Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #286511
Title: Repairing ecological processes to direct ecosystem state changes

Author
item Monaco, Thomas
item CALL, CHRISTOPHER - Utah State University
item HIRSCH, MERILYNN - Oregon State University
item FOWERS, BETH - University Of Wyoming

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/5/2012
Publication Date: 12/1/2012
Citation: Monaco, T.A., Call, C.A., Hirsch, M.C., Fowers, B. 2012. Repairing ecological processes to direct ecosystem state changes. Rangelands. 32:23-26.

Interpretive Summary: Ecologically-based invasive plant management (EBIPM) recognizes the need to systematically repair key ecological processes, such that an ecosystem can transition to an alternative state and yield desirable ecosystem services. To assist researchers and managers in the adoption of EBIPM, we first illustrate how the EBIPM framework was used to identify ecological processes within an invaded salt desert shrubland ecosystem and to guide the selection of a management strategy. We then summarize the outcome of how management tools and strategies impacted these processes, provide a descriptive re-assessment of the post-management state, and discuss ways to refine future restoration activities.

Technical Abstract: Ecologically-based invasive plant management (EBIPM) recognizes the need to systematically repair key ecological processes, such that an ecosystem can transition to an alternative state and yield desirable ecosystem services. To assist researchers and managers to the adoption of EBIPM, we first illustrate how the EBIPM framework was used to identify ecological processes within an invaded salt desert shrubland ecosystem and to guide the selection of a management strategy. We then summarize the outcome of how management tools and strategies impacted these processes, provide a descriptive re-assessment of the post-management state, and discuss ways to refine future restoration activities.