Wyoming
Thunder Basin Big Sagebrush Restoration Project
Thunder Basin Chapter, Gillette, Wyo.
2008
Contractor applying chemical treatments to rid
area of cheatgrass.
The Thunder Basin Chapter in Gillette has partnered with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department on a project that shares their chapter name. The Thunder Basin Big Sagebrush Restoration Project aims at restoring big sagebrush communities because there has been a decline in the extent, distribution and quality of these communities over the past 20-40 years. The remaining communities are in advanced seral stages with very little, if any, young plant recruitment. The big sagebrush communities have poor herbaceous understory diversity, juniper encroachment is increasing, and prickly pear cactus and cheatgrass have increased in frequency over this same timeframe.
During this timeframe, big game and sage grouse populations have declined. Populations following extreme climatic conditions, primarily severe winters and extended droughts, have not recovered to levels recorded in the 1960’s and 1970’s, which may be indicative of habitat conditions.
Restoration efforts will be accomplished through prescribed fire and chemical treatments with Plateau and Tordon being applied to control cheatgrass and prickly pear cactus infestations. This is a long-term project aimed at improving mule deer habitat.
MDF funds will be used to cost share on mechanical and chemical treatments, including using a portion of the funds to purchase Plateau and Tordon herbicide, which will be used to control cheatgrass and prickly pear cactus infestations.