Rangeland Ecology & Management

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UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM WITH JUNIPERS IN THE GREAT PLAINS
Author
Leis, Sherry A.
Blocksome, Carol
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
2014
Body

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.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Conference Name
SRM Orlando, FL