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CHEATGRASS MAPS TO INFORM LAND MANAGEMENT DECISIONS.
Author
Wylie, Bruce K.
Boyte, Stephen P.
Major, Donald J.
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
2017
Body

We developed a time series (2000 � 2014) of 250-meter cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) percent cover maps and datasets in the Northern Great Basin, USA. We used remote sensing data integrated with geophysical data into regression-tree models to develop the maps and data. Additionally, we produced near-real-time cheatgrass percent cover maps and datasets for 2015 and 2016. These near-real-time maps and data were completed and ready for distribution by early July of their respective years (download maps and data at:�(https://nccwsc.usgs.gov/display-project/4f8c64d2e4b0546c0c397b46/5006f4…). Land managers can use the maps to track changing cheatgrass dynamics (e.g., cheatgrass dieoff) and to identify areas that could be susceptible to cheatgrass expansion under future climate regimes, (e.g., greater sage grouse priority areas for conservation). Responding to user requests, we developed plans to greatly expand the study area and to release multiple near-real-time cheatgrass maps and datasets starting earlier in the year. The study area size increased from about 505,000 km2 to approximately 1.325 million km2, an increase of more than 2.5 times. All of Wyoming and parts of 10 other states are included in the study area, with the southern boundary extended to encompass the entire Great Basin ecoregion. To accommodate fire modelers, we are working to release a near-real-time cheatgrass percent cover map and dataset during May 2017. This May release will be followed by June and July releases that will include updated satellite vegetation information that should increase mapping accuracy.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Conference Name
SRM St. George, UT
Collection
SRM Annual Meeting Abstracts