In this episode, I interview Allison Jones, a seasoned conservation biologist with extensive experience in arid ecosystems—specifically the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. We discuss a range of topics including juniper treatments, sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits, and the unique ecology of the Great Basin. Allison details her educational background, professional experiences, and contributions to wildlife and land management policy through roles in organizations like the Sageland Collaborative, the Wild Utah Project and here current employer, Conservation Science Partners. Our discussion covers the impacts of mechanical vegetation treatments on pinyon juniper ecosystems, the impacts from livestock grazing post treatments, and the challenges posed by invasive species like cheatgrass, post treatments. We also delve into controversial practices, effects on water resources, and the impacts to wildlife species.

Do Mechanical Vegetation Treatments of Pinyon-Juniper and Sagebrush Communities Work? A Review of the Literature

03:02 Allison’s Background and Career Journey

08:04 The Great Basin: A Unique Ecosystem

12:21 Pinyon and Juniper Forests: Ecology and Management

16:29 Controversial Practices and Wildlife Impact

27:24 Cheatgrass Dominance in Treatment Areas

28:48 Impact of Grazing on Cheatgrass Spread

29:55 Water Flow and Juniper Removal

33:56 Phases of Juniper Encroachment

37:10 Sage-Grouse Habitat and Treatment Effectiveness

41:54 The Pygmy Rabbit: Habitat and Conservation

45:25 Fire Cycles and Livestock Grazing Impact

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#60 - The Overlooked Ecological Costs of Pinyon-Juniper “Restoration” Treatments w/ Allison Jones