuss how the soil-Ecological Site model will guide future ESI work.

DOCUMENTING GRAZING BEHAVIOR WITH HIGH RESOLUTION TIME-LAPSE PHOTOGRAPHY. Mary Nichols*1, George B. Ruyle2; 1USDA-ARS Southwest Watershed Research Center, Tucson, AZ, 2University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

ABSTRACT

The spatial and temporal patterns of cattle and elk grazing in a riparian area in northern Arizona were captured over a 3 week period by taking high resolution photographs at a time step of 30 seconds from 5 am to 7 pm each day. The resultant images were stitched to create time-lapse videos (6 minutes per 14 real time hours per day). The videos were evaluated to track individual animal and herd movement and behavior in the riparian area. The photographs collected in this study are insufficient to draw conclusions regarding specific vegetation impacts, and traditional monitoring such as measuring stubble height does not capture levels of animal presence that produce these impacts.  When the two data collection methods are coupled a more complete description of cattle and elk occupation and impact can be determined. Research is ongoing to apply high resolution time-lapse photography for understanding grazing behavior across a range of environmental conditions.

IDENTIFYING GERMINABLE SEED BANK COMPOSITION AND THE POTENTIAL FOR LEGUME RECOVERY IN PASTURES WITH DIVERGENT MANAGEMENT USING A RETROSPECTIVE PRODUCER INTERVIEW. Lysandra A. Pyle*, Edward Bork, Linda Hall; University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

ABSTRACT

 Legumes are an important component of northern temperate pastures, improving forage productivity and quality at low cost by inputting biologically fixed nitrogen into the agro-ecosystem. Management actions such as long-term or high intensity grazing, and broadleaf herbicide application for noxious weed control —which is mandatory in Alberta, can eliminate standing legume biomass. After legume removal, repopulating the plant community with legumes often occurs from volunteer seedling establishment from the existing seed bank. Success of this establishment depends on a number of factors including micro-site availability,

competition for light, and the ongoing grazing pressure of herbivores. Our objective was to determine the presence and abundance of legume seeds, as well as the diversity and abundance of other competing species (i.e. grasses, forbs, and weeds), in a standardized volume of soil sampled from 44 pastures. At each pasture 53 soil cores, 3.2 cm in diameter and 6 cm deep, were extracted 5 m apart in a W-shaped configuration. Management was determined retrospectively by interviewing landowners to gather information on pasture age, planting history, fertilization regime, and disturbance history, including grazing and herbicide use, etc. Interview results were accompanied by a range health assessment. Cores from each pasture were bulked, placed in a greenhouse for 12 months, and emergent seedlings counted after positive identification. Significant management factors were identified using multivariate techniques (perMANOVA and NMDS), and will be presented from our 2012 data. Our goal is to link seed bank composition of pastures to particular management regimes, and thereby identify those management practices that may produce seed banks capable of facilitating beneficial legume re-establishment.

RESTORATION POTENTIAL OF A HEAVILY GRAZED PRAIRIE REMNANT IN COASTAL LOUISIANA. Christopher S. Reid*1, Larry Allain2, Sairah Javed1, Amity Bass1; 1Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, 2USGS Wetlands Center, Lafayette, LA

