Project Number: 6235-11210-006-21
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 01, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2008

Objective:
(1) Describe ecological processes that characterize the functioning of the Chihuahuan Desert, (2) identify, evaluate and describe methods for monitoring rangeland conditions, (3) develop techniques for remediation of degraded rangelands, and (4) design new technologies for management of grazing livestock in arid landscapes.

Approach:
Approach emphasizes interdisciplinary research funded by several extramural sources. Objective 1 is shared by the National Science Foundation Long-Term Ecological Research project at the Jornada. We have well established studies in place to quantify characteristics of key ecological processes in this environment. Objective 2 is shared by the Environmental Protection Agency and we are identifying indicators of rangeland health for rapid monitoring of resource conditions. Objective 3 is shared by the Bureau of Land Management where we are evaluating the use of prescribed burning as a management tool for maintaining desert grasslands. Objective 4 is shared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service where we are developing new technologies to control livestock movement on open ranges and rapidly identify botanical composition of grazing animal diets.