Progress 07/01/02 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1. Completed development of the model that estimates jumiper biomass and fuel loads based on canopy metrics and aerial photography. 2. Completed a third season of field data collection (vegeation,fuels, and soils) on evaluating the impacts of increasing juniper dominance on understory vegetation and the removal of juniper using fire and mechanical treatments in Oregon, Idaho, and California. 3. We have completed the identification of two years of seed banks sampled beneath increasing densities of juniper. Data have been analyed and a publication is in a late draft form. 4. The development of vegetation and sage-grouse distribution maps are nearly completed and portions of the model that predicts distribution of sagegrouse based on various landscape attributes are partially completed and portions are still under development. Data is from several decades of nest and brood rearing sites and several years of plant community data describing structure and composition. 5. We are almost done with the development of a second field guide focused on pinyon and juniper woodlands in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and northern Arizona. Participated in nearly a dozen workshops, field tours, and symposia. Topics presented were managing western juniper based on the USDI Geological Survey, Circular 1321 publication titled, "Managing western juniper: asking the right questions". Workshops on prescirbed fire, fire history, and identifying sagebrush subspecies for mapping ecological sites were also conducted during the 2008 year. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Robin Tausch, Range Scientist, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mt Research Station. Co-PI on the juniper woodland Joint Fire Science Project. Dr. Bruce Roundy, Professor of Range Science, Brigham Young Univeristy. Co-PI on the juniper woodland Joint Fire Science Project. Dr Emily Heyerdahl, Forest and Fire Scientist, USDA Forest Service Rocky Mt Reserach Station. Dr Steve Petersen, Assistant Professor of Range Science, Brigham Young Univeristy Co-PI; Sage-grouse habitat use and landscape attributes Jaime Ratchford, Research Assistant and project manager for the western juniper woodland reserach sites for the Joint Fire Science Project. Dr. Kirk Davies, USDA-ARS Range Scientist project leader on the sagebrush ecology project. USDI-BLM Burns, Lakeview, Owyhee, and Prineville districts, and USDA-Forest Service Modoc Forest that applied fire and mechanical treatments at landscape levels to the Joint Fire Science Project. Student Training: Ten graduate students have completed and four are near completion of graduate degrees under this project. In the past five years over two dozen under graduate students have been trained in collecting vegetation and soils data. TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary target audiences have been federal agency land managers and biologist working for the BLM, Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service. We have also worked with private landowners in eastern Oregon, southwestern Idaho, northern Nevada, and northeastern California. Numerous presentations and two videos were made to target public interest groups. Information from this project are also used in an upper division Wildland Fire Ecology Class and graduate field ecology class. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Over 3,000 copies of the field guide "Managing western juniper: asking the right questions" (USDI Geological Survey, Circular 1321 by Miller, R.F., J.D. Bates, T.J. Svejcar, F.B. Pierson, L.E. Eddleman) have been requested and sent out to managers, biologists, and private landowners. The field guide became available early in 2008. Several workshops have been presented to land managers based on the field guide, which helps individuals develop well thought out management plans for restoring sagebrush grasslands that are being encroached by juniper. The field guide is based on the 2005 publication, "Biology, ecology, and management of western juniper" (Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 152, by Miller, R.F., J.D. Bates, T.J. Svejcar, F.B. Pierson, L.E. Eddleman). Both publications are being heavily used by federal agencies in developing management plans under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). We are also in the very early stages of working with the BLM for estimating woody biomass at large scales on federal lands for energy generation-plants that use bio-fuels.

Publications

• Miller, R.F., R.J. Tausch, D. Macarthur, D.D. Johnson, and S.C. Sanderson. 2008. Development of post settlement pinyon-juniper woodlands in the Intermountain West: a regional perspective. USDA Forest Service Research Paper Report RMRS-RP-69
• Johnson, D.D. and R.F. Miller. 2008. Old-growth juniper: distribution, abundance, and influence on post-settlement expansion. Journal of Range Ecology and Management
• Miller, R.F. and E. K. Heyerdahl. 2008. Fine-scale variation of historical fire regimes in semi-arid shrubland and woodland: an example from California, USA. International Journal of Wildland Fire. 17:245-254.
• Bates, J.D., R.F. Miller, and T.J. Svejcar. 2008. Long term zonal vegetation dynamics in cut western juniper woodland. Western North American Naturalist. 67:549-561.
• Reinkensmeyer, D.P., R.F. Miller, R.G. Anthony, and V.E. Marr. 2008. Winter bird communities in shrub-steppe and juniper woodland. Western North American Naturalist. 68:25-35.
• Keane, J.K., J.K. Agee, P. Fule, J.E. Keeley, C. Key, S.G. Kitchen, R.F. Miller, and L.A. Schulte. 2008. Ecological effects of large fires on US landscapes: benefit or catastrophe International Journal of Wildland Fire (In press).