ABSTRACT

Coastal tall-grass prairie historically occupied 1 million hectares in southwestern Louisiana.  Most of this prairie has been lost to rice cultivation and development.  Several unplowed prairie remnants have recently been discovered on ranches where they are utilized as rangeland.  In the summer of 2013 a field experiment was initiated on a 100 hectare prairie remnant that is unplowed but heavily grazed.  The objective is to determine the restoration potential by applying management practices which are beneficial to prairie and measuring vegetation responses.  Other than the current grazing system, the study site receives little management.  Prescribed fire and mechanical and chemical brush control are irregularly applied.  Woody encroachment by Ilex vomitoria, Myrica cerifera, and the exotic Rosa bracteata is substantial.  The flora is a mixture of conservative prairie species and weedy species which benefit from heavy grazing or soil disturbance.  Currently, Schizachyrium scoparium, typically the dominant grass in coastal prairie, is rare.  Paspalum plicatulum, usually a co-dominant prairie grass and increaser under grazing, is abundant on the site.  Other conspicuous grasses include weedy species such as Andropogon virginicus, A. glomeratus, Axonopus fissifolius, and Sporobolus indicus.  Some conservative prairie species present include Arnoglossum ovatum, Rudbeckia texana, Salvia azurea, and Solidago odora. The site is divided into three units based on habitat similarity, thought to be influenced by management history.  The experiment has three treatments representing different levels of management.  The most extreme treatment combines cattle exclusion, chemical brush control, and prescribed fire.  The moderate treatment involves chemical brush control and prescribed fire.  The control treatment will remain open to grazing but will receive no additional management practices.  These treatments are being applied to 50 by 50 meter plots.  Each treatment is replicated three times within each of the three units of the site.  Baseline vegetation data will be presented and hypotheses discussed.

COMMON HONEYLOCUST CONTROL USING FOLIAR-APPLIED HERBICIDES. Walter H. Fick*; Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

ABSTRACT

Common honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) is a native, deciduous tree of the legume family.  It is found throughout most of the U.S. along streams, rich bottomlands, rocky hillsides, fence rows, and pastures and can reach nearly 40 m in height.  Common honeylocust has bipinnately compound leaves with sharp thorns on the twigs and bark. Pods are eaten by both wildlife and domestic animals.  Common honeylocust is a prolific resprouter and has the ability to spread quickly.  The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of eight foliar herbicides applied for common honeylocust control.  Two study sites were selected in Pottawatomie County, Kansas.  Trees were 1 to 3.5 m tall.  The foliar treatments were applied in 467 L ha-1 spray solutions using a backpack sprayer.  A non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% was added to each foliar treatment.  A total of 11 to 27 trees per treatment were foliar sprayed on July 21, 2011 and July 18, 2012.  Mortality was determined from all treatments about 1 year after application.  Chi square analysis was used to determine differences among treatments at the 0.10 level of significance.  Control of common honeylocust was not different between locations for any herbicide in 2011, but in 2012 aminocyclopyrachlor + metsulfuron at 0.9 + 0.2 g L-1  and picloram + fluroxypyr at 0.4 + 0.4 g L-1 provided greater control at site 1.  The only foliar treatments providing greater than 90% control both years were picloram + fluroxypyr at 0.8 + 0.8 g L-1,  aminopyralid at 0.3 g L-1,  and aminocyclopyrachlor + metsulfuron at 0.9 + 0.2 g L-1 .    Other treatments providing greater than 80% control both years included picloram + fluroxypyr at 0.4 + 0.4 g L-1 and triclopyr at 2.4 g L-1.  Dry weather during 2012 reduced control of common honeylocust by some herbicides.

PINON AND JUNIPER MASTICATION: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED FROM PROCESS AND SURVEY STUDIES IN UTAH. Bruce A. Roundy*1, Kert Young1, Jordan Bybee1, Debbie Rigby1, Zachary Aanderud1, Wyatt Shakespear1, April Hulet2, Darrell Roundy1, Nathan Cline1; 1Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 2USDA-ARS, Burns, OR

ABSTRACT

Piñon and juniper trees are masticated or shredded to reduce fuels and encourage understory growth. We measured hydrologic, soil, fuel, and vegetation responses to shredding in Utah in a series of both designed and post-hoc studies conducted over the last 7 years on one to 44 sites.  Shredded debris increased infiltration in interspaces with gravelly loam soil and 15% slope (1 site).  Shredding increased time of soil water availability in spring and summer by up to 6 weeks in stands with high pre-treatment tree cover (4 sites).  Shredding also increased N supply rate by 4.7 times in stands with high pre-treatment tree cover (4 sites), probably due to decreased tree use of N and increased time of available soil water. Shredded debris increased P concentrations and microbial biomass across a range of pre-treatment tree cover (44 sites), while decreasing N

mineralization and nitrification in surface soils where pre-treatment tree cover was < 45%.  Both bluebunch wheatgrass and cheatgrass seedlings had greater production on shredded than untreated microsites (3 sites).  Shredding converted canopy fuels to 1 and 10 hour woody debris (44 sites).  Shrub cover was unaffected by shredding but perennial herbaceous cover was increased, even for plots with high pre-treatment tree cover (44 sites).  Sites that are seeded after shredding especially had high perennial grass cover where pre-treatment tree cover was high.  Shredding has the advantage of placing canopy fuels on the ground, which lessens fire spread and benefits suppression.  It also leaves sagebrush and other shrubs, while increasing perennial herbaceous cover.  It may also increase cheatgrass cover on some susceptible sites.   Treating these susceptible sites will be most successful when they have high initial cover of perennial grasses or are seeded to promote perennial plant use of the soil water and nutrient resources made available from tree shredding.

FUEL RESPONSE TO MECHANICAL SHREDDING OF PINYON-JUNIPER TREES IN UTAH. Wyatt Shakespear*1, Kert Young1, Bruce A. Roundy1, Darrell Roundy1, April Hulet2; 1Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 2USDA-ARS, Burns, OR

ABSTRACT

Pinyon-juniper woodlands are encroaching on thousands of hectares of sagebrush steppe. Decreased fire frequency favors proliferation of pinyon-juniper woodlands and subsequent decline in desirable understory species. Woodland encroachment increases tree cover and produces hazardous canopy fuel loads that contribute to severe crown fires. Crown fires can produce high amounts of heat that kill desired vegetation which increases erosion potential and degrades wildlife habitat, and threatens life and property in wildland urban interfaces. Mechanical shredding converts canopy fuels into small woody debris, distributed in patches. Shredding changes wildfire dynamics from a potential crown fire to a more controllable surface fire.  We measured untreated, shred, and shred + burn treatments on 40 different sites throughout Utah (587 subplots). Fuels were measured on 30-meter transects within 30 X 33 m subplots. Shredding trees reduced large-diameter fuels to primarily 10 hour fuels (6.4-25.4 mm diameter). The shred treatment did not alter standing shrub biomass, but increased herbaceous biomass relative to untreated subplots two-fold at low tree cover and eight-fold at high tree cover (P < 0.01). Compared to shred subplots, the shred + burn treatment decreased woody biomass three-fold for low tree cover and ten-fold for high tree cover, while herbaceous biomass increased two-fold at low to moderate tree cover. Mechanical shredding is a valuable tool for reducing canopy fuels to aid in controlling fire, and generally stimulates a positive understory response. Although this study did not measure soil heating and plant mortality, burning shredded fuels may cause lethal soil heating longer than that of a fire in a historic sagebrush steppe community. Prescribed burning could be used in cool-weather, high-moisture conditions to safely remove surface fuels and prevent lethal soil heating and plant mortality.

A LAND REMEMBERED: WORKING LANDS CONSERVING IMPERILED WILDLIFE IN FLORIDA. Erin P. Myers*1, Christine Trammell2, Mary Peterson2; 1USFWS, Naples, FL, 2US Fish and Wildlife Service, Vero Beach, FL

ABSTRACT

The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (FGSP) is a federally endangered subspecies endemic to the fire-maintained prairies and rangelands of Florida.  Prairie habitat in Florida consists of large tree-less grasslands with interspersed shrubs and wetlands, and is adjacent to pinelands and hammocks. More than 80 percent of historic dry prairie habitat in Florida has been lost, and all that remains is found on Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (TLWMA), Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (KPPSP), and Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR); and the surrounding private ranches. FGSP populations are declining sharply on these public lands, (N=74 during 2012 surveys), and if trends continue, the FGSP faces extinction on public lands within a decade.Much of the private land surrounding the remaining extant populations on public lands are working ranches that have been in Central Florida since the 1700’s.  We assume cattle have co-existed with the FGSP over the years; however, these large areas of potential habitat for FGSP remain understudied.January 2012, the USFWS established the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge (EHNWR) and Conservation area (CA) around the central Florida working lands and dry prairie. This refuge was developed to  preserve the Florida ranching  way of life that is fast disappearing, safeguard water supplies for Floridians, and conserve habitat for 88 listed species, including the FGSP. Through EHNWR implementation, the USFWS has been working with private landowners to quantify the extent to which private grazed lands provide habitat for FGSP, determine how grazing practices can be used to increase habitat suitability for FGSP, and develop BMPs in collaboration with landowners willing to create suitable habitat for FGSP.  During the 2013 survey season, biologists recorded successful FGSP reproduction occurring in semi-improved pastures on two ranches where grazing is managed at a level that allows native vegetation and habitat structure to persist.

HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF MEDUSAHEAD CONTROL: THREE KEY QUESTIONS TO ANSWER. D. Layne Coppock*, Beth Burritt; Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

As part of an interdisciplinary team focused on the control of medusahead (Taeniatherum canput-medusae), we undertook exploratory research to characterize the attitudes and perceptions of stakeholders living or working in the vicinity of the small communities of Paradise and Avon in southern Cache County, Utah. Methods included inventory of land-ownership patterns as well as conducting five focus groups and 25 phone interviews. Over 70 people participated who represented a wide array of landowners as well as local, state, and federal organizations. After synthesizing the results we found that affirmative answers to three key questions are central to successful medusahead control here. First, is medusahead viewed as a priority problem by a critical mass of landowners? Second, are there affordable and reliable control methods available? And third, is there a leadership entity that “owns” the problem and helps keep stakeholders on task, at least until the tide is turned? While we wish that the answer to each question was an unqualified “yes,” the reality is very mixed. The good news is that a small minority of larger landowners agree that medusahead is an important threat. Because these

people own most of the land, this cadre could provide an excellent bulwark against weed invasion. However, lack of research-based, low-risk control methods, as well as elusive or inconsistent community leadership, greatly undermines this situation.  Successful medusahead control must therefore include prominent attention to tackling both the human and technical dimensions of the problem.

CHEMICAL CONTROL OF MEDUSAHEAD AS A TOOLBOX OPTION. Theresa Becchetti*1, Craig Schriefer2, Emilo Laca2; 1University of California, Modesto, CA, 2University of California, Davis, Davis, CA

ABSTRACT

Medusahead, Elymus caput-medusae, was documented in California rangelands in the 1950’s and has since invaded millions of acres in California, Nevada and Oregon.  According to calweedmapper.org, Medusahead is currently in 48 of 58 counties and is in high abundance and spreading mostly unchecked.  Medusahead decreases biodiversity, grazing, wildlife habitat and recreation value of rangelands while increasing fire hazard. Although cost of Medusahead depends on what ecosystem service is of greatest concern, forage replacement cost is estimated at $22.50 per acre. Our study contributes to a toolbox of control options that land management professionals can use to tailor site-specific plans that are cost effective. We used glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide, applied in two doses and at three phenological stages, and examine the effects on Medusahead demography and on productivity of desirable forage species. Early applications killed all vegetation and produced little forage. A later application significantly reduced Medusahead without obliterating the season’s forage. Cost of application of herbicide was $15/ac, including labor, fuel, herbicide and machinery. There were no effects of dose or date of application on the degree of control. Following herbicide application in 2008, treated plots had less Medusahead than controls. In 2009, both treated and control areas had less Medusahead than controls in 2008. This decline in the number of Medusahead plants in the control areas is attributed to a general reduction in Medusahead density in the experimental area.

