Sagebrush currently covers 120 million acres across 14 western states and three Canadian provinces, providing habitat for hundreds of different species of plants and animals. Wildlife such Greater and Gunnison sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits, mule deer and pronghorn depend heavily on sagebrush habitats.

Sagebrush ecosystems are often multi-use: livestock grazing, oil and gas development, and mineral extraction occur along with opportunities for recreation such as hiking, fishing and other activities that support local economies.

With funding from USGS and other sources, a multi-disciplinary research team used field observations with computer models to look at what may happen to big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) under various scenarios of climate change.

Sagebrush Ecosystems: Measuring Vulnerability to Climage Change

Video: Scientists discuss sagebrush ecosystems and the impacts of climate change.

Meet the researchers and land managers who give insights on what may happen to big sagebrush and its surrounding ecosystems in the face of a changing climate.

Created by Montana State University's School of Film and Photography

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Project PI:
Ben Poulter (MSU)


Co-PIs:
Peter Adler (USU), Cam Aldridge (Colorado State University), and Bethany Bradley (UMASS)


Post Docs & Graduate Students:
Katie Renwick, Daniel Schlaepfer, Andrew Kleinhesselink, and Caroline Curtis


We gratefully acknowledge funding from the Great Basin Landscape Conservation Cooperative, and the Department of the Interior North Central
Climate Science Center. The project described in this publication was supported by Grant No. G15AP00073 from the United States Geological Survey.