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1. We developed and field tested a western juniper management pocket field guide (USGS circular 1321 see below) to help land managers and private landowners address where, when, and how to best manage sagebrush communities being encroached by western juniper. 2. We collected pre and post vegetation, soils, and fuels data across five large burn, mechanical and control treatments located in three states. We are working closely with four BLM Districts and one National Forest who applied the treatments. All pre treatment data have been entered and currently being analyzed. 3. Juniper biomass data across three sites and separated into four fuel (size) classes and models developed to predict total biomass and for separate fuel classes. The final report is currently in progress and models are being validated. 4. The second summer of mapping vegetation and landscape attributes for three sites in Nevada, southeastern Oregon, and central Oregon based on ground and remote imagery has been completed. We are currently analyzing the relationship of these attributes with sage-grouse distribution across four landscape units approximately 31,000 ha in size. 5. Completed the first year of a seedbank study evaluating the impact of increasing juniper cover on seedbank composition. All seeds have been germinated and data summarized. A second year of seedbank samples have been collected and will be germinated in the greenhouse this winter. PARTICIPANTS: Dr Tony Svejcar, USDA-ARS, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, OR. Dr Jon Bates, USDA-ARS, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, OR. Dr Kirk Davies, USDA-ARS, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, OR. Dr Emily Heyerdahl, dendrochronologist USFS-Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula MT. Dr. Robin Tausch, Ecologist, USFS-Rocky Mountain Research Station, Reno NV. Dr. Paul Doescher, Forest Ecologist, Department of Forest Resources, OSU, Corvallis, OR. Dr. Robert Anthony, Wildlife Ecologist, Department of Wildlife, USFW-research unit, Corvalllis, OR. TARGET AUDIENCES: Public Land Managers, private landowners, researchers, and students. Technology transfer is through, refereed and OSU Experiment Station publications, field tours, workshops, symposia, classes, and presentations at professional meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Over 3,000 copies of the publication "The Biology, Ecology, and Management of Western Juniper" have been requested by land managers, private landowners, teachers, and scientists. This publication is currently being used by the federal agencies in treating western juniper and developing long term management plans for both old-growth woodlands and invasive stands of trees. As a result of the high demand and level of use, we developed a field guide to help managers select the appropriate sites to be treated and the best methods for treatment. We are currently in our final stages of validating the juniper biomass models that can be used in fire behavior models, estimating nutrient pools, carbon sinks, and the abundance of material for use in biomass fueled energy generation plants. Both the BLM and USFS have requested to use these models as soon as they are validated to provide estimates of how much biomass they can provide on an annual basis for current and proposed energy generation plants.

Publications

• Davies, K, J.D. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2007. Environmental and Vegetation Relationships of the Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis Alliance. Journal of Arid Environments 70:478-494.
• Boyd, C.S., J.D. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2007. The influence of gap size on sagebrush cover estimates using line intercept technique. J. Range Ecology and Management 60:199-202.
• Reinkensmeyer, D.P., R.F. Miller, R.G. Anthony. 2007. Avian community structure along a mountain big sagebrush successional gradient. J. of Wildlife Management 71:1057-1066..
• Davies, K., J.D. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2007. The influence of Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis on microsite and herbaceous vegetation heterogeneity. J. of Arid Environments 69:441-457.
• Bates, J.D., T.S. Svejcar, and R.F. Miller. 2007. Litter decomposition in cut and uncut western juniper woodlands. J. of Arid Environments. 69:451-457.
• Davies, K., J.D. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2007. Short-term effects of burning Wyoming big sagebrush steppe in southeast Oregon. J. of Rangeland Ecology and Management 60:515-522.
• Miller, R.F., J.D. Bates, T.J. Svejcar, F.B. Pierson, L.E. Eddleman. 2007. Managing western juniper: asking the right questions. USDI Geological Survey, Circular 1321

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Progress: We implemented 5 large areas to be treated by the BLM and USFS in 2006. Vegetation measurements were collected across all 5 plots and two were treated in the fall of 2006. The remaining 3 will be treated in the fall of 2007. We expanded the juniper sage-brush project to evaluate landscape spatial attributes on the distribution of sage-grouse including disturbance (ie. fire)and woodland expansion. Attibutes have been mapped in addition to sage-grouse nesting and brood rearing areas and models are being developed to predict habitat use and suitability.

Impacts
Western juniper, which now occupies over 9 million acres, has increased over ten fold since the late 1800s, encroaching into some of eastern Oregons most productive semi-arid plant communities. Encroachment has resulted in the loss of important wildlife habitat, livestock forage, soils, and soil water storage. As a result land management agencies and private landowners are treating 10s of thousands of acres of juniper annually. In this project we have described the degree and patterns of juniper encroachment, developed guidelines for separating old-growth woodlands from young expanding woodlands, and evaluated the impacts of juniper invasion on soils, plant communities, forage production, and wildlife. We have also developed guidelines for removing western juniper using efficient and ecologically sound methods. These include various techniques of cutting and burning, and guidelines for site selection and follow-up management strategies. Both land management agencies and private landowners have readily incorporated our methods into there management plans. Using this work has also resulted in a substantial decrease in litigation between environmental groups and agencies. A comprehensive summary of our work and others on western juniper titled The Biology, Ecology, and Management of Western Juniper was published in June of 2005, in which the 2,000 copies printed were exhausted within two months following release.

