Contents
1. An Overview of the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership Science and
Research Synthesis..................................................................................................1
Jeanne C. Chambers, Matthew L. Brooks, Kent Turner,
Carol B. Raish, and Steven M. Ostoja
Executive Summary.................................................................................................................. 1
Science and Research Strategy............................................................................................... 1
Science and Research Synthesis Report................................................................................. 4
Science-based Management.................................................................................................... 6
Key References........................................................................................................................ 6
2. Ecosystem Stressors in Southern Nevada................................................................9
Burton K. Pendleton, Jeanne C. Chambers, Matthew L. Brooks, and Steven M. Ostoja
Executive Summary.................................................................................................................. 9
Global Stressors....................................................................................................................... 9
Local and Regional Stressors................................................................................................... 9
Knowledge Gaps and Management Implications.................................................................... 12
Key References...................................................................................................................... 12
3. Water and Water Use in Southern Nevada...............................................................15
Wayne R. Belcher, Michael J. Moran, and Megan E. Rogers
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 15
Ground Water......................................................................................................................... 15
Surface Water......................................................................................................................... 16
Knowledge Gaps and Management Implications.................................................................... 17
Key References...................................................................................................................... 17
4. Invasive Species in Southern Nevada......................................................................19
Matthew L. Brooks, Steven M. Ostoja, and Jeanne C. Chambers
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 19
Invasive Plants........................................................................................................................ 19
Invasive animals..................................................................................................................... 21
Knowledge Gaps and Management Implications.................................................................... 22
Key References...................................................................................................................... 24
5. Fire History, Effects, and Management in Southern Nevada..................................25
Matthew L. Brooks, Jeanne C. Chambers, and Randy A. McKinley
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 25
Fire History and Patterns of Burning....................................................................................... 25
Fire Effects and Management Actions.................................................................................... 29
Knowledge Gaps and Management Implications.................................................................... 33
Key References...................................................................................................................... 33
6. Species of Conservation Concern and Environmental Stressors: Local, Regional
and Global Effects...................................................................................................35
Steven M. Ostoja, Matthew L. Brooks, Jeanne C. Chambers, and
Burton K. Pendleton
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 35
Alpine and Bristlecone Pine Ecosystems................................................................................ 35
Mixed Conifer Ecosystem....................................................................................................... 35
Piñon-Juniper Ecosystem....................................................................................................... 36
Sagebrush Ecosystem............................................................................................................ 36
Blackbrush/Shadscale Ecosystem.......................................................................................... 37
Mojave Desert Scrub Ecosystem............................................................................................ 37
Riparian/Aquatic Ecosystem................................................................................................... 37
Spring Ecosystems................................................................................................................. 38
Knowledge Gaps, Research Guidance,
and Management Implications........................................................................................... 38
Key References...................................................................................................................... 39
7. Maintaining and Restoring Sustainable Ecosystems in Southern Nevada..........41
Jeanne C. Chambers, Burton K. Pendleton, Donald W. Sada,
Steven M. Ostoja, and Matthew L. Brooks
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 41
Managing for Resilience and Resistance................................................................................ 41
Restoration Considerations..................................................................................................... 42
Knowledge Gaps..................................................................................................................... 46
Management Implications....................................................................................................... 47
Key References...................................................................................................................... 49
8. Human Interactions With the Environment Through Time
in Southern Nevada.................................................................................................51
Carol B. Raish
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 51
Focal Area............................................................................................................................... 51
Culture History........................................................................................................................ 51
European Contact................................................................................................................... 56
Knowledge Gaps and Management Implications.................................................................... 57
Key References...................................................................................................................... 58
9. Preserving Heritage Resources Through Responsible Use of
Southern Nevada’s Lands.......................................................................................61
Carol B. Raish
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 61
Cultural Resources at Risk..................................................................................................... 61
Cultural Resource Protection Measures and Organizations................................................... 61
Non-Destructive Techniques for Identification of Archeological and Historic Remains........... 63
Knowledge Gaps and Management Implications.................................................................... 63
Key References...................................................................................................................... 64
10. Recreation Use on Federal Lands in Southern Nevada........................................67
Alice M. McSweeney
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 67
Outdoor Recreation Issues..................................................................................................... 67
Snap Interagency Recreation and Wilderness Planning......................................................... 67
Regional Trail Planning and Outreach.................................................................................... 68
Knowledge Gaps and Management Implications.................................................................... 68
Key References...................................................................................................................... 69
11. Science-Based Management of Public Lands in Southern Nevada....................71
Matthew L. Brooks and Jeanne C. Chambers
Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 71
Current Scientific Understanding and Information Needs....................................................... 72
The Role of Science in Land Management............................................................................. 76
The Role of Science in Education........................................................................................... 77
Key References...................................................................................................................... 77