Integrated rangeland fire management strategy actionable science plan completion assessment — Sagebrush and sage-grouse topic, 2015–20

First posted February 14, 2023 For additional information, contact: Director, Colorado Water Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyBox 25046, Mail Stop 415Denver, CO 80225(303) 236-4882 Loss and degradation of sagebrush rangelands due to an accelerated invasive annual grass-wildfire cycle other stressors are significant management, conservation, economic issues in the western United States. These comprise a unique biome spanning 11 states, support over 350 wildlife species, provide important ecosystem services that include stabilizing economies communities. Impacts processes large areas necessitated development coordinated, science-based strategy for improving efforts achieve long-term protection, restoration rangelands, which was framed 2015 under Integrated Rangeland Fire Management Strategy (IRFMS). Central this effort Actionable Plan (Plan) identified 37 priority science needs (Needs) informing actions proposed 5 topics (Fire, Invasives, Restoration, Sagebrush Sage-Grouse, Climate Weather) were part collective focus IRFMS. Notable keys identification Needs co-produced by managers researchers, on resulting being “actionable.”Substantial investments aimed at fulfilling have been made since its release 2016. While state has advanced considerably, extent knowledge gaps remain relative is relatively unknown. Moreover, new likely emerged original as results from actionable reveal questions possible (yet untested) solutions. A quantifiable assessment progress can identify unresolved information help inform prioritization future research efforts.This report details systematic literature review evaluated how well peer-reviewed journal articles formal technical reports published between January 1, 2015, December 31, 2020, addressed nine (hereinafter, “Needs”) Sage-Grouse topic Plan. The outlined broadly focused understanding population dynamics conservation management sage-grouse sagebrush-reliant species. We established level towards addressing each Need following standardized set criteria, developed summaries detailing objectives nested within (‘Next Steps’) either well, partially or outstanding (in words, poorly) through 2020. Our searches resulted inclusion 333 products least topic. included:development biome-wide mapping techniques regularly updated grassland shrubland vegetation layers (Need 4);generation spatially explicit greater habitat suitability models 5);identification seasonal habitats 6);identification thresholds threats, especially conifer expansion, above sagebrush-obligate species cannot persist 8); andstudies community those relate 9).Needs poorly included:investigations factors conducive restrictive movement patterns connectivity 1);investigations livestock ungulate (for example, feral horse) grazing effects populations 2);identification disturbance (especially renewable energy developments) below reliant not impacted 3); relationships than sage-grouse, songbirds, small mammals 7).The provided will assist updating along with strategies.