Publications

• Bates, J.D., R.F. Miller, and T.J. Svejcar. 2005. Long-term successional trends following western juniper cutting. Rangeland Ecology and Management 58:533-541.
• Bates, J.D., R.F. Miller, and K.W. Davies. 2006. Restoration of quaking aspen woodlands invaded by western juniper. Rangeland Ecology and Management 59:88-97.
• Bates, J.D., T.J. Svejcar, R.F. Angell, and R.F. Miller. 2006. The effects of altered precipitation timing on sagebrush steppe vegetation. Journal of Arid Environments 64:670-697.
• Johnson, D.D. and R.F. Miller. 2006. Structure and development of expanding western juniper woodlands as influenced by two topographic variables. Forest Ecology and Management 229:7-15.
• Heyerdahl, E.K., R.F. Miller, and R.A. Parsons. 2006. History of fire and Douglas-fir establishment in a savanna and sagebrush grassland mosaic, southwestern Montana, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 230:107-118.
• Noson, A.C., R.A. Schmitz, and R.F. Miller. 2006. Influence of fire and juniper encroachment on birds in high elevation sagebrush steppe. Western North American Naturalist 66:343-353.
• Davies, K, J.D. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2007. Environmental and Vegetation Relationships of the Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis Alliance. Journal of Arid Environments 69:441-457.
• Boyd, C.S., J.D. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2007. The influence of gap size on sagebrush cover estimates using line intercept technique. J. Range Ecology and Management 60:199-202.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
1)Fire surrogate study: five Joint Fire Science plots were selected, mapped, and prepared for burning and cutting with the BLM and USFS in Oregon, Idaho, and California; 2) Slash treatment study: pretreatment vegetation and soils data were collected and 3 western juniper slash treatments were implemented in cooperation with the Burns BLM district; 3) Juniper biomass for cogeneration power: the study was initiated this fall with trees measured, cut, and weighed in cooperation with the Modoc USFS; 4) Spatial effects of landscape attributes on sage-grouse habitat use: field data collection complete for 4 leks, GIS layers collected and geo-corrected, and about 1/3 of the plant communities digitized for a 100,000 ha area.

Impacts
Western juniper, which now occupies over 9 million acres, has increased over ten fold since the late 1800s, encroaching into some of eastern Oregons most productive semi-arid plant communities. Encroachment has resulted in the loss of important wildlife habitat, livestock forage, soils, and soil water storage. As a result land management agencies and private landowners are treating 10s of thousands of acres of juniper annually. In this project we have described the degree and patterns of juniper encroachment, developed guidelines for separating old-growth woodlands from young expanding woodlands, and evaluated the impacts of juniper invasion on soils, plant communities, forage production, and wildlife. We have also developed guidelines for removing western juniper using efficient and ecologically sound methods. These include various techniques of cutting and burning, and guidelines for site selection and follow-up management strategies. Both land management agencies and private landowners have readily incorporated our methods into there management plans. Using this work has also resulted in a substantial decrease in litigation between environmental groups and agencies. A comprehensive summary of our work and others on western juniper titled The Biology, Ecology, and Management of Western Juniper was published in June of 2005, in which the 2,000 copies printed were exhausted within two months following release.