WEED-SUPPRESSIVE BACTERIA IN RANGELAND RESTORATION.Michael A. Gregg*1, Ann C. Kennedy2; 1U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Burbank, WA, 2USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA

ABSTRACT

Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) are troublesome exotic annual grasses that negatively affect shrub-steppe and ultimately reduce quality of rangelands for livestock and wildlife.  More than 200 million acres of shrub-steppe existed in North America in the 1880s.  Presently, 100 million acres remain in the Intermountain West, but over half of these acres are infested with exotic annual grasses.  Exotic annual grasses significantly alter ecosystem structure and function; they increase fire frequency and quickly convert shrub-steppe to non-native annual grasslands. It is difficult to re-establish native species once areas become dominated by these annual grasses.  However, biological control offers a novel, alternative means of suppressing non-native annual grasses and may provide a new tool in

the manager’s toolbox.  Naturally occurring pseudomonas bacteria have been found that inhibit medusahead and cheatgrass in the field, but do not harm native plants. The bacteria are applied in the fall and inhibit radicle formation, root growth, and tiller initiation of select weeds in the fall and spring. There are no visible signs of pathogenicity or lesions, only stunted roots. In order to be effective, the bacteria must survive in the soil over winter and be present to colonize the root at the root surface during spring.  The inhibitory compounds produced by the bacteria reduce plant cell elongation and are species specific, only inhibiting a target species and no broadleaf plants.  The bacteria reduce the competitive ability of medusahead and cheatgrass, allowing desirable native species to be more competitive.  Although the use of weed-suppressive bacteria is still experimental, they provide a novel means to reduce exotic annual grasses and have the potential to significantly increase success in restoring rangelands.

NITROGEN FERTILIZER AS A TOOLBOX OPTION FOR MEDUSAHEAD CONTROL. Theresa Becchetti*1, Josh Davy2, Morgan Doran3, Jeremy James4, Sheila Barry5, Guy Kyser6, Glenn Nader7, Missy Merrill8, James Bartolome9, Mel George10, Joe DiTomaso6, Emilo Laca6; 1University of California, Modesto, CA, 2University of California, Red Bluff, CA, 3University of California, Fairfield, CA, 4University of California, Browns Valley, CA, 5University of California, San Jose, CA, 6University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 7University of California, Yubba City, CA, 8University of California, Modoc, CA, 9University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 10University of California, Davis, CA

ABSTRACT

Medusahead, Elymus caput-medusae, was documented in California rangelands in the 1950’s and has since invaded millions of acres in California, Nevada and Oregon.  According to calweedmapper.org, Medusahead is currently in 48 of 58 counties and is in high abundance and spreading mostly unchecked.  Medusahead decreases biodiversity, grazing, wildlife habitat and recreation value of rangelands while increasing fire hazard. Although cost of Medusahead depends on what ecosystem service is of greatest concern, forage replacement cost is estimated at $22.50 per acre. Our study contributes to a toolbox of control options that land management professionals can use to tailor site-specific plans that are cost effective.  An option that is showing much promise for being cost effective and practical for landowners is the application of a nitrogen based fertilizer.  We are looking at two different rates, thirty and sixty pounds of nitrogen per acre, and applied at either a fall or spring application. Preliminary results from a multi-year project show that timing of application may not be significant, but the application of nitrogen did result in an increase grazing of Medusahead compared to the controls.  Significance varied from site to site, but typically sixty pounds of nitrogen per acre had more control of Medusahead over thirty pounds/acre and the control.  We believe the addition of nitrogen positively affected the palatability of Medusahead, encouraging livestock grazing.  The project will continue for another year, with a second year of fertilization and monitoring plots for at least additional two years.

LEARNING TO GRAZE MEDUSAHEAD. Juan J. Villalba*; Utah State University, Logan, UT

