Protecting Our Mountain Foothills and Sagebrush Steppe Ecosystems

Our mountain foothills and sagebrush steppe ecosystems are integral to the health and beauty of our community. These landscapes are where we connect with nature, where our livelihoods thrive, and where wildlife finds refuge. Yet, these cherished lands are facing a significant threat: woody plant encroachment. It’s time for us, as a community, to come together and take action.

The Science Behind Brush Management

Brush management is not just about removing unwanted plants; it’s about maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Here’s why it’s scientifically critical:

Biodiversity Conservation: Our foothills and sagebrush steppe are rich with native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife. When woody species like junipers and cedars encroach, they outcompete these native plants, reducing biodiversity. This loss of plant diversity disrupts the habitat for many animals, including birds, insects, and large mammals that rely on these ecosystems for food, shelter, and breeding.

Water Resource Protection: In our semi-arid environments, water is precious. Woody plants, with their deep roots, can tap into groundwater reserves, reducing water availability for native grasses and other plants. This not only affects the plant community but also the animals and people who depend on these water resources. Healthy grasslands are better at capturing and storing rainwater, allowing it to percolate into the ground and recharge aquifers.

Soil Health and Erosion Control: Grasses play a critical role in holding the soil together with their root systems. When woody plants take over, they often leave areas of bare soil, which can easily erode during rainstorms. This erosion not only degrades the land but also leads to sedimentation in rivers and streams, affecting water quality.

Fire Regime Stability: Historically, our ecosystems have evolved with periodic low-intensity fires that clear out dead material and stimulate new growth. However, when woody species dominate, they create a dense, flammable layer that can lead to more intense and catastrophic wildfires. These wildfires are not only dangerous to human life and property but also cause long-term damage to the ecosystem.

Why This Matters to Us

Protecting Our Heritage: These landscapes are the essence of our community’s identity. They are where we gather for recreation, where our children explore, and where we find peace in nature. If we allow woody plants to take over, we risk losing the open vistas, diverse wildlife, and healthy ecosystems that make our home special.

Supporting Our Neighbors and Local Economy: Many of us depend on these lands for ranching, farming, and tourism. When woody species like junipers and cedars encroach, they reduce the productivity of our grazing lands, directly impacting the livelihoods of our friends and neighbors. By managing these species, we help sustain our local economy and keep our community strong.

Ensuring Community Safety: As woody plants spread, so does the risk of wildfire. These fires can spread quickly through the dense, dry vegetation that these species create, putting our homes, schools, and businesses at risk. Effective brush management reduces these fuels, helping to protect our community from devastating wildfires.

How We Can Make a Difference

This is a challenge that requires a collective effort—one where everyone has a role to play. Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Get Involved Locally: Whether you own land or just love our natural spaces, your involvement is vital. Join local conservation efforts, volunteer for brush management projects, or participate in educational events to learn more about the science behind this work.
2. Collaborate with Neighbors: Effective brush management is a team effort. If you’re a landowner, consider working with your neighbors to manage woody plants across property lines. Sharing resources and coordinating efforts can lead to more significant and lasting impacts.
3. Support Community Initiatives: Attend local meetings, advocate for funding, and support policies that prioritize brush management and land conservation. Your voice can help ensure that these efforts receive the attention and resources they need.
4. Lead by Example: If you’re already managing woody species on your land, share your knowledge and experiences. Your success stories can inspire others in the community to take action and understand the importance of this work.
5. Educate and Spread Awareness: Help raise awareness about the importance of brush management. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about how these practices protect our environment, economy, and safety.

Together, We Can Protect What We Love

Brush management is not just an environmental task—it’s a community effort to protect our way of life. By managing woody species that threaten our foothills and sagebrush steppes, we preserve the health, beauty, and resilience of these landscapes for future generations.

Let’s come together to safeguard our community, our economy, and our natural heritage. The work we do today will ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same thriving landscapes that we cherish. The future of our mountain foothills and sagebrush steppe ecosystems is in our hands—let’s take action together.

How we can help you!

The Horseshoe Hills Landscape Restoration Initiative is a program offered through the Gallatin County NRCS through 2028. Qualifying applicants that own, lease, or operate on private land within the project boundary may be eligible for financial assistance to address conifer encroachment, forest health, and stream restoration. NRCS provides free technical support to anyone interested. Applications for this program seeking financial assistance beginning 2025 are due by October 25, 2024. This program is a great opportunity to begin addressing conifer encroachment in the Horseshoe Hills to improve the ecosystem function and resilience across the landscape. If interested, please call the NRCS Bozeman Field Office at 406-522-4007, stop by the office at 3710 Fallon Street, Suite B in Bozeman, MT 59715, or email john.mccarty@usda.gov.