Disseminating Research-based Information to Improve Great Basin Rangelands

Project Overview

EW06-018
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2006: $21,605.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2008
Region: Western
State: Utah
Principal Investigator:
Summer Olsen
Email
Utah State University
Co-Investigators:
Mark Brunson
Email
Utah State University

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Additional Plants: native plants

Practices

  • Animal Production: pasture renovation, range improvement
  • Education and Training: technical assistance, demonstration, extension
  • Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, habitat enhancement, soil stabilization, wildlife
  • Pest Management: chemical control, competition, field monitoring/scouting, physical control, weed ecology
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems
  • Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures

    Abstract:

    A DVD and accompanying booklet were produced for dissemination to Extension and USDA technical assistance professionals to aid in their work helping private landowners to maintain and improve sagebrush rangelands in the Great Basin while maintaining a forage base for livestock. Content of the DVD and booklet is based on research by the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project, and provides information about tradeoffs and short-term outcomes of land management practices (prescribed fire, mechanical thinning of shrubs and trees, and herbicide application) that can be useful for sustaining healthy sagebrush rangelands. Distribution of materials began in November 2008.

    Project objectives:

    The objective of this project was to disseminate research-based information to agricultural and range management professionals, in particular those working within Cooperative Extension and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, to help private land managers make management decisions and assist livestock producers in maintaining or improving forage for domestic livestock on Great Basin rangelands. The project produced and delivered a DVD that will allow the audience to view implementation and short-term outcomes of land management treatments (prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, and herbicide application). A short booklet is included with the DVD to provide information about the information on the disc and how to use it. These products were completed in the fall of 2008 and 1000 copies were made. Distribution began in November 2008 and will continue until supplies are extinguished.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.