Plants

Biogeochemical Processes in Sagebrush Ecosystems: Interactions with Terrain

United States, National Aeronautics and Space Administration — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:25:04 PDT

Field data collection to support analysis of TM data was accomplished from June 22 to August 28th. Color infrared aerial photography acquired by a U2 on June 12, 1985 was used to locate and identify several vegetation communities. Forty sites where the USFS has collected long term ground cover were located in the field, delineated on aerial photos and ground photos of current conditions taken.

Final Environmental Impact Statement Vegetation Treatment on BLM Lands in Thirteen Western States

United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:14:59 PDT

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Department of the Interior (USDI), proposes treatment of vegetation on public lands in 13 Western States. Some of the treatment methods have the potential for significant impacts on the environment. This final environmental impact statement (FEIS) analyzes potential impacts on the natural and human environment that may occur as a result of the proposed action and alternatives.

Recommended Species for Vegetative Stabilization of Training Lands in Arid and Semi-Arid Environments

United States Department of Defense, Army Corps of Engineers — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:41:50 PDT

Maintaining natural resources on western military installations has received increasing attention in recent years. Of special interest are training ranges where the environmental impact of tracked and wheeled vehicles is significant. Revegetation and soil stabilization on the arid and semi-arid regions of these western installations require special techniques. This report identifies key plant species that may be useful to installation land managers seeking to maintain or rehabilitate training land in these areas. The plant species are described in terms of their regional and environmental adaptations, limitations, uses, establishment requirements, and availability. In addition, recommendations for short- and long-term revegetation efforts have been made for selected westerm installations.

The Plant Information Network (PIN) Data Base: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:00:53 PDT

This publication provides introductory information on the Plant Information Network (PIN) and a print-out of PIN data. The PIN was a computerized data base containing information on native and naturalized vascular plants of five Western States. Information was included on over 5,000 species found in Colordo, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Because of funding restrictions PIN is no longer operated as a computerized data base. This publication makes the PIN data available to resource managers, planners, and others who have a continuing need for this information.

Approximately 500 descriptors were included in the data base for each species. These were grouped under the general headings of taxonomic, geographic, biologic, ecologic, and economic plant characteristics. Taxonomic, geographic, and biologic descriptors are included for all plants in the data bank. Ecologic and economic descriptors are included only for plants identified as important for reclamation, rangeland, wildlife habitat, legal status, or other resource management consideration.

Proceedings - Ecology and Management of Annual Rangelands

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:35:27 PDT

Annual weeds continue to expand throughout the West eliminating many desirable species and plant communities. Wildfires are now common on lands infested with annual weeds, causing a loss of wildlife habitat and other natural resources. Measures can be used to reduce burning and restore native plant communities, but restoration is difficult and costly.

Nutritive Quality and Mineral Content of Potential Desert Tortoise Food Plants

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:41:35 PST

Minerals and nutrients for desert tortoise food plants from the northeastern Mojave Desert are generally in the normal range for semiarid environments, except that sodium values are low for plants and soil. Annual forbs are often higher in nutritive quality than other plant classes.

Evaluation of Roadside Stabilization and Beautification Plantings in South-Central Utah

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 12:59:00 PST

Numerous roadside plantings at semiarid sites in the south-central Utah counties of Juab, Sanpete, and Sevier were intended to stabilize roadsides with plants harmonizing with natural vegetation. The plantings, originally for demonstration, began in the 1950's. They included bareroot transplants and direct seedings. Soils and geologic substrates at six sites were analyzed for 15 characteristics. Plant performance and survival was summarized for 37 sites. Thirty species established well by direct seeding and 62 species established well from transplants. Numerous other species have also persisted at the planting sites but are not as vigorous or as well adapted. Direct seedings were principally grasses and forbs; the transplants were mainly shrubs. Thirty-six species showed enough recruitment to sustain themselves on the sites.