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ARS Home » Plains Area » Miles City, Montana » Livestock and Range Research Laboratory » People » Lance Vermeire
Lance T Vermeire

Ecologist

Dr. Lance T. Vermeire

Acting Research Leader/Range Ecologist

USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL 
243 Fort Keogh Road
Miles City, MT 59301-4016
Phone: (406) 874-8206
Fax: (406) 874-8289 
Email: 

lance.vermeire@ars.usda.gov

Biographical Information:

Research conducted by Dr. Vermeire has focused on the ecology of rangeland weeds, rangeland monitoring techniques, and the ecological effects of prescribed fire on soil, plants, and animals. Understanding the ecology of weed species reduces management risks by identifying ecological and economic thresholds, improving the efficacy of weed control, and facilitating the prevention of weed establishment. Accurate rangeland assessment techniques are commonly labor-intensive and rapid methods generally sacrifice accuracy. Dr. Vermeire has adapted a visual obstruction method that rapidly and accurately estimates herbage standing crop across rangeland regions and management schemes. Application of the technique may allow managers and scientists to increase sampling intensity and coverage. Natural and aboriginal fires shaped the Great Plains, however, the ecological effects of fire and fire suppression are not well known. In addition to evaluating fire effects on plant communities and soil erosion, Dr. Vermeire has determined fire can be used as an effective grazing distribution tool for cattle and may selectively control pest grasshopper species.

 

 

Research

Fort Keogh Publications 
(go here for downloadable .pdf files)

 

Educational Background:

  • BS - Wildlife Ecology - Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK - 1994
  • MS - Rangeland Ecology - Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK - 1997
  • PhD - Range Science - Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX - 2002

Current Research Projects:

  • Research is directed toward ecological ramifications of natural disturbances
    • Plant community response to:
      • Summer Fire
      • Post-Fire Grazing Management
      • Long-Term Livestock Exclusion
    • Fire Effects on Grasshopper Communities

USDA, ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory
243 Fort Keogh Rd., Miles City, MT  59301-4016
Phone: 406-874-8200, Fax:  406-874-8289