The Sagebrush Cooperative

Publications, Maps & Data: Sagebrush-steppe Atlas

The Sage Steppe Atlas organizes and compiles condition and management spatial data on sagebrush steppe habitat in southeastern Oregon and adjacent areas of Idaho and Nevada. The Atlas is available in an accessible location and format to be used by land managers making strategic decisions concerning regional sage steppe restoration and conservation projects. Sage steppe habitat is threatened by altered fire regimes, invasive weeds, juniper encroachment and energy development and has been degraded or converted in much of its historical range. For agencies, conservation organizations and other stakeholders who are focusing on appropriate sage steppe management, the Atlas serves as a vital tool for coordination, strategic planning, and monitoring the effects of their efforts.

Data collection for the Atlas was a collaborative effort with BLM in Oregon, Idaho and Nevada, the Great Basin Restoration Initiative, Idaho Fish and Game, the Sagebrush Cooperative, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife who, as part of their Comprehensive Strategy, had developed data on sage-grouse, sagebrush habitat and sage-grouse recovery efforts. The Nature Conservancy assembled and formatted these regionally developed data sets and data layers.

These datasets, maps and the ecoregional data were assessed by the partners listed above for various natural resource values. Potential priorities for the long term conservation of these values and threat abatement were developed. These data and potential land use scenarios were incorporated into the current interactive Atlas modeled after the Central Oregon Fire Atlas (Fire Learning Network 2004) to allow them to be used together, inform each other, and facilitate the conservation activities of all partners.