Current and projected sagebrush ecological integrity across the Western U.S., 2017-2100

Publication Date

2024-06-28

Start Date

2017

End Date

2100

Holdrege, M.C., Schlaepfer, D.R., Palmquist, K.A., Theobald, D.M., and Bradford, J.B., 2024, Current and projected sagebrush ecological integrity across the Western U.S., 2017-2100: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P13RXYZJ.

This dataset provides information about how sagebrush ecological integrity may change based on future climatic suitability in an area. Therefore, if an area is projected to have high sagebrush ecological integrity in the future, that does not necessarily mean it will (e.g., that location could experience a non-climate related disturbance that degrades the habitat), instead it means that our modelling suggests that the future climate will likely be suitable to sustain high sagebrush ecological integrity in the future in that area. Additionally, by providing projections of Q (‘quality’) scores of sagebrush, perennials, and annuals this dataset also provides information about which vegetation components are responsible for the projected changes in sagebrush ecological integrity. By providing information on potential climate change impacts this dataset, along with other datasets, local knowledge, and expertise, could be used for informing RAD (i.e., resist, accept, or direct ecological change) land management decisions.

• USGS Data Release Products