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The Interior Columbia Basin assessment area in the Western United States, encompassing eastern Washington (WA), eastern Oregon (OR), most of Idaho (ID), northwestern Montana (MT), and adjacent areas of northwestern Wyoming (WY), northwestern Utah (UT), and northern Nevada (NV), and the historical habitats of greater sage-grouse within the species' historical range in the Basin (from Wisdom and others 2000).
Source publication
Habitats and populations of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have declined throughout western North America in response to a myriad of detrimental land uses. Successful restoration of this species' habitat, therefore, is of keen interest to Federal land agencies who oversee management of most remaining habitat. To illustrate the chal...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... this paper, we summarize results of recent landscape evaluations to restore habitats for sage-grouse on lands administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (FS-BLM) in the Interior Columbia Ba- sin and adjacent portions of the Great Basin (Basin) ( fig. 1). The 58 million-ha Basin encompasses a major portion of current and historical range of greater sage-grouse ( fig. 1) (Wisdom and others 2002a). Proposed management of the Basin's sagebrush steppe will therefore substantially affect sage-grouse and other sagebrush obligates. That as context, our goals were to summarize the conditions ...
Context 2
... lands administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (FS-BLM) in the Interior Columbia Ba- sin and adjacent portions of the Great Basin (Basin) ( fig. 1). The 58 million-ha Basin encompasses a major portion of current and historical range of greater sage-grouse ( fig. 1) (Wisdom and others 2002a). Proposed management of the Basin's sagebrush steppe will therefore substantially affect sage-grouse and other sagebrush obligates. That as context, our goals were to summarize the conditions projected for greater sage-grouse from a previous study within the Basin (Raphael and others 2001) in relation to two ...
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Citations
... Forest Service scientists led the development and implementation of a variety of groundbreaking conceptual models for sage-grouse habitat restoration and recovery as part of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (ICBEMP), and later in ecoregional assessments in the Great Basin and across the entire range of Greater Sage-Grouse. Conceptual models developed by FS scientists for sage-grouse restoration and recovery for application across the 58-million ha ICBEMP area include (1) novel state-and-transitions models for sagebrush to evaluate future sagebrush habitat trajectories ; (2) innovative Bayesian belief network models developed and applied by Wisdom et al. (2002a) for evaluating current and future sage-grouse habitats; (3) development of a new habitat network approach for sagebrush-dependent species, including sage-grouse, and demonstration of this conceptual model in restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2002b); and (4) additional integration and synthesis of sage-grouse models for restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2005a). ...
The primary purpose of this FS R&D Sage-Grouse Conservation Science Strategy is to promote understanding and recognition of FS strengths, science leadership and collaborative opportunities in key areas of sagebrush and sage-grouse science, identify Research Priorities and Goals based on a review of existing knowledge and future needs, stimulate increased development and delivery of sage-grouse conservation knowledge, and serve as a communication and planning guide for managers, staff, and scientists working on or concerned about sage-grouse related issues. The strategy aims to improve awareness of our collective expertise, partnerships, and existing facility resources by summarizing the sage-grouse conservation science conducted by FS R&D.
... scientists for sage-grouse restoration and recovery for application across the 58-million ha ICBEMP area include: 1) novel state-and-transitions models for sagebrush to evaluate future sagebrush habitat trajectories (Hemstrom et al. 2002); 2) innovative Bayesian belief network models developed and applied by Wisdom et al. (2002a) for evaluating current and future sage-grouse habitats; 3) development of a new habitat network approach for sagebrushdependent species, including sage-grouse, and demonstration of this conceptual model in Figure 15-Fruiting bodies of the seed pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda, which illustrate why the pathogen was given its nickname "black fingers of death" (Photo by Susan Meyer, USDA Forest Service). restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2002b); and 4) additional integration and synthesis of sage-grouse models for restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2005a). ...
... Rowland and Wisdom (2009) also developed and applied new habitat network approaches for sagebrush-dependent vertebrate species in the Great Basin, including sage-grouse. FS-led conceptual models for sagebrush habitat restoration and sage-grouse recovery across the historical range of the species include those by Wisdom et al. (2005a), which introduced novel modeling paradigms and management approaches for prioritizing landscape conservation and restoration. ...
Sagebrush ecosystems are among the largest and most threatened ecosystems in North
America. Greater sage-grouse has served as the bellwether for species conservation in
these ecosystems and has been considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act
eight times. In September 2015, the decision was made not to list greater sage-grouse, but
to reevaluate its status in 5 years. Concerns over sage-grouse and associated habitats have
set in motion sweeping Federal and State land management plan changes and proactive science-
based conservation actions to address threats within the realm of management control.
