Southern Rockies Ecoregion & Santa Fe Subregion ECA

The Southern Rockies Ecoregion and the Santa Fe Subregion are characterized by a diverse array of forest types and woodlands, which contribute significantly to the region’s ecological richness. The primary forest types include coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and alpine meadows, each supporting unique plant communities and wildlife habitats.

Coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by species such as ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and spruce-fir, are prevalent throughout the ecoregion. These forests thrive in the varied elevations and climatic conditions, providing essential habitat for numerous species and playing a critical role in carbon sequestration and soil stabilization.

We used data from LANDFIRE, which provides information about the current types of vegetation in the SRME. This region includes 97 different types of vegetation, grouped into 19 broader categories. We focused on forest types that are important for Canada lynx, North American wolverine, Mexican spotted owl, and northern goshawk, as well as those threatened by aggressive fire management and land-uses. These include various types of forests such as alpine, aspen, mixed-conifer, lodgepole pine, pinyon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine, and subalpine forests.

The SFSR differs slightly from the larger SRME. Lodgepole pine forests and limber pine woodlands are not present in this subregion. Common tree species in this area include spruce (Picea spp.), subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), Rocky Mountain Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca), Rocky Mountain white fir (Abies concolor subsp. concolor), pine (Pinus spp.), , Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), and gambel oak (Quercus gambelii). Additionally, there is a unique area where southwestern white pine and limber pine grow together.

Riparian zones, which are areas near rivers and streams, are rich in various forbs and shrubs, and include key cottonwood species (Populus spp.) and quaking aspen. The alpine zones, located above the tree line, support a diverse range of plants, including shrubs, wildflowers, and stunted trees, as well as various non-vascular plants that thrive on rocky surfaces.

Mature and old growth (MOG) forests are a subtype of the vegetation groups that have distinct ecological values nation-wide. For more information on MOG mapping, please watch MOG Presentation video and read our section on Regional Mature and Old-growth Forest (MOG) Maps for the Lower 48 States.

Wolverines (Gulo gulo) are remarkable mammals known for their adaptability to harsh environments, particularly in the Southern Rocky Mountains Ecoregion (SRME) and the Santa Fe Subregion (SFSR). These regions provide preferred habitats characterized by rugged terrain, cold temperatures, and significant snow cover, which are essential for their survival and reproduction. Wolverines thrive in alpine and subalpine zones, where they utilize a mix of forested areas and open spaces. The availability of snowpack is crucial, as wolverines depend on it for denning and raising their young, making these habitats vital for their life cycle and overall health.

Wolverine habitat connectivity is important for ensuring these animals can move freely across the landscape. In the Southern Rocky Mountain Ecosystem (SRME), there are areas that provide good north-south and east-west connections for wolverines. The best connectivity is found around Gunnison, Colorado, and in the northwest part of the SRME near Laramie, Wyoming, as well as in the southeastern section of the San Juan Mountains. The SRME and SFSR are interconnected through various corridors that facilitate movement and genetic exchange among wolverine populations. Maintaining these connections is essential for their long-term survival, as habitat fragmentation poses significant threats to their populations. Recent assessments have emphasized the importance of enhancing habitat connectivity across these regions to support wolverine populations, particularly in light of climate change and increasing human development. Conservation efforts are focused on identifying and protecting key corridors that allow wolverines to navigate between different habitat patches, ensuring their resilience in the face of environmental changes.

In the SRME, some areas are achieving connectivity scores that meet 30% of the desired targets, indicating that while there is some level of habitat connectivity, it is insufficient compared to the 50% goal set for effective conservation. There is a notable portion of the ecosystem that is functioning well in terms of connectivity, which is crucial for species like the wolverine that require large, interconnected habitats to thrive. However, the fact that these scores fall short of the 50% target indicates that there is still significant work to be done to enhance connectivity further. The potential inclusion of additional protected areas could vastly improve this situation, bringing them closer to the desired 50% target. This highlights the importance of expanding protected areas to enhance habitat connectivity and support wildlife populations.

In contrast, the San Juan Mountains show a much less favorable situation regarding habitat connectivity. This starkly contrasts with the SRME, indicating that the San Juan Mountains are not as well protected. Even with the inclusion of additional protected areas, less than a third of these areas would be protected, which is significantly below the 30% target. This situation underscores the urgent need for more effective conservation efforts in the San Juan Mountains to improve habitat connectivity for wolverines and other wildlife.

