Rangeland Ecology & Management

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THE PLANTS DON';T LIE: VEGETATION MONITORING REVEALS SUCCESS OF RIPARIAN AND WET MEADOW RESTORATION
Author
Rondeau, Renee J.
Austin, Gay
Parker, Suzanne
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
2018
Body

Over 1000 wetland restoration structures were built on 25 mesic meadow stream miles in eight watersheds, 2012-2017.� These meadows were identified as important habitat for Gunnison Sage Grouse, yet had been altered by downcutting.� Our primary management objective was to increase wetland acres and wetland species cover. We established 166 randomly chosen permanent vegetation transects, associated with structures, at 13 sites; each site had at least 3 control transects. Transect length was varied to account for variable bank-to-bank width. We used the line-point intercept method, collecting data every 0.5m.� For each point we identified all the species that intercepted a pin flag; we counted ground cover only when there was no vegetation cover.� We re-sampled the transects and repeated photos each year, usually within a few weeks of the original sample date.� We calculated changes in overall wetland species cover (obligate and facultative) by year and across sites, in addition to assessing the overall species composition.� Wetland species cover, four years post treatment, at four sites, increased an average of 160%, ranging 28-245%, compared to a 15% increase at untreated areas.� Sites with the most increase were ephemeral streams with a high sediment load, good snowpack, and light grazing pressure.� Grazing from livestock varied from none to somewhat heavy. The rate of response increased with lower grazing pressure, but we also observed an increase in wetland species cover under higher grazing pressure.� We conclude that our efforts have increased the groundwater level, which had a direct impact on the wetland species.� Overall productivity of the wetland increased, providing Gunnison Sage Grouse, wildlife, and livestock with more �groceries�. This simple and cost-effective restoration effort works well in the sagebrush landscape.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Conference Name
SRM Reno, NV