Maintaining Resilient Dryland Ecosystems Program

Great Basin Native Plant Project

Project Summary

This multi-state, collaborative research project was initiated in 2001 by the USDI Bureau of Land Management and the USDA FS RMRS's Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystem Research Program. Major objectives are to improve the availability of native plant materials and to provide the knowledge and technology required for their use in restoring diverse native plant communities across the Great Basin. More than 20 federal, state, and private cooperators are involved in this project.                                    

Project Objectives

• Increase the availability of native plant materials, particularly forbs, for restoring disturbed Great Basin rangelands.
  
• Provide an understanding of species variability and potential response to climate change; develop seed transfer guidelines.
• Develop seed technology and cultural practices for producing native seed in agricultural settings.
• Collaborate with seed regulatory agencies and the private seed industry to improve native seed supplies.
• Examine interactions of native restoration species and exotic invasives to aid in formulating seeding prescriptions.
• Develop application strategies and technologies to improve the establishment of native seedings.
• Develop demonstration areas, manuals, popular publications, and websites to facilitate application of research results.