Photo:Paul Briden, "San Juan Mountains," Getty Images

Overall, the findings emphasize the necessity for targeted conservation strategies to enhance habitat connectivity across the Southern Rocky Mountain regions, particularly in areas like the San Juan Mountains that are currently underperforming in terms of protection and connectivity scores. This is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the survival of species that depend on these habitats, such as the wolverine

Threats to Wolverines

Wolverines face several significant threats that impact their populations. Habitat loss due to urban development, logging, and climate change is a primary concern. As snowpack diminishes, wolverines struggle to find suitable denning sites, which can lead to decreased reproductive success. Climate change is particularly detrimental, as it alters the ecosystems wolverines depend on, affecting their food sources and habitat availability. Additionally, human activities, such as increased recreational use of their habitats, can lead to disturbances that further threaten their survival. The sensitivity of wolverines to these changes has made them a species of concern, prompting conservationists to implement strategies aimed at habitat protection and management. Ongoing research and monitoring efforts are crucial for understanding wolverine ecology and informing conservation strategies, utilizing tools such as GPS tracking and remote camera systems to gather data on their movements and habitat use.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of wolverines is classified as vulnerable in many regions, including the Southern Rocky Mountains. They are listed as a species of concern due to their declining populations and the threats they face. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection, enhancing connectivity between populations, and monitoring their status through research initiatives. These strategies aim to mitigate the impacts of habitat fragmentation and climate change, ensuring the long-term survival of wolverines in their natural habitats.

Impact of Fire on Wolverine Habitat

Fire can alter the structure and composition of forest ecosystems, which are crucial for wolverine habitats. In some cases, fire can create a mosaic of different habitat types, promoting biodiversity and enhancing foraging opportunities for wolverines. For instance, post-fire environments may lead to an increase in herbaceous plants and shrubs, which can provide food sources for prey species that wolverines rely on, such as small mammals and carrion

However, intense wildfires can lead to habitat destruction, resulting in the loss of critical denning sites and foraging areas. Wolverines depend on specific habitat features, such as snowpack and dense vegetation, for denning and raising their young. If fires are too severe, they can eliminate these essential features, making it difficult for wolverines to find suitable habitats for reproduction and survival.

The relationship between fire and climate change further complicates the situation for wolverines. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift, the frequency and intensity of wildfires are expected to increase. This can lead to more extensive habitat loss and fragmentation, which poses a significant threat to wolverine populations. The reduction in snowpack due to climate change can also exacerbate the impacts of fire, as wolverines rely on snow for denning and foraging

The Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) and the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) are two significant avian species found in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion and Santa Fe Subregion. Both species are closely tied to forest ecosystems, which have been historically altered by human activities and natural disturbances. The Mexican spotted owl and northern goshawk inhabit similar old forest areas in the Southern Rocky Mountain Ecoregion (SRME). The goshawk utilizes mature forests throughout the year, while the Mexican spotted owl has a more limited range. In terms of suitable habitat, the SRME offers a significant area for the Mexican spotted owl, with a portion of this habitat also found in the SFRS.

Protection levels for these habitats vary, with a small percentage of the SFRS and SRME being designated as protected. If additional areas known as IRAs+ are included, the protection levels could increase significantly. However, even with these additions, the protection would still not meet the desired conservation goals for these species, indicating a need for further conservation efforts in the region.

Mexican Spotted Owl

Historically, the Mexican Spotted Owl has been associated with mature and old-growth forests in the mountainous regions of the Southern Rockies. This owl was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in the early 1990s due to habitat loss primarily caused by logging, fire suppression, and competition with the invasive Barred Owl (Strix varia). The conservation status of the Mexican Spotted Owl remains precarious, with ongoing efforts to protect its habitat and promote recovery strategies.

Photo: Rick734, "Mexican Spotted Owl in Tree," Canva.com

The primary threats to the Mexican Spotted Owl in this region include habitat fragmentation and degradation. Connectivity between forested areas is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring access to prey. Fragmented habitats can isolate populations, increasing their vulnerability to extinction. Fire plays a dual role in the ecology of the Mexican Spotted Owl; while high-severity fires can devastate nesting and foraging habitats, low to moderate-severity fires can enhance habitat diversity by promoting new vegetation growth and maintaining structural complexity in forests.

Northern Goshawk

The Northern Goshawk is another species of concern in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion. This raptor requires large, contiguous forest areas for nesting and hunting, making it sensitive to habitat changes.

Historically, the goshawk has faced challenges due to habitat loss from logging and land conversion for agriculture. Its conservation status varies, but it is generally regarded as a species of management concern.

