Geological Survey

Description

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to monitor the vegetation dynamics of shrubland ecosystems using satellite data. Earth observation satellites have been used to assess numerous characteristics related to ecosystem structure over broad spatial and temporal scales, making this an effective medium to track ecosystem disturbance on the landscape. There is a need to assess how two types of disturbances affect the vegetation productivity of western shrublands. Sagebrush shrubland mortality has been reported in recent years and there is concern that these events represent additional stressors on sagebrush habitats that could have negative effects on sagebrush obligate species. There is a management need to quantify the severity and extent of these drought events. In addition, many habitat treatments have been conducted in shrubland ecosystems over the last several decades to enhance wildlife habitat and reduce fuels. However, little is known about how these treatments affect the long-term productivity of the vegetation compared to adjacent, un-treated areas. Furthermore, important questions remain if treated areas are more resistant to drought compared with un-treated areas. The USGS is committed to a cooperative process with the Bureau of Land Management to help insure that the data products and results will inform regional and local decisions. Research conducted in other ecosystems (managed by the Department of the Interior) using related techniques may be integrated into this project.

Who can apply

• Others

Contact

Faith Graves 703-648-7356<br/>fgraves@usgs.gov
fgraves@usgs.gov