CESU Study of Climate Induced Patterns -Juniper Die-Off at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

This project will provide insights into the changing landscape and vegetation of the KKTR, which happens to be located at the forefront of the Southwestern tree die-off epidemic of the past 15 years. The dramatic changes in vegetation have consequences not only for the environmental state of the Monument, but also the view-scape provided by the vast woodlands and forests that surround the geological formations that helped the KKTR become a National Monument. Other benefits to the public come from the nearly ubiquitous cover of juniper on the landscape ��� and this project will be the first project to specifically focus on juniper mortality, which given current climate projections will likely continue.