March 2023 - 35

Conifer encroachment impacts habitat for wildlife, and this jackstraw method of conifer control is one way habitat managers reduce that impact on the land. (Photo by Willow Bish/WGFD)
beneficial. Some plant communities including
aspen and some shrub communities such as
true mountain mahogany and mountain big
sagebrush depend on occasional disturbances
such as fire to trigger new seedling growth
or rejuvenation of plant material from the
roots. However, when fires burn too severely
soil sterilization can occur, and much of the
native seed bank can be lost. This results in a
prolonged recovery period and puts sites at risk
of invasive plant species and erosion. Historic
wildfires were more likely to be spotty, which
leaves islands of unburned vegetation creating a
mosaic across the landscape, which is generally
beneficial for wildlife.
Some plant communities, such as Wyoming
big sagebrush in northeast Wyoming which
grows in a low precipitation zone, respond
poorly to fire. When these areas burn, sagebrush
often does not naturally return - potentially
for hundreds of years. This creates issues
for species such as pronghorn, sage grouse
and many nongame species. In these areas
conifer encroachment from species like Rocky
Mountain juniper can greatly increase the risk
of fire due to the higher fuel loads.
TAKING ACTION
Managers have several tools available for
addressing conifer encroachment, including
a variety of mechanical treatments and
prescribed fire. When the proper conditions
are met, prescribed fire can be an excellent,
cost-effective method for addressing conifer
encroachment that closely mimics natural
disturbances. Prescribed fire may not be an
option for all sites, because partnership with an
entity that has a fire crew and burn authority
is required. Sites also must have a low risk of
having fire escape into areas outside of the
targeted treatment. Treatments may have
variable results as fires may burn hotter or
cooler than intended. Liability also is a consideration
on private land, especially in areas
of intermingled land ownership. Prescribed
fire isn't recommended in areas like northeast
Wyoming where damage to non-target species
such as sagebrush is likely to occur. Also,
the risk of invasive species occupying sites
post-treatment influences decisions about what
treatment method should be applied. In some
areas prescribed fire may require post-treatment
herbicide application to address invasive
Conifer encroachment can
impact the value of forage
in these habitats for species
like mule deer and elk by
directly competing with more
desirable forage.
Wyoming Wildlife | 35

March 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2023

March 2023 - 1
March 2023 - 2
March 2023 - 3
March 2023 - 4
March 2023 - 5
March 2023 - 6
March 2023 - 7
March 2023 - 8
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https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/october-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/september-2024
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https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/july-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/june-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/wyoming-wildlife-may-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/april-2024-e-edition
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https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/january-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/december-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/october-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/september-2023
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https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/may-iak-special-issue
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https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/january-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/dec-2021
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https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/January2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/wyominggame/WyomingWildlife/December2020
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