Photo: Uros Poteko, "Northern Goshawk," Canva.com

Threats to the Northern Goshawk include habitat fragmentation, climate change, and the impacts of fire. High-severity wildfires can eliminate nesting sites and reduce prey availability, negatively affecting the goshawk’s survival. However, similar to the Mexican Spotted Owl, the goshawk may benefit from low to moderate-severity fires that can enhance habitat diversity and support prey species. Effective forest management practices that incorporate fire as a natural ecological process are essential for maintaining the habitats of both the Mexican Spotted Owl and the Northern Goshawk, ensuring their long-term survival in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion.

In summary, both the Mexican Spotted Owl and Northern Goshawk face significant conservation challenges in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion and Santa Fe Subregion. Addressing habitat loss, promoting connectivity, and appropriately managing fire regimes are critical components of conservation strategies aimed at ensuring the survival of these species in a changing environment.

The Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a medium-sized wild cat that inhabits the Southern Rocky Mountains Ecoregion (SRME) and the Santa Fe Subregion. Historically, the Canada lynx has been associated with boreal forests and mountainous regions, relying heavily on snowshoe hares as its primary prey. The presence of lynx in these areas has been documented for centuries, but their populations have fluctuated due to various environmental and anthropogenic factors.

In terms of conservation status, the Canada lynx is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in the contiguous United States. This designation is primarily due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and the decline of its prey base, particularly the snowshoe hare. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting lynx habitats, which include dense coniferous forests and areas with sufficient snow cover, as these conditions are crucial for their survival and reproduction.

Threats to the Canada lynx include habitat destruction from logging, urban development, and climate change, which can alter the distribution and abundance of snowshoe hares. Additionally, increased recreational activities in lynx habitats can lead to disturbances that affect their hunting and breeding behaviors. The fragmentation of habitats due to roads and development poses a significant risk, as it can isolate populations and reduce genetic diversity.

Connectivity is vital for the Canada lynx, as it allows for gene flow between populations and access to diverse habitats. The establishment of wildlife corridors and protected areas is essential to maintain this connectivity, especially in the face of climate change and increasing human encroachment. These corridors not only benefit the lynx but also support a wide range of other species that share their habitat, contributing to overall ecosystem resilience.

The effects of fire on Canada lynx habitats are complex. While fire can play a natural role in forest regeneration, severe wildfires can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation. Lynx rely on specific forest structures for hunting and denning, and intense fires can destroy these critical habitats. Moreover, the post-fire landscape may alter prey availability, further impacting lynx populations. Therefore, effective fire management strategies are crucial to balance the ecological role of fire with the conservation needs of the Canada lynx.

The SRME has about 2.9 million hectares that could serve as habitat for Canada lynx, but currently, there is no identified habitat in the SFSR. A portion of the suitable lynx habitat is protected, and if additional areas are included, the amount of protected habitat could come close to the desired target of half being safeguarded. Although historical records indicate that lynx once lived in northern New Mexico, 2001 data shows that there is no current habitat available for them in the SFSR.

Nearly 55% of our study area is under federal management, followed by private (20%) and Tribal (13%) ownership.

Gap Analysis Project (GAP) management status codes were applied to our study area using spatial analysis data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. GAP 1 (e.g., Wilderness, National Parks) and GAP2 (e.g., National Monuments) are considered protected lands. GAP3 (e.g., Inventoried Roadless Areas) is multiple use management and GAP4 receives few to no protections. Most of the study area fall into GAP3 and 4, having multiple use or little to no protections.

Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) are ecologically intact public lands that exclude open roads or major development or infrastructure. When IRAs are elevated to protected status above GAP 2, they may be redesignated as “wilderness.” They are important refugia for biodiversity and supporting populations of animal species that rely on habitat free from human disturbance, including the Mexican wolf and grizzly bear. IRAs are designated as GAP3 multiple use management in the PAD-US dataset. We classified IRAs in our study as GAP2.5 because they are protected from most forms of logging. By elevating IRA protections, mature and old-growth forest protections within these IRAs would be also improved.

Scientists and policymakers have recently set a goal of protecting 30% of the Earth by 2030 (“30×30”) as an interim step to protecting 50% of the Earth by 2050. Elevating protections of IRAs in the Mogollon Highlands and elsewhere, could contribute to the largescale global protection goal.Nearly half the region is managed by the USDA Forest Service. The remainder is managed under private ownership (34%), U.S. Bureau of Land Management (3.9%), Native American tribes (2.9%), and the National Park Service (1.3%).

