Research Task: 8327CMW.5.0
Task Manager: Stephen Germaine
A multi-agency and organizational effort is underway to build the scientific and social bases for ecological restoration of North American bison in the American West. In keeping with this goal, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado reintroduced wild bison to the refuge in March 2007. The Refuge, located on the Colorado high plains at the northeastern edge of the Denver metropolitan area, is being restored to native shortgrass prairie vegetation. Bison were historically part of this ecosystem, and short, intense periods of grazing by bison and periodic fire maintained the structure of the plant community. Consequently, refuge managers plan to use bison grazing, along with prescribed fire, as a tool to manage and maintain this shortgrass prairie ecosystem. The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of bison grazing on a 1,500-acre pasture in order to assess potential conflicts with other refuge management objectives. In particular, FORT scientists are investigating potential impacts of bison herbivory on nesting grassland bird habitat. They will attempt to determine the preferences of bison for various vegetation types and their use of recently burned areas using satellite telemetry collars and measurements of plant consumption in several key vegetation types associated with grassland bird species.
For more information contact Stephen Germaine
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/Research/research_tasks.asp
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