ABSTRACT

Grazing represents a sustainable, efficient, and low-cost alternative for medusahead control. However, results about its applicability are not encouraging. Some claim that livestock will not eat medusahead at any stage of growth, likely due to its low nutritional value. Others suggest sheep eat medusahead if forced (i.e., at high animal densities). However, this practice affects animal welfare and productivity and may be unrealistic when applied at larger scales. Grazing approaches need to take into consideration the importance of experience at modifying the foraging behavior of herbivores. Grazing preferences depend on consequences, which evolve from the ongoing interactions between the genome and the environment. To facilitate adaptation, genetic instructions are modified by social and environmental experiences. The uniqueness of these interactions makes each individual different. Based on this principle, managers can create training methodologies that shape genome-environment interactions in ways that enhance utilization of target species like medusahead. For instance, preference for a particular food depends not only on its intrinsic (e.g., nutritional, toxicological) properties, but also on the nutritional context where that food is ingested. An instance of this type of phenomenon has been called induction effect, which consists of an increased intake of an unpalatable food when it is associated with the ingestion of a preferred food in a sequence familiar to the animal. In addition, positive experiences early in life (with mother, with the appropriate nutritional context) can have life-long influences on herbivores by causing neurological, morphological, and physiological changes that increase intake of and preference for medusahead. Ongoing research on these areas will be discussed in this forum.

EFFECTS OF FIRE ON FORAGE PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF RED NATAL GRASS Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka in AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico. Ernesto Flores Ancira*, León Arturo Lozano García, Miguel Luna Luna, Rodolfo Barretero Hernández, Abraham Díaz Romo, Carlos Haubi.*Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Centro de Ciencias Agropecuarias., Ave. Universidad No. 940. Col. Cd. Universitaria, Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, C.P. 20131, México.

ABSTRACT

During February 2012 an experiment was set up to investigate the effect of fire on forage quantity (kg.dry matter/ha.) and quality (crude protein, fiber (ndf-neutral detergent fiber and adf-acid detergent fiber), in vitro digestibility of dry matter), in three phenological stages:growth, maturity and dormancy, in Mesa Grande, Calvillo, Aguascalientes, México. Fire was applied by using a 10 L. drip torch SURE SEAL® using a gasoline-diesel 6:4 relationship. The burning was conducted at 7:00 a.m with following environmental variables. Relative humidity (%) 35, temperature (oC) 12, and wind speed (km/hr.) 4. Fire was applied to 4X4 m. plots (n=5)., the remaining five (control) remained intact, only old forage was cut off at soil level. In general, during 2012 and 2013 forage production was greater (P≤ 0.5) in the burned plots compared to the control ones. Forage quality was much better (P≤ 0.5) in the plots subjected to fire than those with no fire regime (control) with respect to crude protein, fiber (ndf and adf), as well as dry

matter in vitro digestibility in the three phenological stages. Although this is an exotic species native to South Africa, not palatable to cattle and other livestock that colonizes mainly overused terrains (dry land agriculture and native rangelands) all over México, fire could be an excellent alternative as an ecological strategy to manipulate the population of this non-native natal grass.

CONVERSION OF BERMUDAGRASS (Cynodon dactylon) TO A SWITCHGRASS (Panicum virgatum) MONOCULTURE OR MIXED NATIVEGRASSES. James Rogers* and Jagadeesh Mosali; The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK

ABSTRACT

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) can produce biomass on marginal ground that can be used as biofuel feedstock. In the Southern Plains, marginal ground is often in established bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). To convert bermudagrass to nativegrass, methods are needed for suppression or control of bermudagrass, allowing opportunity for nativegrass establishment. A two-year study was developed to evaluate twelve treatments for bermudagrass suppression prior to establishment of switchgrass (‘Alamo’) or a mixture of little bluestem (Schizachyrium acoparium ‘Cimarron’), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Kaw’), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans ‘common’), switchgrass (‘Alamo’), and green sprangletop (Leptochloa dubia ‘common’). Treatments were six no-till and six clean-till planting methods, each with or without a winter cover crop of cereal rye (Secale cereale ‘Maton II’) and summer cover crop of sorghum sudan (Andropogon bicolor ‘Sweet Sunny Sue’) with combinations of glyphosate and preparation time (7 to 19 months prior to planting) across two locations. The first year of the study began in the fall of 2009 and planting date for all treatments was April, 2011. Stand counts were taken in June 2011. First year harvest date was March 2013. Year two was planted in April 2012. Only first year study data is presented. Switchgrass and nativegrass stand counts across locations established by no-till averaged 20% and 11% compared to clean-till averages of 76% and 41%. On a fine sandy loam soil location, mean treatment yield of clean-till established switchgrass (8187 kg ha-1) was greater than (P < 0.05) no-till (3166 kg ha-1). Clean-till had no effect on switchgrass yield on loamy fine sand location. Clean-till improved nativegrass yields at both locations (P < 0.05). Across locations, weeds composed 29.5% of switchgrass and 72.5% of nativegrass total biomass. Based on first year results, establishment methods with tillage are superior to no-till establishment.

