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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #411312
Research Project: Knowledge Systems and Tools to Increase the Resilience and Sustainablity of Western Rangeland Agriculture

Location: Range Management Research

Title: Ecology on the rocks: Cliff ecology research from the Southern Appalachian Cliff Coalition

Author
item BOGGESS, LAURA - University Of North Carolina
item Harrison, Georgia

Submitted to: International Botanical Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2024
Publication Date: 7/21/2024
Citation: Boggess, L.M., Harrison, G.R. 2024. Ecology on the rocks: Cliff ecology research from the Southern Appalachian Cliff Coalition. International Botanical Congress. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cliffs harbor unique ecological communities yet face increasing pressure from human disturbances. The Southern Appalachian mountains (USA) are a biodiversity hotspot for North America, but little is known about regional cliff biota. Numerous factors shape cliff vegetative communities, including natural variation in slope and surface heterogeneity, and anthropogenic disturbances like rock climbing. However, the interaction between abiotic variability and anthropogenic pressures is largely unknown, and intensive field studies are required to better understand this phenomenon. The Southern Appalachian Cliff Coalition (SACC), based in western North Carolina, has investigated cliff ecosystems since 1997. Much of this work remains unpublished. This talk will outline results from three important SACC cliff studies on cliff vegetation and the impact of rock climbing. We will share numerous lessons learned, best-practices for cliff sampling and monitoring, recommendations for mitigating the impacts of hiking and rock climbing on cliff vegetation, and future directions for cliff research.