Proposal 1: Plant Diversity and Competition in Montana Sagebrush Steppe; Post Wildfire
In Montana, 44,103 square kilometers are classified as big sagebrush steppe. In addition to this, 16,346 square kilometers are classified as Montane Sagebrush Steppe (fieldguide.mt.gov). These ecosystems alone take up nearly 16% of Montana’s land (15.87%). These lands are normally dominated by Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis, and other native shrubs along with diverse perennial herbaceous graminoid components and several species of forbs. This ecosystem in Montana is also home to invasive species such as Bromus tectorum and Bromus japonicus. These species have long been known to proliferate in sagebrush ecosystems after a disturbances like a fire. A recent wildfire near Big Sawmill Gulch in Lewis and Clark County offers a unique look into plant diversity and competition in Montana’s sagebrush steppe ecosystem. How do these non-native species interact within the sagebrush steppe ecosystem in post burned areas compared to unburned areas? What species survived the wildfire and why? How has cheatgrass proliferated after this disturbance? How has this fire impacted diversity and what implications can be drawn for future studies? This study seeks to answer these questions by (insert methods here). An assessment of …show more content…
While the ecosystems within the property can be classified, the plant species that make up these ecosystems have yet to be reported. If the plant life on this property can be classified, listed and mapped, future questions can be posed and lead to future research concerning this ecosystem and the greater ecosystems of western Montana in general. This study seeks to identify all plant life in the area by (insert methods here). With identification of plants in this area, thorough studies can be made on the interactions between these plants and their
In Montana, 44,103 square kilometers are classified as big sagebrush steppe. In addition to this, 16,346 square kilometers are classified as Montane Sagebrush Steppe (fieldguide.mt.gov). These ecosystems alone take up nearly 16% of Montana’s land (15.87%). These lands are normally dominated by Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis, and other native shrubs along with diverse perennial herbaceous graminoid components and several species of forbs. This ecosystem in Montana is also home to invasive species such as Bromus tectorum and Bromus japonicus. These species have long been known to proliferate in sagebrush ecosystems after a disturbances like a fire. A recent wildfire near Big Sawmill Gulch in Lewis and Clark County offers a unique look into plant diversity and competition in Montana’s sagebrush steppe ecosystem. How do these non-native species interact within the sagebrush steppe ecosystem in post burned areas compared to unburned areas? What species survived the wildfire and why? How has cheatgrass proliferated after this disturbance? How has this fire impacted diversity and what implications can be drawn for future studies? This study seeks to answer these questions by (insert methods here). An assessment of …show more content…
While the ecosystems within the property can be classified, the plant species that make up these ecosystems have yet to be reported. If the plant life on this property can be classified, listed and mapped, future questions can be posed and lead to future research concerning this ecosystem and the greater ecosystems of western Montana in general. This study seeks to identify all plant life in the area by (insert methods here). With identification of plants in this area, thorough studies can be made on the interactions between these plants and their