For nearly a century, the Forest Service (FS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has
studied sagebrush ecosystems and for decades has focused on sage-grouse biology and
habitat requirements. Our team of FS scientists and managers prepared this assessment
to summarize FS strengths, capabilities, partners, past and current research, and potential
future high-priority research areas for conservation and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems
and sage-grouse. We identified research and science-based management needs of the
National Forest System where lands are important for breeding and brood-rearing habitats for
sage-grouse. We recommend expanded research and science delivery by FS scientists. This
work will help meet continuing widespread concerns and calls for science-based conservation
to mitigate threats to sagebrush ecosystems, conserve populations of sage-grouse and other
sagebrush-obligate species, and restore sagebrush ecosystems throughout the western
United States.
... greater sage-grouse and its habitat). Conceptual models developed by FS scientists for sage-grouse restoration and recovery for application across the 58-million ha ICBEMP area include: (1) novel state-and-transitions models for sagebrush to evaluate future sagebrush habitat trajectories (Hemstrom et al. 2002); (2) innovative Bayesian belief network models developed and applied by Wisdom et al. (2002a) for evaluating current and future sage-grouse habitats; (3) development of a new habitat network approach for sagebrush-dependent species, including sage-grouse, and demonstration of this conceptual model in restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2002b); and (4) additional integration and synthesis of sage-grouse models for restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2005a). ...
... Rowland and Wisdom (2009) also developed and applied new habitat network approaches for sagebrush-dependent vertebrate species in the Great Basin, including sage-grouse. FS-led conceptual models for sagebrush habitat restoration and sage-grouse recovery across the historical range of the species include those by Wisdom et al. (2005a), which introduced novel modeling paradigms and management approaches for prioritizing landscape conservation and restoration. ...
Sagebrush ecosystems are among the largest and most threatened ecosystems in North America. Greater sage-grouse has served as the bellwether for species conservation in these ecosystems and has been considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act eight times. In September 2015, the decision was made not to list greater sage-grouse, but to reevaluate its status in 5 years. Concerns over sage-grouse and associated habitats have set in motion sweeping Federal and State land management plan changes and proactive science-based conservation actions to address threats within the realm of management control. For nearly a century, the Forest Service (FS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has studied sagebrush ecosystems and for decades has focused on sage-grouse biology and habitat requirements. Our team of FS scientists and managers prepared this assessment to summarize FS strengths, capabilities, partners, past and current research, and potential future high-priority research areas for conservation and restoration of sagebrush ecosystems and sage-grouse. We identified research and science-based management needs of the National Forest System where lands are important for breeding and brood-rearing habitats for sage-grouse. We recommend expanded research and science delivery by FS scientists. This work will help meet continuing widespread concerns and calls for science-based conservation to mitigate threats to sagebrush ecosystems, conserve populations of sage-grouse and other sagebrush-obligate species, and restore sagebrush ecosystems throughout the western United States.
... Forest Service scientists led the development and implementation of a variety of groundbreaking conceptual models for sage-grouse habitat restoration and recovery as part of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (ICBEMP), and later in ecoregional assessments in the Great Basin and across the entire range of Greater Sage-Grouse. Conceptual models developed by FS scientists for sage-grouse restoration and recovery for application across the 58-million ha ICBEMP area include (1) novel state-and-transitions models for sagebrush to evaluate future sagebrush habitat trajectories ; (2) innovative Bayesian belief network models developed and applied by Wisdom et al. (2002a) for evaluating current and future sage-grouse habitats; (3) development of a new habitat network approach for sagebrush-dependent species, including sage-grouse, and demonstration of this conceptual model in restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2002b); and (4) additional integration and synthesis of sage-grouse models for restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2005a). ...
In 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the Greater Sage-Grouse was warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act. As part of a 2011 court settlement for candidate species, the Service stated it would further evaluate this decision and propose the Greater Sage-Grouse for listing by September 30, 2015 if threats to the species could not be ameliorated. USDA Forest Service scientists have studied sagebrush ecosystems and sage- grouse biology and habitat requirements throughout sage-grouse and sagebrush ranges for several decades.
Given Forest Service science capacity, germane publications, research facilities and strategic locations, and the importance of National Forest System lands for breeding and brood-rearing habitats for sage-grouse, we recommend that research and science delivery by the Forest Service be continued and expanded in response to widespread concerns and calls for science-based conservation to prevent further declines of sage-grouse populations and loss of sagebrush ecosystems throughout the western United States.
