Enhancing Ecological Site Development through Technology Transfer and Producer Input

Ecological site descriptions (ESDs) describe the ability of a site to produce and support particular types and amounts of vegetation based on soil, climate and topography. State-and-transition models (STMs) describe changes in vegetation and soils within an ecological site in response to management and other factors. Livestock producers and local natural resource staff can play an important role in the development of STMs because they have knowledge of historic management and other factors potentially impacting plant communities at these sites. This project will incorporate information from local natural resource professionals and livestock producers into STM development. Ecological sites can also act as a valuable framework for assessing wildlife Habitat characteristics; however, specific wildlife Habitat needs are not currently addressed in ESDs. Birds can serve as useful indicators of ecological sites because they are easily identifiable and frequently monitored. In Montana, several bird species associated with rangeland ecological sites are species of conservation concern (SOC), including greater sage- grouse, Sprague’s pipit, and long-billed curlew. The project will link ESDs and STMs with bird Habitat requirements, providing an innovative approach to understanding how these tools can be used to guide conservation and management of wildlife species in conjunction with livestock production.