Sage-grouse hate trees: A range-wide solution for increasing bird benefits through accelerated conifer removal
Summary
Complete GIS conifer mapping across all parts of occupied sage grouse range impacted by encroachment (as identified in the Near-Term Conservation Plan). Availability of this data will eliminate an immense and long standing information gap that has hampered the broad scale planning necessary to address this threat. Recent outcome based studies completed by SGI and others are already available to facilitate easy assimilation of GIS mapping results by partners to promote associated conservation objectives identified in existing plans (e.g., Near-Term Plan, COT Report). Associated objectives include: • Target and accelerate removal of Phase I and II conifer encroachment in priority landscapes • Maintain or expand available sagebrush [...]
Summary
Complete GIS conifer mapping across all parts of occupied sage grouse range impacted by encroachment (as identified in the Near-Term Conservation Plan). Availability of this data will eliminate an immense and long standing information gap that has hampered the broad scale planning necessary to address this threat. Recent outcome based studies completed by SGI and others are already available to facilitate easy assimilation of GIS mapping results by partners to promote associated conservation objectives identified in existing plans (e.g., Near-Term Plan, COT Report).
Associated objectives include:
• Target and accelerate removal of Phase I and II conifer encroachment in priority landscapes
• Maintain or expand available sagebrush habitats allowing grouse to maintain their distribution and abundance, re-occupy former habitats, and more readily access seasonal habitats
• Increase coordination of removal across public and private lands through enhanced planning