Gap Analysis Project (GAP) management status codes were applied to our study area using spatial analysis data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. GAP 1 (e.g., Wilderness, National Parks) and GAP2 (e.g., National Monuments, Wildlife Refuges) are considered protected lands. GAP2.5 ((Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs)) have protections that fall between GAP2 and GAP3. GAP3 (e.g., extractive use) and GAP4 (private lands) receive few to no protections. Most of the study area fall into GAP3 and 4, having little to no protections.

Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) are ecologically intact public lands that exclude open roads or major development or infrastructure. When IRAs are elevated to protected status above GAP 2.5, they may be redesignated as “wilderness.” They are important refugia for biodiversity and supporting populations of animal species that rely on habitat free from human disturbance. IRAs are designated as GAP3 multiple use management in the PAD-US dataset. We classified IRAs in our study as GAP2.5 because they are protected from most forms of logging. By elevating IRA protections, mature and old-growth forest protections within these IRAs would be also improved.

Scientists and policymakers have recently set a goal of protecting 30% of the Earth by 2030 (“30×30”) as an interim step to protecting 50% of the Earth by 2050. Elevating protections of IRAs in the study area and elsewhere, could contribute to the largescale global protection goal.

Wildfire is and always has been an integral part of Western forest ecosystems. Many species are highly reliant on wildfire, and burned areas experience bursts in diversity as they regenerate after fire. Thus, while wildfire is considered a threat to human development and safety, it is not inherently a negative occurrence at the landscape level.

The number of days with “high” fire danger is projected to increase across our study area.

Drought and fire are intricately connected in the Southern Rocky Mountains, where prolonged dry conditions can significantly increase the risk and severity of wildfires. Drought stress reduces the moisture content in vegetation, making it more susceptible to ignition and facilitating the rapid spread of fires. As drought conditions persist, the accumulation of dry fuels, such as dead trees and underbrush, further exacerbates the fire risk, leading to more intense and destructive wildfires. This relationship is particularly evident in forest ecosystems, where drought can lead to tree mortality, altering forest structure and composition.

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of drought. They act as natural water reservoirs, capturing and storing rainfall, which helps maintain soil moisture levels and supports the hydrological cycle. The presence of trees and vegetation reduces surface runoff and promotes groundwater recharge, which is essential during dry periods. Moreover, forests provide shade and reduce temperatures, which can help lower evaporation rates from soil and water bodies, further conserving moisture in the ecosystem. The loss of trees not only diminishes the forest’s ability to recover from fire but also impacts biodiversity and habitat availability for various species.

Additionally, the interplay between drought and fire can create a feedback loop, where increased fire frequency and intensity further deplete water resources, making recovery from drought even more challenging for these ecosystems. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for effective forest management and conservation strategies in the face of climate change and increasing drought conditions. Protecting and restoring forest ecosystems is vital for enhancing their resilience to drought and fire, ultimately contributing to the stability of the broader environment.

Drought conditions in the SRME, including the SFSR, have a significant impact on the frequency and intensity of wildfires. The interplay between low precipitation, high temperatures, and dry vegetation creates an environment conducive to wildfires, which have been exacerbated during significant drought periods. One notable drought occurred from 2000 to 2004, characterized by exceptionally low precipitation and high temperatures. This period led to widespread tree mortality, particularly among species sensitive to prolonged dry conditions, such as ponderosa pine. The accumulation of dry fuels from these stressed ecosystems significantly increased the risk of wildfires, making the landscape more susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread. The drought conditions during this time were linked to several destructive wildfires, highlighting the critical relationship between drought and fire risk in the Southern Rocky Mountains, including the Santa Fe region.

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) in the Southern Rocky Mountains, particularly in the Santa Fe subregion, represents a critical area where human development meets wildland areas, significantly influencing wildfire dynamics. This interface is characterized by a complex interplay of ecological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors that heighten the risk of wildfires, especially during periods of drought. In 2012, another severe drought struck the region, further exacerbated by low snowpack and high temperatures. This drought resulted in severe water shortages that impacted agricultural practices and local water supplies. The dry conditions contributed to a notable increase in wildfire activity, with the High Park Fire in Colorado being one of the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history, burning over 87,000 acres. The fire’s intensity was directly related to the drought conditions that preceded it, demonstrating how drought can create a perfect storm for wildfire outbreaks.