A team of scientists and managers prepared this science strategy to summarize Forest Service strengths, capabilities, partners, past and current research, and potential future priority areas for sagebrush ecosystems and sage-grouse conservation science. Four Strategic Priorities were identified in the science strategy based on Forest Service strengths, areas of leadership, and reviews of knowledge:
(1) Evaluate sage-grouse ecology, monitoring, and habitat linkages,
(2) Understand disturbances and stressors in sagebrush ecosystems,
(3) Analyze and design landscapes,
(4) Develop methods, models and plant materials to restore sagebrush habitats
Our strategy also identifies Research Priorities and Goals, facilities and locations, science-based needs of the National Forest System, and the unique niche of Forest Service science relative to plans and strategies of other agencies and organizations.
... Forest Service scientists led the development and implementation of a variety of groundbreaking conceptual models for sage-grouse habitat restoration and recovery as part of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (ICBEMP), and later in ecoregional assessments in the Great Basin and across the entire range of Greater Sage-Grouse. Conceptual models developed by FS scientists for sage-grouse restoration and recovery for application across the 58-million ha ICBEMP area include (1) novel state-and-transitions models for sagebrush to evaluate future sagebrush habitat trajectories ; (2) innovative Bayesian belief network models developed and applied by Wisdom et al. (2002a) for evaluating current and future sage-grouse habitats; (3) development of a new habitat network approach for sagebrush-dependent species, including sage-grouse, and demonstration of this conceptual model in restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2002b); and (4) additional integration and synthesis of sage-grouse models for restoration planning (Wisdom et al. 2005a). ...
strengths, capabilities, partners, past and current research, and potential future priority areas for sagebrush ecosystems and sage-grouse conservation science. Four Strategic Priorities were identified in the science strategy based on Forest Service strengths, areas of leadership, and reviews of knowledge:
(1) Evaluate sage-grouse ecology, monitoring, and habitat linkages,
(2) Understand disturbances and stressors in sagebrush ecosystems,
(3) Analyze and design landscapes,
(4) Develop methods, models and plant materials to restore sagebrush habitats
Our strategy also identifies Research Priorities and Goals, facilities and locations, science-based needs of the National Forest System, and the unique niche of Forest Service science relative to plans and strategies of other agencies and organizations.
... Sage-grouse habitat associations have been well documented at local or statescales (Connelly et al. 2011c) and although published guidelines of sage-grouse habitat requirements exist (Connelly et al. 2000, Stiver et al. 2010), the generality of these local-scale habitat associations and guidelines is not well documented. Sage-grouse have large home ranges and select habitats at multiple scales (Wisdom et al. 2005, Doherty et al. 2010, Tack et al. 2012). They use sagebrush plants for cover and forage within breeding, brood-rearing, and wintering habitats, which can be spatially separated over large areas with diverse climates (Connelly et al. 2000, Crawford et al. 2004, Hagen et al. 2007). ...
A recurrent challenge in the conservation of wide-ranging, imperiled species is understanding which habitats to protect and whether we are capable of restoring degraded landscapes. For Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a species of conservation concern in the western United States, we approached this problem by developing multi-scale empirical models of occupancy in 211 randomly located plots within a 40 million ha portion of the species' range. We then used these models to predict sage-grouse habitat quality at 826 plots associated with 101 post-wildfire seeding projects implemented from 1990 to 2003. We also compared conditions at restoration sites to published habitat guidelines. Sage-grouse occupancy was positively related to plot- and landscape-level dwarf sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula, A. nova, A. tripartita) and big sagebrush steppe prevalence, and negatively associated with non-native plants and human development. The predicted probability of sage-grouse occupancy at treated plots was low on average (0.09) and not substantially different from burned areas that had not been treated. Restoration sites with quality habitat tended to occur at higher elevation locations with low annual temperatures, high spring precipitation, and high plant diversity. Of 313 plots seeded after fire, none met all sagebrush guidelines for breeding habitats, but approximately 50% met understory guidelines, particularly for perennial grasses. This pattern was similar for summer habitat. Less than 2% of treated plots met winter habitat guidelines. Restoration actions did not increase the probability of burned areas meeting most guideline criteria. The probability of meeting guidelines was influenced by a latitudinal gradient, climate, and topography. Our results suggest that sage-grouse are relatively unlikely to use many burned areas within 20 years of fire, regardless of treatment. Understory habitat conditions are more likely to be adequate than overstory conditions, but in most climates, establishing forbs and reducing cheatgrass dominance is unlikely. Reestablishing sagebrush cover will require more than 20 years using past restoration methods. Given current fire frequencies and restoration capabilities, protection of landscapes containing a mix of dwarf sagebrush and big sagebrush steppe, minimal human development, and low non-native plant cover may provide the best opportunity for conservation of sage-grouse habitats.
