Effects of Climate Change on Rangeland Vegetation in the Northern Rockies

Understanding and Managing the Effects of Climate Change on Ecosystem Services in the Rocky Mountains

“…Quantitative data were used when possible, but qualitative descriptions or proxy measures were often used. For timber and grazing, assessments drew from forest and rangeland vegetation vulnerability assessments (Keane et al 2017;Reeves et al 2017). Vegetation model output, such as that from the MC2 dynamic global vegetation model (Bachelet et al 2001) was used, where available.…”

Climate change versus land-use change—What affects the ecosystem services more in the forest-steppe ecotone?

“…For example, the ecosystem services such as climate stabilization through carbon sequestration, the provision of non-irrigated forage for livestock and wildlife species, the provision of critical habitats for biodiversity are likely to be influenced by the changing climate (Shaw et al, 2011). Understanding the comprehensive impact on the ES supply in the current situation from both the land-use change and climate change perspective is necessary (Tong et al, 2012;Reeves et al, 2018;Wu et al, 2019).…”

Climate change vulnerability and adaptation in the Intermountain Region [Part 2]

“…It may be particularly important to protect refugia, or areas that have not been invaded, and make sure that invasive species do not become established. Proactive management tactics such as early detection and rapid response can be used for new invasions (Reeves et al 2017). Conducting outreach to educate employees and the public about invasive species and increasing collaboration among landowners and managers will also be necessary to effectively control invasive species (Hellmann et al 2008).…”

“…In addition to invasive species control and prevention, grazing management will be important in maintaining and increasing resilience of nonforest vegetation to climate change. Climatic changes will lead to altered availability of forage and water, requiring some reconsideration of grazing strategies; flexible and perhaps novel grazing management plans may be necessary (Reeves et al 2017). For example, altering the timing of use from year to year may help encourage recovery of all species by avoiding stress at the same period of growth (or dormancy) every year.…”

“…To maintain native perennial species in sagebrush ecosystems, native seed sources adapted to future climatic conditions can be used for planting and restoration, fuelbreaks and fencing can be used for protection, and modified grazing strategies can be used to allow for flexibility in season of use (Reeves et al 2017). Developing modified seed zones and promoting propagation of native seed sources for sagebrush ecosystems will help to ensure the success of restoration efforts.…”