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Southern Nevada ecosystem stressors [Chapter 2]

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Southern Nevada ecosystems and their associated resources are subject to a number of global and regional/local stressors that are affecting the sustainability of the region. Global stressors include elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and associated changes in temperature and precipitation patterns and amounts, solar radiation, and nutrient cycles (Smith and others 2009b). Global stressors are ubiquitous in nature and interact both directly and indirectly with regional or local stressors. Regional/local stressors in southern Nevada include: population growth and urbanization and associated increases in nitrogen deposition, energy development, water development, and recreation; increased effects of insects and disease; ongoing effects of livestock, wild horse and burro grazing; new and expanding invasive species; and altered fire regimes. This chapter provides background information on the stressors affecting southern Nevada’s ecosystems that is needed to address Goal 1.0 in the SNAP Science Research Strategy, which is to restore, sustain, and enhance southern Nevada’s ecosystems (Turner and others 2009).

Parent Publication

Keywords

Mojave, Great Basin, anthropogenic disturbance, climate change, invasive species, altered fire regimes, water resources, species of conservation concern, restoration, heritage resources, recreation, ecosystem resilience, science-based management

Citation

Pendleton, Burton K.; Chambers, Jeanne C.; Brooks, Mathew L.; Ostoja, Steven M. 2013. Southern Nevada ecosystem stressors [Chapter 2]. In: Chambers, Jeanne C.; Brooks, Matthew L.; Pendleton, Burton K.; Raish, Carol B., eds. The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership Science and Research Synthesis: Science to support land management in Southern Nevada. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-303. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 17-36.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/44301