... Sage-grouse habitat associations have been well documented at local or statescales (Connelly et al. 2011c) and although published guidelines of sage-grouse habitat requirements exist (Connelly et al. 2000, Stiver et al. 2010), the generality of these local-scale habitat associations and guidelines is not well documented. Sage-grouse have large home ranges and select habitats at multiple scales (Wisdom et al. 2005, Doherty et al. 2010, Tack et al. 2012). They use sagebrush plants for cover and forage within breeding, brood-rearing, and wintering habitats, which can be spatially separated over large areas with diverse climates (Connelly et al. 2000, Crawford et al. 2004, Hagen et al. 2007). ...
Animal habitat selection is a process that functions at multiple, hierarchically. structured spatial scales. Thus multi-scale analyses should be the basis for inferences about factors driving the habitat selection process. Vertebrate herbivores forage selectively on the basis of phytochemistry, but few studies have investigated the influence of selective foraging (i.e., fine-scale habitat selection) on habitat selection at larger scales. We tested the hypothesis that phytochemistry is integral to the habitat selection process for vertebrate herbivores. We predicted that habitats selected at three spatial scales would be characterized by higher nutrient concentrations and lower concentrations of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) than unused habitats. We used the Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), an avian herbivore with a seasonally specialized diet of sagebrush, to test our hypothesis. Sage-Grouse selected a habitat type (black sagebrush, Artemisia nova) with lower PSM concentrations than the alternative (Wyoming big sagebrush, A. tridentata wyomingensis). Within black sagebrush habitat, Sage-Grouse selected patches and individual plants within those patches that were higher in nutrient concentrations and lower in PSM concentrations than those not used. Our results provide the first evidence for multi-scale habitat selection by an avian herbivore on the basis of phytochemistry, and they suggest that phytochemistry may be a fundamental driver of habitat selection for vertebrate herbivores.
... Two examples below illustrate how knowledge needs vary with spatial and temporal scale. First, conservation efforts for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) occur at different spatial scales (Wisdom et al. 2005). At the scale of local populations of sage-grouse, agricultural areas adjacent to sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitat may be an important source of food for brood rearing, especially if the quality of the native habitat limits the availability of forbs and insects (Schroeder et al. 1999). ...
Adapting what we currently know about ecosystems to a future where rangelands are changing is a new frontier in rangeland management. Current tools for knowledge discovery and application are limited because they cannot adequately judge ecological relevance of knowledge to specific situations. We propose development of integrated knowledge systems (KSs)—collections of resources (e.g., data, analytical tools, literature) drawn from disparate domains and organized around topics by process-based conceptual models. An integrated KS would define relevance by ecological attributes (e.g., soils, climate, vegetation) and location as a flexible mechanism for organizing, finding, and applying knowledge to rangeland management. A KS provides knowledge sources within a decision-making framework that defines what knowledge is needed and how it will be used to make decisions. Knowledge from a KS can identify appropriate spatial and temporal scales to address specific resource questions or objectives. Several factors currently limit KS development and implementation. These include limited interoperability of disparate information and knowledge systems; lack of consistent geographic referencing of knowledge; incomplete and inconsistent documentation of the origin, history and meaning of data and information; underexploited application of remote sensing products; limited ability to extrapolate and share local knowledge and unstructured information; and lack of training and education of professionals that can link ecological and technical fields of study. The proposed KS concept and recommendations present an opportunity to take advantage of emerging technologies and the collective knowledge of rangeland professionals to address changing ecosystems and evolving threats. If we keep on with a “business as usual” approach to finding and using information, we will struggle to meet our responsibilities as rangeland professionals.
... Tying population monitoring and ecological indicators together will enable managers to identify indicators associated with population change across broad spatial scales and to ameliorate negative effects with appropriate conservation actions (Burgman et al. 2005, Turner 2005). Moreover, this process will help integrate monitoring efforts by states with those of federal agencies, who are required to assess the effectiveness of land management at achieving desired population objectives in sagebrush habitats (Wisdom et al. 2005). Standardization of field methods and implementation of a defensible monitoring approach is vital if we are to use the resulting information to guide implementation of conservation activities. ...
... Previously widespread, the species has been extirpated from ~50% of its original range (), with an estimated range-wide population decline of 45-80% and local declines of 17-92% (, Braun 1998, Aldridge and Brigham 2003). Loss and degradation of habitat from anthropogenic change are the most important historical and current factors leading to isolation, reduction and extirpation of populations (Braun 1998,b, Aldridge and Brigham 2002, Knick et al. 2003, Wisdom et al. 2005). Concerns such as West Nile virus (Naugle et al. 2004, Walker et al. 2004) and genetic isolation (Oyler-McCance et al. 2005) led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to consider protecting sage-grouse populations under the Endangered Species Act in 2004. ...
This review summarizes the fire effects information and relevant ecology of greater sage-grouse and Gunnison sage-grouse in North America that was available in the scientific literature as of 2016. It is available at: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/animals/bird/cent/all.html