Publications

• Miller, R.F., J.D. Bates, T.J. Svejcar, F.B. Pierson, L.E. Eddleman. 2005. Biology, ecology, and management of western juniper. Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 152.
• Knick, S.T., A.L. Holmes, and R.F. Miller. 2005. The role of fire in structuring sagebrush habitats and bird communities. Studies in Avian Biology 30:63-75.
• Lowell H. Suring, Michael J. Wisdom, Robin J. Tausch, Richard F. Miller, Mary M. Rowland, Linda Schueck, and Cara W. Meinke. 2005. Modeling threats to sagebrush and other shrubland communities. In: M.J. Wisdom, M.M. Rowland, and L.H. Suring (eds.). Habitat Threats in the Sagebrush Ecosystem: methods of regional assessment and applications in the Great Basin. Allen Press.
• Heyerdahl, E. and R.F. Miller. 2005. Factors controlling historical tree distribution in southwestern Montana: Quantitative data for restoring mosaics of sagebrush/grassland & Douglas-fir. Final Report to the USDI-BLM Butte, MT.
• Miller, R.F. and D.D. Johnson. 2005. Woodland expansion, stand dynamics and fuel loads in western juniper woodlands. In: (Chambers, J. ed.). Final Report to the Joint Fire Science, Changing fire regimes increased fuel loads, and invasive species: effects on sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper.
• Miller, R.F. 2005. Disturbance: The Primary Driver of Vegetation Dynamics. In Symposia Rangeland Research in the Future. National Meetings of the Society for Range Management, Fort Worth TX. (abstract)
• Miller, R.F. 2005. Identification of presettlement and recently expanded pinon and juniper woodlands. Proceedings for the Ecology and Management of Pinon and Juniper on the Colorado Plateau, Montrose CO. (abstract)
• Davies, K., J. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2005. Wyoming big sagebrush on microsite and vegetation heterogeneity. Proceedings for the Ecology and Management of Pinon and Juniper on the Colorado Plateau, Montrose CO. (abstract)
• Davies, K., J. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2005. Vegetation characteristics of the Wyoming big sagebrush alliance. Proceedings for the Ecology and Management of Pinon and Juniper on the Colorado Plateau, Montrose CO. (abstract)
• Bates, J. and R.F. Miller. 2005. Aspen restoration in the Great Basin using combinations of selective juniper cutting and prescribed fire. National Meetings for the Society for Range Management, Fort Worth TX. (abstract)
• Davies, K., J. Bates, and R.F. Miller. 2005. Are guidelines for sage grouse habitat realistic in Wyoming big sagebrush communities in eastern Oregon? National Meetings for the Society for Range Management, Fort Worth TX. (abstract)
• Petersen, S., T. Stringham, D. Johnson, R. Miller, and M. Barrington. 2005. Generation of western juniper competition index using remote sensing and geographic information systems. National Meetings for the Society for Range Management, Fort Worth TX. (abstract)

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Work completed in federal fiscal year 2004: 1) synthesis book of the state of our knowledge of western juniper, in press; 2) final report on "Fire regimes and conifer encroachment in western Montana" 3)completion and restoration of aspen woodlands in the Great Basin study; 4) Final report "Ecology of the Wyoming big sagebrush allinace in the northern" Great Basin.

Impacts
Reports and publications are currently being implemented into long term fire plans by the National Park Service at the Lava Beds National Monument and Bureau of Land Management in eastern Oregon, Idaho, and northeastern California. These data specifically enable agencies to develop fire prescriptions and time tables that consider biological thresholds, fuel loading, and meeting target objectives relating to plant community structure and composition at the landscape level. Community structure measurements are being used to readjust state and federal guidelines for designated for sage-grouse.

Publications

• Bates, J.D. and R.F. Miller. 2004. Restoration of aspen woodland invaded by western juniper: applications of partial cutting and prescribed fire. Pages 1-9 In: Proceedings of 16th Conference of the Society for Ecological Restoration.
• Bates, J.D., T.J. Svejcar, R.F. Angell, and R.F. Miller. 2004. Effects of altered precipitation timing on sagebrush steppe vegetation. J. Veg. Sci.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Work completed in the federal fiscal year 2003: 1) Final report completed on fire regimes, pre- and post-settlement vegetation, and the modern expansion of western juniper in northern California; 2) Field data collected on fire regimes and conifer encroachment in western Montana; 3) Final report completed on shrub reestablishment following fire in the mountain big sagebrush alliance; 4) Woodland expansion and fuel loads in eastern Oregon and southwest Idaho report in rough draft form.

Impacts
Reports and publications are currently being implemented into long term fire plans by the National Park Service at the Lava Beds National Monument and Bureau of Land Management in eastern Oregon, Idaho, and northeastern California. These data specifically enable agencies to develop fire prescriptions and time tables that consider biological thresholds, fuel loading, and meeting target objectives relating to plant community structure and composition at the landscape level. These studies are also being used to justify specific action or non action in the use of prescribed fire.

