BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Fighting the effects of climate change in Great Basin rangeland is drawing together federal, state and private interests to deal with what scientists say is greater weather variability causing big swings in forage available for cattle and wildlife.
Experts say biomass can triple some years or see declines just as great, and that native vegetation in the region that has survived climate variations for tens of thousands of years now faces new challenges from invasive species and wildfires.
United States Geological Survey research ecologist Matt Germino says winter precipitation falling as rain rather than snow means perennial native plants have less water to store for summer use.
Certified animal nutritionist Marty Gill says he's seen an increase in Great Basin ranchers pulling cattle off rangeland due to poor forage.