Completion Form

2021

In previous project iterations, sagebrush were propagated in a controlled greenhouse setting and transplanted to ideal sites for sage grouse leks. However, nursery sagebrush plants were not available. There were several seedlings in an area that had flooded and killed the mature sagebrush.  The seedlings were transplanted to an upland area to encourage growth of sagebrush islands on the property.

Over the course of five days at Seep Creek, the crew transplanted 1011 sagebrush seedlings. Fifty of which were tagged and recorded for follow up study by the UDWR. Additionally, members of the crew cut down several neighboring cottonwoods and juniper trees to limit raptor predation near the planned lek site.

The crew found soil to be the most moist and compliant with transplanting earlier in the week. As the days went on, soil became drier and more likely to fall away from the sage roots during transplanting. While planting sage, the crew observed invasive species including occasional Russian thistle and cheatgrass.

Makeda Hanson

09/23/2022 08:11:29