Publications

• Miller, R.F. 2003. Fire Regimes in the Great Basin. Society for Range Management National Meeting, Casper, WY. (abstr.)
• Miller, Rick, J. Bates, K. Davies, and L Ziegenhagen. 2003. Sagebrush cover: community level = sage grouse requirements? Society for Range Management National Meeting, Casper, WY. (abstr.)
• Johnson, D. and R.F. Miller. 2003. Woodland expansion and changes in fuels in the mountain big sagebrush alliance. Society for Range Management National Meeting, Casper, WY. (abstr.)
• Davies, K., J. Bates, and R. Miller. 2003. Structure and plant composition in the Wyoming big sagebrush alliance. Society for Range Management National Meeting, Casper, WY. (abstr.)
• Miller, R.F. 2003. Historical role of fire in the Intermountain West. Ecology and Management of Sagebrush Communities. Rock Springs WY. (abstr.)
• Miller, R.F. 2003. Fire effects in sagebrush communities. Ecology and Management of Sagebrush Communities. Rock Springs WY. (abstr.)
• Miller, R.F. 2003. Historic and present day role of fire in the Intermountain West. Society for Ecological Restoration, Austin, TX (abstr.)
• Bates, J.D., T.J. Svejcar, and R.F. Miller. 2003. Effects of juniper cutting on nitrogen mineralization. Journal of Arid Environments 51:221-234.
• Svejcar, T., J. Bates, R. Angell, and R. Miller. 2003. The influence of precipitation timing on the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. Pp 90-106. In: McPherson, G. and Weltzin, J. (eds.), Precipitation of Terrestrial Ecosystems. University of Arizona Press. Tucson, AZ.
• Knick, S.T., A.L. Holmes, and R.F. Miller. 2003. The role of fire in shaping avian communities in sagebrush ecosystems. In: Fire Conference 2002: The National Congress On Fire, Ecology, Prevention And Management. Tallahassee: Tall Timbers Research Station.
• Crawford, John A., Rich A. Olson, Neil E. West, Jeffrey C. Mosley, Michael A. Schroeder, Tom D. Whitson, Richard F. Miller, Michael A. Gregg, and Chad S. Boyd. 2003. Ecology and Management of Sage-Grouse and Sage-Grouse Habitat. Journal of Range Management. 57:2-19. Authors are listed in order of random draw.
• Miller, R., E. Heyerdahl, and K. Hopkins. 2003. Fire regimes, pre- and post-settlement vegetation, and the modern expansion of western juniper at Lava Beds National Monument, California. Final Report submitted to the USDI National Park Service, Lava Beds National Monument. 38 pg.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Fire History and Woodland Expansion: (1) We have nearly completed a two-year study in the Lava Beds National Monument describing fire history, juniper encroachment, and plant succession following fire across different plant cover types. The majority of juniper establishment has occurred since the late 1800s except in the deep pumice soils. Fire return intervals varied from < 20 years in the wetter cooler mountain big sagebrush communities to > 200 years in the arid mountain sage communities. We have identified portions of the Monument that were primarily grasslands prior to settlement that are now woodlands. (2) In southeast Oregon southwest Idaho we have completed the fieldwork in a 3-year study to determine fire sensitive ecological thresholds relating to woodland succession and fuel loads. We hope to develop a model from this data set that will describe the spatial complexity of fire regimes across a heterogeneous landscape and fire return intervals required to maintain a grass dominated or shrub-grass dominant community. Shrub Establishment: Fieldwork has been completed evaluating shrub establishment and succession following fire in mountain big sagebrush communities. Seed pools and climate following fire were the primary factors determining initial shrub establishment and time to recover to preburn levels. Shrub recovery to fully stocked stands following fire varied between 15 and 50 years, with the majority recovered between 25 and 30 years.

Impacts
Our work in woodland expansion, fire history, and plant community response following fire has been directly implemented into National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and US Fish and Wildlife in southeast Oregon, northeast California, and northwest Nevada that affects millions of acres. Examples are: (1) The Lava Beds National Monument has incorporated our preliminary findings into their 10-year fire plan. Our work is being used to develop fire prescriptions for different plant communities. (2) The Paisley district of the USFS has implemented an aggressive fuels reduction program based on our fire history work. Although the Winter Fire threatened the area, treated areas were easy to defend and would have burned at low intensity. (3) BLM in Oregon has implemented a fire program on Steens to enhance aspen recruitment and reduce the abundance of young juniper.

Publications

• Miller, R.F. 2002. The role of fire across the sagebrush biome. In: Restoration and management of sagebrush/grass communities workshop. Elko, NV. (abstract)
• Miller, R.F. 2002. Fire regimes in the mountain big sagebrush cover type. In: Managing fire and fuels in the remaining wildlands and open spaces of the southwestern United States. 2002 Fire Conference, San Diego, CA (abstract).
• Miller, R.F. 2002. Pre and postsettlement fire regimes in mountain big sagebrush communities: the northern Intermountain Region. pp. 6-18. In: Research in Rangeland Management: Management of western juniper rangelands. Range Science Series Report # 5, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
• Ziegenhagen, L.L. and R.F. Miller. 2002. Shrub re-establishment in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp vaseyana) communities following fire. Society for Range Management National Meeting, Kansas City, KA. (abstract)

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Fire History: A fire history study has been completed for 12 mountain big sagebrush/Idaho fescue plant associations located across the northern Great Basin. Fire return intervals varied between 10 and 20 years across all sites prior to 1870. Years between fires have significantly increased since 1900. We have also completed the woodland chronology and sampling protocol for developing a fire history on the Lava Beds National Monument. Juniper woodlands began expanding into shrub steppe communities in the late 1800s. It appears fire return intervals ranged from less than 20 years on productive site to 200 to 300 years on arid sites. Avian Populations and Fire: Five years of avian survey results in relation to fire, plant succession, and juniper woodland expansion in Oregon and Nevada, have been analyzed, summarized and are in the final stages of manuscript preparation. Bird composition and diversity, were significantly affected by changes in fire regimes and woodland expansion. Shrub Succession Following Fire: Recovery of shrubs to preburn levels following fire generally took between 25 to 35 years but was highly variable. Recruitment during the first 3 years following fire, which was dependent on soil seed reserves and climate, were the primary determining factors influencing shrub recovery.

Impacts
Results of our fire history and fire affects have been incorporated into long-range fire management plans by several federal agencies including the BLM, US Forest Service, and National Park Service. Chronology describing postsettlement juniper woodland has been used to develop juniper control programs by both federal and private landowners. Our description of old growth woodlands has also been incorporated into juniper control projects to provide protection for these stands. Our research is relevant to the sagebrush and pinyon juniper woodland biomes in the Intermountain West.

Publications

• Miller, R.F. and P.E. Wigland. 1995. Holocene Changes in Semiarid Woodlands: Response to climate, fire and human activities in the Great Basin. BioScience 44:465-474.
• Miller, R.F. and P.S. Doescher. 1995. Plant adaptations to saline environments. In D. Beduna and R.E. Sosebee (ed.) Wildland Plants: Physiological Ecology and Developmental Morphology. Society for Range Mange. Denver, CO.
• Miller, R.F. and J.A. Rose. 1995. The historic expansion of western juniper in southeastern Oregon. Great Basin Naturalist 55:37-45.
• Miller, R.F. and L.E. Eddleman. 1997. Temporal and spatial changes of sage grouse Centrocerus urophasianus habitat in the sagebrush ecosystem. Wildlife Biology 3:273.
• Bates, J., R.F. Miller, and T. Svejcar. 1998. Understory spatial variation in cut western juniper woodlands. Great Basin Naturalist 58:363-374.
• Miller, R.F. and J.A. Rose. 1999. Fire history and western juniper encroachment in sagebrush steppe. Journal Range Mangagement. 52:550-559.
• Tony Svejcar, Raymond Angell, and Richard Miller. 1999. Fixed location rain shelters for studying precipitation effects on rangelands. Journal of Aridland Environments. 42:187-193.
• Miller, Richard F., and Lee E. Eddleman. 2000. Spatial and temporal changes of sage grouse habitat in the sagebrush biome. Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State University Technical Bulletin No. 151.
• Miller, R.F., T.J. Svejcar, and J.A. Rose. 2000. Impacts of western juniper on plant community composition and structure. Journal of Range Management. 53:574-585.
• Bates, J., R.F. Miller, and T.S. Svejcar. 2000. The affects of cutting Juniperus occidentalis Hook. on understory diversity, cover, and biomass. Journal of Range Management. 53:119-126.
• Miller, R.F. and R.J. Tausch. 2001. The role of fire in juniper and pinyon woodlands: a descriptive analysis. pp. 15-30. in: K.E.M. Galley and T.P. Wilson (eds.), The Role of Fire in the Control and Spread of Invasive Species. Misc. Publ. No. 11, Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.
• Miller, R.F. 2001. Managing western juniper for wildlife. Woodland Fish and Wildlife. MISC0286 Washington State University Cooperative Extension, Pullman, WA.
• Waichler, W.S., R.F. Miller, and P.S. Doescher. 2001. Community charateristics of old-growth western juniper woodlands in the pumice zone of central Oregon. Journal Range Management. 54:518-527.
• Wall, T.G., R.F. Miller, and T. Svejcar. 2001. Western juniper encroachment into aspen communities in the northwest Great Basin. Journal Range Management. 54:691-698.

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
ORE00113 Plant community dynamics and nitrogen mineralization were compared between a drought (56% of ave. ppt) and wet (187% of ave. ppt) years. Plant cover was more dynamic than plant density, and the forb component more dynamic than grasses or shrubs. Species richness and biodiversity were greatest during the wet year. Plant species abundance changed from 36 in 1992 (near average), 43 in 1993 (wet), and 27 in 1994 (drought). In juniper woodland plots, soil moisture increased 25% on plots where trees were cut during a drought year. During the second year following cutting, herbaceous yield and ground cover were 322 kg/ha and 14% compared to 45 kg/ha and 2%, respectively on uncut plots. Combined ground cover from juniper slash and herbaceous vegetation on the cut plots were 55%, compared to 25% in woodland plots. Species diversity increased to 45 plant species on the cut plots, compared to 27 on the woodland plots. A juniper woodland classification system has tentatively been developed. Data are currently being collected on plant community descriptions, soils, tree age, and succession on sites where juniper was or is to be cut and burned to further develop the classification.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• MILLER, R.F. and P.E. WIGAND. 1994. Holocene Changes in Semiarid Woodlands: Response to climate, fire, and human activities in the Great Basin. BioScience 44:465-474.
• MILLER, R.F., T. SVEJCAR, J.A. ROSE, and M. MCINNIS. 1994. Plant development, water relations, and carbon allocation of heart-podded hoary cress. J. Agron 86:487-491.
• ANGELL, R.F. and R.F. MILLER. 1994. Simulation of leaf conductance in Juniperus occidentalis. For. Sci. 40:5-17.
• JANDL, R., P. DOESCHER, and R.F. MILLER. 1994. Persistence of Idaho fescue on degraded rangelands: adaptation to defoliation or tolerance. J. Range Manage 47:54-59.
• MILLER, R.F. and J.A. ROSE. 1995. The historic expansion of western juniper in southeastern Oregon. Great Basin Naturalist 55:37-45.
• MILLER, R.F., T. SVEJCAR, N.E. WEST. 1994. Implications of livestock grazing thesagebrush steppe: plant composition. Pages 101-147. In: Ecological Implications of Livestock Herbivory in the West. M. Vavra, B. Laycock and R. Pieper (eds).
• S BATES, J., R.F. MILLER and T. SVEJCAR. 1994. Understory plant succession following cuttings of a western juniper woodland on Steens Mountain, Oregon, pages 25-34. In: Management of Great Basin Rangelands, Annual Report.
• MILLER, R.F., J. ROSE, T. SVEJCAR, J. BATES, and K. PAINTNER. 1995. Western jun.

Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

Outputs
The first stage of the Steens juniper restoration study has been completed. Herbaceous plant productivity in juniper woodlands during 1993 was 34 lbs/ac compared to 294 lbs/ac in adjacent juniper cut sites (second growing season). Herbaceous plant cover increased from 1.5% to 7.2% and species richness increased 173% in juniper cut plots. Soil mineralizable nitrogen and water availability were also measured. On the John Day juniper restoration study plant composition, bird surveys and small mammal composition data were collected. During the first growing season following cutting the number of bird species and total numbers increased near 200% compared to uncut woodlands. Small mammals composition appears to be similar. However, chipmunks (which have been shown to be important for establishment of bitterbrush) were present in the cut sites and absent in the woodlands. In the sagebrush steppe study, total carbon and nitrogen samples in the 1938 exclosures on the Northern Great Basin Experimental Range were collected for the second year along with plant composition data. Plant composition between 1992 (drought) and 1993 (wet) were significantly different particularly for forbs. Forb cover varied from 1.8% in 1992 to 5.5% in 1993. Fourteen additional species were found on the permanent plots in 1993 that were absent in 1992 (the drought) influencing species diversity.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92

Outputs
The impact of drought on the semi-arid shrub Artemisia tridentata spp. wyominensis was evaluated. This species has increased in dominance at the expense of desirable herbaceous species during the past 100 years. This species is capable of increasing following drought. Physiological and morphological parameters were measured during a two year study, in which precipitation was 67 and 106% of the long term average. During drought xylem pressure potential, leaf conductance and nitrogen content was significantly less in Artemisia than during near average conditions. Morphological plasticity appears to be a primary mechanism for drought tolerance. Under drought stress, this species partitioned more biomass to vegetative versus reproductive shoots, leaves versus stems and perennial versus ephemeral leaves. Drought also inhibited lateral shoot development. The impacts of juniper woodlands on watersheds, nutrient cycling and understory vegetation is in the early stage of progress. The dramatic increase in distribution and density of these woodlands have had a dramatic impact on resource values. Plant composition was described on several woodlands ranging from the xeric to mesic portions of the woodland zone. Juniper canopy cover from 20 to 40% from the dry to wet woodlands, respectively. Plots in the mesic woodlands were cut during the summer of 1992 (12.5 to 25 acres) and will be instrumented this summer to monitor watershed response. Woodlands in the drier zone were cut in 1991.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91

Outputs
Fluctuations in nitrogen availability in the sagebrush steppe may influence plant succession within this biome. Although both Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis and Stipa thurberiana responded positively to available nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium) Artemisia aboveground biomass increased 456% in the nitrate plots compared to 149% for Stipa a late seral perennial tussock grass. The higher capacity of Artemisia to respond to increased levels of available nitrogen may play an important role in shifting composition toward a shrub-dominated community. Response of Artemisia to defoliation of understory neighbors had little effect on the plant. Nutrient uptake, water status and growth of established Artemisia appear to be influenced by intra-specific competition rather than inter-specific competition. Reestablishment of Artemisia since 1960 in a pasture where it was removed was influenced most by intra-specific competition rather than weather conditions. A large watershed scale study in the John Day basin has been laid out to evaluate the effects of juniper cutting on erosion, water storage, overland flow, understory production, bitterbrush growth and production, and small mammal populations. The plots have been laid out ranging from 12.5 to 25 acres in size and will be measured this spring prior to cutting. On Steens Mountain a similar but smaller scale study has been set up to evaluate soil water, plant succession and nutrient cycling in response to cutting juniper.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90

Outputs
Two years of data evaluating the effects of drought defoliating neighboring perennial grasses and intraspecific competition on plant growth, water status and nitrogen uptake on Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis are currently being analyzed. Preliminary results showed drought influenced all variables, and that intraspecific competition was more important than defoliating neighboring grasses. In a second study, invasion of sagebrush since 1960 is currently being evaluated in terms of how establishment relates to various environmental factors. Although all data have not yet been analyzed, it appears intra-specific competition may be the dominate factor determining establishment. New work currently being planned will focus on the effects of on site water storage and runoff by western juniper. We will also evaluate the effects of aspen grove conversion to juniper woodlands on the water cycle.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89

Outputs
Data evaluating the affect of defoliating high seral grasses on growth, reproductive effort, water use, and nutrient uptake of competing wood shrubs was completed for the first growing season. Results have not yet been analyzed. A field study was conducted evaluating the chronogy and process of juniper invasion on the Steens Mountains. Preliminary results indicate juniper is rapidly occupying both low and big sagebrush communities and aspen stands. Initial invasion began just prior to the turn of the century with geometrical increases occurring in the last 10 years. The majorty of juniper seedlings establish beneath a juniper adult or a sagebrush canopy. Considerable amount of time was spent developing two research proposal proposals. A Bard proposal was submitted to evaluate the ability of woody plants to capture belowground resources in semi-arid systems. A second proposal was submitted to evaluate the role of fire in the Great Basin.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88

Outputs
Work evaluating the effects of availability and form of nitrogen on growth and competition between shrubs and high seral grasses has been completed. Nitrate application significantly increased reproductive effort in both species, while ammonium increased vegetative growth. The shrub was more opportunistic in capturing nitrogen resources than the grass. Sugar had little effect on plant growth response, indicating soils have adequate organic carbon available. One manuscript is currently in progress and second has been submitted. A third manuscript comparing water use and morphological differences between perennial and ephemeral leaves in Artemisia is near completion. A new experiment will be initiated this spring determining the affects of defoliating high seral grasses on growth, reproductive effort, water use and nutrient uptake of competing woody shrubs.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87

Outputs
Field work has been completed evaluating the effects of N on growth and physiological processes in Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis and Stipa thurberiana. Preliminary results indicate N availability in these communities has a significant effect on plant growth and possibly competitive processes between the two species. Data analysis is near completion. Morphological and water relations work between ephermal and perennial leaves in A. tridentata spp. Wyomingenesis and Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus spp. viscidiflorus leaves is continuing. Ephemeral leaves transpire significantly more water per unit leaf area than perennial leaves on Artemisia. Vessel diameters in ephemeral leaves are about twice as large as perennial leaves which greatly reduces resistance of water flow through the leaf. The description of these characteristics will help define adaptive and competitive mechanisms for these two species. A physiological ecology study on Cardaria draba was initiated this fall, describing plant growth and development, plant water relations and carbon allocation with relation to environmental factors. Shoot development during an extremely dry period in the fall and a high total predawn water potential indicates C. draba develops a very deep root system, allowing it to grow while associated species are dormant. A new technique using C13 for defining carbon allocation in plants will be used and evaluated this year.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86

Outputs
A 2-year study has been completed comparing water use by Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis and Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus ssp. viscidiflorus, defining mechanisms of water use, and testing the hypothesis that Artemisia is more competitive than Chrysothamnus. Parameters measured were xylem potential, leaf conductance, transpiration per unit leaf area and per unit of canopy, and soil water depletion. Leaf conductance and transpiration per unit leaf area was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Chrysothamnus. Transpiration per unit of canopy, however, was higher in Artemisia due to a larger leaf surface area within the canopy. Artemisia was determined to be more competitive for early-spring water primarily due to the persistence of overwintering leaves and maintenance of a higher leaf area. A second project completed is the description of the phenological development, morphology and water use capabilities of ephemeral and perennial leaves on Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis. Two projects have been initiated dealing with the autecology of Cardaria draba and comparing the response of a sagebrush steppe community to N availability. Plots have been selected and prepared for sampling next spring.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 04/01/85 to 12/30/85

Outputs
Data were collected defining the relationships between plant xylem potential, leaf conductance and transpiration with leaf morphology, soil water, soil and air temperature, vapor pressure deficit and photosynthetic active radiation for Juniperus occidentalis. Leaf water potentials and stomatal conductance range from -0.5 to -2.7 MPa and 0.02 to 0.13 cm s, respectively. Regression analysis was use to define the relationship between sapwood area and basal circumference with leaf area of Juniperus occidentalis. Both parameters significantly correlated with projected leaf area with r = 0.98. The above work is currently being summarized to develop a water use model for Juniperus occidentalis. Three manuscripts are in preparation. A new study defining soil water acquisition and water use by Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis and Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus spp viscidiflorus was initiated this spring. Leaf morphology and physiology of the different leaf types are also being defined. Soil moisture at the base of ARTR/W depleted at a more rapid rate than at the base of CHVI/V. Although ARTR/W had a lower rate of water loss per unit leaf area than CHVI/V, ARTR/W maintained a larger leaf area. ARTR/W maintains about 38% of its leaves through the winter which gives it an early start moisture early in the spring.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications