Sagebrush Restoration Following Fire Disturbance in the Virginia Mountains, Nevada (2018)

We developed a framework that strategically targets burned areas for restoration actions (e.g., seeding or planting sagebrush) that have the greatest potential to positively benefit Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter sage-grouse) populations through time. Specifically, we estimated sagebrush (Artemisia Spp.) recovery following wildfire and risk of non-native annual grass invasion under three scenarios: passive recovery, active restoration with seeding, and active restoration with seedling transplants. We then applied spatial predictions of integrated nest site selection and survival models before wildfire, immediately following wildfire, and at 30 and 50 years post-wildfire based on each restoration scenario and measured changes in habitat. Application of this framework coupled with strategic planting designs aimed at developing patches of nesting habitat may help increase operational resilience for fire-impacted sagebrush ecosystems. These data support the following publication: Roth, C.L., O'Neil, S.T., Coates, P.S., Ricca, M.A., Pyke, D.A., Aldridge, C.L., Heinrichs, J.A., Espinosa, S.P. and Delehanty, D.J., 2022. Targeting Sagebrush (Artemisia Spp.) Restoration Following Wildfire with Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus Urophasianus) Nest Selection and Survival Models. Environmental Management, pp.1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-022-01649-0.