Date of Award:

5-2013

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Plants, Soils, and Climate

Committee Chair(s)

Corey V. Ransom

Committee

Corey V. Ransom

Committee

Christopher A. Call

Committee

Thomas A. Monaco

Committee

Ralph E. Whitesides

Abstract

Invasive weed species are a threat to the health and functionality of many rangeland systems. Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) is an invasive annual grass that affects the productivity of rangelands by decreasing the grazing capacity for livestock as well as altering the wildfire cycle and competing against more desirable vegetation for limited resources.

In 2006, an Invasive Plant Management Plan and Environmental Assessment was approved for Dinosaur National Monument, calling for prioritization of invasive species management on high value wildlife habitat, vector areas, and for species with a high ecological impact. The Cub Creek Watershed was identified as a priority for immediate attention due to its high historical, recreational, and environmental significance.

This research was another phase of an integrated effort to manage vegetation in the Cub Creek Watershed and surrounding rangelands. Field work at two locations within Dinosaur National Monument was coupled with greenhouse experiments to evaluate chemical and mechanical methods of downy brome seed reduction and control, and to evaluate the response of four weedy grasses to herbicides used in broadleaf weed management practices.

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