2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) (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. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 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. 3.Progress Report All accomplishments made under this project are fully consistent with relevant milestones listed in the Project Plan, and with the relevant research components as defined in the National Program 215 Action Plan. Accomplishments under this project contribute to the achievement of ARS Strategic Plan Goal 5, Objective 1, Performance Measure 1 and Objective 2, Performance Measure 2, in that project accomplishments contribute substantially to attainment of the Agency FY 2008 target of developing specific information and technology for management and improvement of the nation's rangelands. Monitoring activities addressing research progress were conducted throughout the year with New Mexico State University faculty, scientists, and students thru several seminars, symposiums, various workshops and meetings. This project contributed significantly to the develoment of ecological principles in support of ecological site descriptions now being used on millions of rangeland acres in the U.S. (see: http://usda-ars.nmsu.edu/esd.html). This serves as a final report; new agreement is 6235-11210-006-62S.