Research Updates – New Publications
Annotated bibliography of research relevant to oil and gas reclamation in the Western U.S.
In this report, RAMPS researchers and university partners summarized scientific research relevant to oil and gas reclamation in the western U.S. in an annotated bibliography. The studies summarized in the report may inform planning and management actions for oil and gas reclamation.
CITATION: Mann, R.K., McCormick, M.L., Munson, S.M., Cooper, H.F., Bryant, L.C., Swenson, J.K., Johnston, L.A., Wilson, S.L. and Duniway, M.C., 2024. Annotated bibliography of scientific research relevant to oil and gas reclamation best management practices in the western United States, published from 1969 through 2020 (No. 2023-1068). US Geological Survey.
How do dryland soils recover after disturbance on the Colorado Plateau?
This study, led by the USGS with university and federal partners, explored the time required for dryland soils to recover to undisturbed conditions after oil and gas reclamation and identify factors that affect reclamation outcomes on the Colorado Plateau. They found that the predicted time to total soil recovery was 96 years, and that site aridity was the largest predictor of reclamation outcomes, but effects differed by soil type.
CITATION: Eckhoff, K.D., Reed, S.C., Bradford, J.B., Daly, N.C., Griffen, K., Reibold, R., Lupardus, R., Munson, S.M., Sengsirirak, A., Villarreal, M.L. and Duniway, M.C., 2024. Dryland soil recovery after disturbance across soil and climate gradients of the Colorado Plateau. Science of The Total Environment, 932, p.172976.
Predicting the effects of solar energy development on plants and wildlife in the desert Southwest
In this study, a team of USGS scientists led by Claire Karban explored the effects of solar energy development on plants and wildlife in the desert southwest. They found that solar energy development may impact native species with specialized niches, can facilitate the spread of invasive species, and that there are opportunities to mitigate impacts during facility development and operation.
CITATION: Karban, C.C., Lovich, J.E., Grodsky, S.M. and Munson, S.M., 2024. Predicting the effects of solar energy development on plants and wildlife in the Desert Southwest, United States. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 205, p.114823.
What drives non-native plant invasion after fire in the western U.S.?
This study, led by USGS researchers, examined the patterns and predictors of non-native plant invasion following fire across the western U.S. They found that the post-fire cover of non-native plants varied by plant functional type and climate, with a potential for increasing post-fire invasion risk at higher elevations and latitudes from 2041-2100. These findings highlight priorities for mitigation, monitoring, and restoration efforts to reduce post-fire plant invasion risk across the western U.S.
CITATION: Prevéy, J.S., Jarnevich, C.S., Pearse, I.S., Munson, S.M., Stevens, J.T., Barrett, K.J., Coop, J.D., Day, M.A., Firmage, D., Fornwalt, P.J. and Haynes, K.M., 2024. Non-native plant invasion after fire in western USA varies by functional type and with climate. Biological Invasions, 26(4), pp.1157-1179.
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This United States Geological Survey news article "RAMPS Newsletter - Fall 2024" was originally found on https://www.usgs.gov/news