More recently, the summer of 2021 saw a resurgence of drought conditions across the Southern Rocky Mountains, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting severe drought levels in parts of Colorado and New Mexico, including the Santa Fe area. This drought was linked to below-average snowpack and higher-than-normal temperatures, leading to heightened concerns about water availability and increased wildfire risk. The ongoing impacts of these droughts underscore the vulnerability of the region to climate variability and the need for effective management strategies to mitigate the effects of future droughts and associated wildfires.

Climate change is profoundly affecting the Southern Rockies ecoregion and the Santa Fe subregion, particularly impacting forests, woodlands, and riparian habitats. These ecosystems are undergoing significant transformations due to rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events.

Forests and Woodlands

The forests and woodlands in the Southern Rockies, which include species such as ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine, are particularly susceptible to climate change. Rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions increase stress on these tree species, leading to higher mortality rates and shifts in forest composition. The decline in snowpack, essential for maintaining moisture levels in these ecosystems, exacerbates these challenges, making forests more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

For instance, studies indicate that the mortality rates of mature trees are rising due to these stressors, which can lead to significant changes in forest structure and biodiversity. The increased frequency of wildfires, driven by drier conditions and higher temperatures, poses a further threat to these forest ecosystems. Wildfires not only destroy vast areas of forest but also release significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and further exacerbating climate change.

Additionally, the composition of forest ecosystems is shifting. Species that are less tolerant to heat and drought may decline, while more resilient species may become dominant. This shift can alter the habitat available for various wildlife species, leading to changes in species interactions and community dynamics. For example, the decline of certain tree species can affect the availability of food and shelter for birds and mammals, potentially leading to declines in their populations.

Riparian Habitats

Riparian habitats, which are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem health, are also under significant threat from climate change. These areas depend on consistent water availability, and the increasing frequency of droughts severely impacts their ecological integrity. Reduced streamflow and altered hydrology can lead to the degradation of these habitats, affecting the species that rely on them for survival.

The loss of riparian vegetation not only diminishes habitat quality but also adversely affects water quality and soil stability. For example, the decline in native plant species along riverbanks can lead to increased erosion and sedimentation, further degrading aquatic habitats. This degradation can have cascading effects on fish populations and other aquatic organisms that depend on clean, stable environments.

Moreover, the alteration of riparian zones can disrupt the natural processes that filter pollutants and regulate water temperature, leading to further ecological imbalances. The loss of these critical habitats can also reduce the resilience of ecosystems to climate change, making it more difficult for them to recover from disturbances such as floods or droughts.

Ecological Impacts

The ecological impacts of climate change in the Southern Rockies extend beyond forests and riparian areas. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt species distributions and habitat availability, leading to shifts in community dynamics. Invasive species may thrive in altered conditions, further threatening native biodiversity.

The interconnectedness of these ecosystems means that the decline of forests and riparian habitats can have cascading effects on the overall health of the ecoregion. For instance, the loss of tree cover can lead to increased runoff and reduced water quality in nearby streams, which in turn affects aquatic life. Additionally, the changes in vegetation can influence local climate conditions, such as temperature and humidity, further impacting the resilience of these ecosystems.

Climate change content and analyses provided by Dr. Marni Koopman.

Publications & Presentations

1. Woody Plants of the Mogollon Highlands (Natural History Institute)
2. Mature and Old-Growth Forests Contribute to Large-Scale Conservation Targets in the Conterminous United States (by DellaSala et al, 2022)
3. Sequential Hybridization May Have Facilitated Ecological Transitions in the Southwestern Pinyon Pine Syngameon (by Buck et al., New Phytologist 2022)
4. 2021 Forest Health Conditions in Arizona and New Mexico (by USDA Forest Service Southwest Region 2022)

Wolverine:

1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2023). Species profile for North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus). Retrieved from https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5123
2. Jameson, A. D. (2019). The evolution of wolverine, part 1. Retrieved from https://adjameson.wordpress.com/2019/08/14/the-evolution-of-wolverine-part-1/
3. Federal Register. (2023). Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: Threatened species status with section 4(d) rule for North American wolverine. Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/30/2023-26206/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-threatened-species-status-with-section-4d-rule-for
4. Britannica. (2024). Wolverine. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/animal/wolverine
5. Oyez. (2002). Ragsdale v. Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.oyez.org/cases/2001/00-6029

Mexican Spotted Owl and Northern Goshawk:

1. DellaSala, D. A., & others. (2024). An Ecoregional Conservation Assessment for the Southern Rocky Mountains Ecoregion and Santa Fe Subregion, Wyoming to New Mexico, USA. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2942728
2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2022). Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Plan, First Revision. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd475767.pdf
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2022). Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States. Retrieved from https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/AgHandbook296_text_low-res.pdf

