BLM OR/WA Biological Soil Crust Resarch and Restoration

Biological soil crusts (BSC) have been determined to be very important in native rangeland systems in limiting the spread of weeds, decreasing fuel loads, and holding native soils in place (reducing erosion). BSC is lost following wildfire, agriculture, intense grazing or other repeated physical disturbance. Very little information is available on whether BSC can be cultured and enhanced to restore damaged sites. This agreement will support research on BSC that will benefit both BLM land management and land management across all rangeland ownerships. The objective is to collaborate with a partner to gather additional information about biological soil crusts within the watershed, including culturing and using these crusts in restoration. Objectives of this agreement will be to determine: a) how much open (disturbed) ground surface needs to be seeded with BSC to meet restoration goals?; b) how effective is BSC amplification (culturing) at increasing the amount of disturbed area that can be treated/restored? Information produced from this agreement will improve BLM land management, and the management of other rangeland managers. Application of results are expected to lead to more resilient shrub-steppe ecosystems.