Conifer Removal Restores Sage Grouse Habitat. Science to Solutions.

摘要

The invasion of juniper and other conifers into sagebrush rangelands degrades habitat for sage grouse. A new study in eastern Oregon found no active leks where conifers covered more than 4% of the land area. As important, active leks were nonexistent not only where trees were well established, but even in early stages of encroachment where many small trees were scattered across the landscape. The most cost effective approach for conifer treatment is to target early encroachment stands (Phase I and II), where small trees can be completely removed and the existing sagebrush community sustained.