Greys River Habitat Restoration Monitoring

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Joining forces to build watershed resiliency.

At 62 miles, the Greys River is one of the longest undammed rivers in Wyoming. It hasn’t been altered greatly in the past 200 years, but small changes have had major impacts on the watershed.

THE PROBLEM

Through direct and indirect causes, the watershed has become less suitable for a variety of wildlife.

Historical sheep and cattle grazing impacted high elevation meadows, sagebrush communities and riparian corridors. Native plant species are then overtaken by invasive ones — like cheatgrass — forming very flammable vegetation.

Fire suppression has changed the age structure of several habitat types, resulting in a forest with fewer younger trees and shrubs. Species that prefer young habitats are at a disadvantage. Plus, younger trees act as natural fire breaks. Without them, the forest is more vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires.

On top of these changes, humans have disturbed and degraded habitats through camping pressure and four-wheel drive recreation.

THE SOLUTION

Monitor the habitat to learn how to most naturally restore it.

Multiple agencies have banded together to create The Greys River District-wide Habitat Restoration Project. Our goals:

1) Approximate the mix of succession stages, vegetation structure and plant species composition across the landscape that is likely sustainable in the context of climate change shifts.
2) Meet the needs of the federal and state listed species of concern that are not met through Goal 1.
3) Restore integrity and resilience of fire-adapted plant communities to the degree not met under Goal 1.
4) Contribute to objectives of other programs (e.g. riparian functioning, noxious weed & cheatgrass control) to the degree consistent with Goals 1-3.

The Project seeks to achieve these results through controlled burns, mechanical treatments, weed abatement, changing grazing practices, restricting dispersed camping and limiting off-road vehicle use. The Ricketts Conservation Foundation is coordinating bird monitoring actions for the partners.
RESOURCES
PARTNERS
U.S. Forest Service
National Park Service
Wyoming Game and Fish
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