NON-POINT SOURCE WATER QUALITY RISK ASSESSMENT FOR GRAZING AREAST.D.Hudson*1, J. Buckhouse2, S. Wyman3;1Washington State University Extension, Ellensburg, WA,2Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 3National Riparian Service Team, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Prineville, OR

ABSTRACT

Acute and growing social and legal conflict over regulation of non-point source pollution in Washington State is straining proactive efforts to improve water quality, especially as it relates to livestock management. Farmers and ranchers caught in the socio-biological conflict over water

quality experience legal risk, reduced quality of life, and serious financial risk. Resolution of this conflict requires addressing the drivers of water quality from a watershed scale and application of an education and outreach method that is palatable to landowners. The state agency responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act has been only minimally successful in either educating landowners about pollution risks or motivating landowners to take proactive steps to reduce risk. Washington State University Extension, in partnership with the National Riparian Service Team and conservation districts, developed a water quality risk assessment outreach program to focus landowners and livestock managers on riparian and upland vegetation, the drivers of riparian function and water quality, rather than water quality monitoring data which are collected sporadically. We provided training on the relationships among site conditions, grazing practices, and water quality to help producers develop specific management changes for their own land or lands where they control grazing animals. This project targeted four regions in Washington State with known conflict over water quality and livestock. To date, the project has resulted in approximately 40% of producers initiating repeat photography to document condition change, using temporary fence to influence livestock distribution in riparian zones, and establishing a new grazing plan with shorter grazing periods and shifting timing of use for large rangeland or forest pastures with streams. Subsequent to this targeted outreach effort, we are developing additional risk assessment & mitigation educational materials in cooperation with the enforcement agency and conservation districts to promote statewide.

OPTIMAL SEEDING DEPTH OF THREE NATIVE FORBS IN SANDY AND CLAY SOILS. Rachel Fugal and Val Anderson

ABSTRACT

Seeding native forbs is an important part of establishing healthy, stable plant communities.Expense and limited seeding success preclude taking full advantage of the contribution offorbs. Understanding the germination and establishment requirements including seedingdepth and preferred soil texture will aid in maximizing the use of resources forimprovement and restoration projects. The following species were investigated: Arrowleafbalsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagitatta), limestone hawksbeard (Crepis intermedia), andBolander’s yampah (Perideridia bolanderi). We tested 5 seeding depths (0 – 2.5 cm) in 2different soils (clay loam -- sand 35%, clay 30%, silt 36%; sandy loam –sand 69%, clay13%, silt 19%). Percent emergence and survival data were collected. Soil type wassignificant (p < 0.01) for both limestone hawksbeard (11% emergence in clay and 23% insandy) and Bolander’s yampah (13% in clay and 43% in sandy). Soil type was notsignificant for arrowleaf balsamroot emergence. Depth was significant for emergence of allthree species. Arrowleaf balsamroot and bolander’s yampah were successful with surface to1.3 cm seeding depth with more than 30% and 27% emergence respectively. The 2.5-cmseeding depth produced significantly less emergence (11% and 7% respectively). Limestone

hawksbeard emergence was significantly lower at 1.3 cm depth dropping from 20%emergence at the 0.6 cm depth to 9% at the 1.3 cm depth (p < 0.01). Survival wassignificantly different based only on the soil factor with higher survival in the sandy soilwith all three species. Arrowleaf balsamroot had 52% and 20% survival (p < 0.01),limestone hawksbeard had 35% and 5% survival (p < 0.01), Bolander’s yampah had 31%and 14% survival (p = 0.05) in the sandy and clay soils respectively. Our results indicatethat seeding success will be higher in sandy soils at depths no greater than 1.3 cm forarrowleaf balsamroot and bolander’s yampah and no greater than 0.6 cm for limestonehawksbeard.

ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF JUNIPER IN THE GREAT PLAINS. Samuel D. Fuhlendorf; Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

ABSTRACT

The greatest threat to agriculture and conservation in the Great Plains is the increase in woody plants such as Ashe juniper and Eastern redcedar on grasslands. This invasion can completely alter grassland landscapes, limiting agricultural productivity and contributing to the dramatic decline in grassland biodiversity. Depending on the region, other ecosystem services such as carbon storage and water cycling can be greatly altered. These vegetation dynamics have been associated with non-linear dynamics and thresholds that can limit management options and these patterns are just beginning to be quantified. I will discuss rates and patterns of the invasion on diverse rangelands and solutions to this threat that can integrate grazing, fire and grassland conservation.

THE ECOLOGY OF PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS: RESTORING A BRUSH ENCROACHED RANGELAND USING PRESCRIBED FIRE. Gabriela Sosa*1, William E. Rogers1

, Charles A. Taylor2; 1Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 2Texas A&M University, Sonora, Texas

ABSTRACT

This study is part of an ongoing research effort, where the overarching goal is to understandhow abiotic drivers and constraints affect the ecological dynamics and resilience of adegraded semi-arid rangeland ecosystem. The expansion of prickly pear cactus has beenrecognized as highly undesirable by ranchers throughout the state of Texas. The increase incactus density steadily decreases forage productivity. Unfortunately, traditional brush controlmethods have proven unsuccessful at limiting the spread of prickly pear cactus mottes. Ourpreliminary field observations suggest that prickly pear cactus mottes that are well hydratedare more likely to experience tissue damage from prescribed fires. In this study, weexamined the ecological response to fire by this hardy succulent. This experiment wasconducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station, in Sonora, Texas, on a site that hasexperienced degradation as a result of a history of overgrazing and fire suppression. Using amulti-factorial experimental design, we simulated precipitation on forty randomly selectedcactus mottes; these mottes were subsequently burned. The findings from this study will be

valuable to individuals who are interested in pursuing restoration of semi-arid rangelands.EFFECT OF COOL SEASON GRASS INVASION ON RANGELAND SOIL HEALTH. Stan Boltz, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist, Huron, SD.

ABSTRACT

Management of grasslands which results in an increase of invasive species can have potentially significant impact on measurable dynamic soil properties such as infiltration, soil aggregate stability, and organic matter. Invasive species have been shown to alter the soils where they grow, and some of these alterations have a negative impact on the hydrologic processes of the site. This project explores various management scenarios on grasslands and measures dynamic soil properties to look for indicators that may be used to determine soil alteration due to management. The dynamic soil properties that are examined are organic matter, glomalin, infiltration, bulk density, soil aggregate stability, and others. The management scenarios are proper grazing use and overgrazing on rangeland.

ECOLOGICAL SITE AND STATE AND TRANSITION MODEL DYNAMICS IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS GRASSLANDS. Jeffrey L. Printz, USDA-NRCS,Bismarck, ND

ABSTRACT

Plant community development in the Northern Great Plains was influenced by a disturbance regime which included fires of varying intensity and frequency, intense defoliation by grazers ranging from large herds of migrating herbivores, to prairie dogs, to swarms of grasshoppers, drought of varying intensity and duration, and varying periods of above, and below, normal precipitation and temperature. The native plant communities responded to these various disturbances with subtle to sometimes dramatic species shifts depending upon the severity and duration of the disturbance. Invasion by Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) shifts the ecological processes, alters how the plant community responds to disturbances and may change the ecological services provided by the plant community. These changes, along with the positive and negative drivers responsible for the shift and, the resulting plant community phase(s) are documented within the state and transition model for the individual ecological site. These state and transition models along with the

accompanying plant community narratives document the ecological dynamics of the site both before, and after invasion.