Date of Award:

5-2026

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Environment and Society

Committee Chair(s)

Mark W. Brunson

Committee

Mark W. Brunson

Committee

Kari E. Veblen

Committee

Jacopo A. Baggio

Committee

R. Douglas Ramsey

Committee

Thomas A. Monaco

Abstract

Sagebrush landscapes of the Great Basin in the western United States have changed dramatically over the past century. Invasive grasses, repeated wildfires, and past land-use practices have made it increasingly difficult for native plant communities to recover once they are damaged. Most restoration efforts occur after disturbances such as wildfire, when ecosystems may already be severely degraded. An alternative approach is proactive restoration, which aims to strengthen ecosystems before major damage occurs. 

This dissertation examines whether proactive restoration strategies could realistically be used in sagebrush rangelands and what factors influence their adoption. The research combines three complementary approaches. First, interviews with public land managers explored the institutional and practical barriers that shape restoration decisions. Second, a computer simulation model was developed to examine how vegetation and fire interactions influence the long-term outcomes of restoration efforts. Third, a survey of restoration practitioners compared how professionals from different organizations evaluate restoration techniques and priorities. 

The results show that many practitioners recognize the ecological value of proactive restoration. However, institutional structures, funding systems, and administrative procedures often favor responding to disturbances rather than preventing them. As a result, opportunities to act earlier—when restoration might be more effective—are frequently missed. 

Overall, this research highlights the importance of aligning ecological knowledge, management practices, and institutional frameworks to improve restoration outcomes in sagebrush ecosystems.

Download

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .