A Regional Experiment to Evaluate Effects of Fire and Fire Surrogate Treatments in the Sagebrush Biome

James McIver, Forest Service, PNW Res. Sta., La Grande , OR (email: jmciver@fs.fed.us)

This research project has been approved for funding ($12.1 million) by the USDI/USDA's Joint Fire Science Program's Governing Board. This project will compare fire and fire surrogate (mechanical and herbicide) treatments in five ecological provinces within the Great Basin . The research will focus on sagebrush communites “at risk” of conversion to cheatgrass or native conifer ( Pinus spp ./ Juniperus spp .) woodlands after disturbance. The proposal includes an assessment of ecological, social, and economic impacts of the treatments.