2011 Rangeland Vegetation Assessment in the Big Desert, Upper Snake River Plain, Idaho

ABSTRACT To better understand long term post-fire effects in sagebrush-steppe ecosystems, vegetation data were collected at 50 randomly located sample points during the month of June 2011. In particular, field samples were acquired on June 6-7, 13-14, 21-22, and 27-28 th . Data were collected at the area known as the Big Desert using line-point intercept transects to characterize land cover. Additionally, sagebrush stem diameter measurements were taken to determine the average age of sagebrush plants. Average age estimations were used to analyze the recovery rate of sagebrush following the 2006 Crystal fire and thereby better understand fire intensity and severity at each sample site. Based upon a previous study using Local Net Primary Productivity Scaling, data collection and analysis included ten sites considered "always degraded" and ten sample sites considered "never degraded". The purpose of this data collection and analysis was to determine if a difference in land cover (by functional group) and sagebrush age existed within these two areas. Sites classified as "always degraded" had an average sagebrush plant age of 13.4 years while "never degraded" sites held a slightly higher average at 15.6 years. Grass was the most common cover type across all sites (n = 50) and rock was the least common. Areas considered "always degraded" were dominated by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and litter while "never degraded" sites were dominated by shrubs and forbs. A difference in percent grass and shrub cover was found between "always degraded" and "never degraded" sites (P < 0.05)