New Strategy Aims to Save Sagebrush in Western States

Plan includes triage system with limited resources

 

 

By KEITH RIDLER Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Federal officials have released a plan to save sagebrush habitats in Western states that support cattle ranching, recreation and 350 wildlife species, including imperiled sage grouse.

Officials say the 248-page document released this month is a paradigm shift relying on advances in technology and analytics to categorize sagebrush areas based on resistance and resiliency to wildfire.

Parts of the plan describe a triage system as officials with limited resources try to restore and protect sagebrush country that for decades has been losing ground to a devastating combination of invasive plants and wildfires.

See also  Audit Finds Kansas Wildfire Efforts Inadequate

A federal report last year concluded efforts to save sagebrush habitat were failing, with invasive plants such as cheatgrass and medusahead on nearly 160,000 square miles (414,400 sq. kilometers) of public and private lands.

All contents © copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Topics

Plan includes triage system with limited resources     By KEITH RIDLER Associated Press BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Federal officials have released a plan to save sagebrush habitats in Western states that support cattle ranching, recreation and 350 wildlife species, including imperiled sage grouse. Officials say the 248-page document released this month is a paradigm […]

Get The Wildland Firefighter Newsletter

Related Articles

Ax Magazine Vol. 4 Is Out!

Ax Magazine Vol. 4 Is Out!

We are thrilled to announce the much-awaited release of the fourth edition of Ax Magazine! In this latest volume, we invite you to embark on an exciting journey with us as we explore intriguing stories, groundbreaking insights, and a celebration of our rich heritage...