USDA-ARS Fort Keogh LARRL 243 Fort Keogh Road Miles City, MT 59301-4016 Phone: (406) 874-8206 Fax: (406) 874-8289 Email: lance.vermeire@ars.usda.gov
Biographical Information:
Research conducted by Dr. Vermeire has focused on the ecology of rangeland weeds, rangeland monitoring techniques, and the ecological effects of prescribed fire on soil, plants, and animals. Understanding the ecology of weed species reduces management risks by identifying ecological and economic thresholds, improving the efficacy of weed control, and facilitating the prevention of weed establishment. Accurate rangeland assessment techniques are commonly labor-intensive and rapid methods generally sacrifice accuracy. Dr. Vermeire has adapted a visual obstruction method that rapidly and accurately estimates herbage standing crop across rangeland regions and management schemes. Application of the technique may allow managers and scientists to increase sampling intensity and coverage. Natural and aboriginal fires shaped the Great Plains, however, the ecological effects of fire and fire suppression are not well known. In addition to evaluating fire effects on plant communities and soil erosion, Dr. Vermeire has determined fire can be used as an effective grazing distribution tool for cattle and may selectively control pest grasshopper species.