Canada Lynx:

1. Koehler, G. M., & Aubry, K. B. (2006). Canada lynx use of burned areas: Conservation implications of habitat recovery. Forest Ecology and Management, 238(1-3), 1-12.
2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2023). Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; threatened species status with section 4(d) rule for the North American wolverine. Federal Register.
3. Washington State University. (2024). Canada lynx historic range in the U.S. likely wider than previously thought. Science Daily.
4. Stinson, K. (2001). The effects of fire on Canada lynx habitats. Journal of Wildlife Management, 65(3), 1-10.
5. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2023). Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) 5-year review: Summary and evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

GAP Analysis:

Gap Analysis Project (USGS)

Wildfires:

1. Climatic variability as a principal driver of primary production in the Southern Rocky Mountains. (2024). Journal of Climate and Environmental Research. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15230430.2024.2303810 2
2. Native American fire management at an ancient wildland–urban interface. (2021). Ecological Applications, 31(1), e02212. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7848524/ 3
3. Adapt to more wildfire in western North America. (2017). Ecological Applications, 27(5), 1401-1410. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5422781/ 5
4. Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Colorado Bureau of Land Management. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2015/CCVA_for_Colorado_BLM_final.pdf 6
5. Historical fire regimes and contemporary fire effects within the Southern Rocky Mountains. (2023). Ecological Applications. Retrieved from https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ecs2.4587 7
6. U.S. Drought Monitor. (2021). Retrieved from https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
7. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (n.d.). Advances in Threat Assessment and Their Application to Forest and Landscape Planning. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/pnw/pubs/gtr802/Vol1/pnw_gtr802vol1.pdf
8. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. (2001). Water, Watersheds, and Land Use in New Mexico – Impacts of Drought on Wildfire Dynamics. Retrieved from https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/publications/guides/decisionmakers/2001/dmfg2001_complete.pdf
9. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (n.d.). Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis: Wildfires in Wyoming Big Sagebrush Communities. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/arttriw/all.html
10. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (n.d.). Climate of the Southeast United States: Effects on the Wild Land-Urban Interface (WUI). Retrieved from https://www.cakex.org/sites/default/files/documents/Climate%20of%20the%20Southeast%20United%20States.pdf
11. Washington State Department of Agriculture. (2012). Preparing for a Changing Climate: Washington State’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy. Retrieved from https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/1201004.pdf

Climate Change:

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (n.d.). Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Colorado Bureau of Land Management. Retrieved from https://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2015/CCVA_for_Colorado_BLM_final.pdf
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Ecoregions of New Mexico. Retrieved from https://gaftp.epa.gov/EPADataCommons/ORD/Ecoregions/nm/nm_front.pdf
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (n.d.). Ecosystem and Vegetation System Management: Environmental Management. Retrieved from https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/env_topics/ecosystems/veg_mgmt_rpt/vegmgmt_ecoregional_approach.aspx
4. Kaufmann, M. R., Stohlgren, T. J., & Theobald, D. M. (1994). An Ecological Basis for Ecosystem Management. USDA Forest Service. Retrieved from http://openknowledge.nau.edu/2555/1/Kaufmann_A_etal_1994_AnEcologicalBasisForEcosystem.pdf
5. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (n.d.). Climate of the Southeast United States: Effects on the Wild Land-Urban Interface (WUI). Retrieved from https://www.cakex.org/sites/default/files/documents/Climate%20of%20the%20Southeast%20United%20States.pdf

Our vision for the Southern Rocky Mountain Ecoregion and Santa Fe Subregion is to ADVANCE FOREST PROTECTION EFFORTS BY INTEGRATING THEM with effective wildfire planning in a changing climate.

TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, FOREST SERVICE FUEL REDUCTION EFFORTS NEED TO FOCUS TREATMENTS CLOSEST TO HOMES AND REMOVE LESS BIOMASS FROM THE FOREST THAT ARE BEING OVERLY THINNED AND TOO FREQUENTLY BURNED.

We envision supporting dynamic natural ECOSYSTEMS INCLUDING mature and old growth forests, springs, RIPARIAN AREAS, and rivers. Our vision calls for RECONNECTING AND REWILDING LANDSCAPES FOR FOCAL SPECIES LIKE MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, AND CANADA LYNX, AND FOR REINTRODUCING EXTIRPATED SPECIES LIKE WOLVERINE WHILE PROVIDING FOR plant dispersal and animal migration IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING CLIMATE.