Analysis of Post-fire Woody Plant Regeneration in Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands using Landsat TM/ETM+ Data

Kelley O'Neal, University of Maryland, kelleyo@umd.edu (Presenting)

Chihuahuan Desert grasslands are highly managed systems which support rich biodiversity and many endemic species as well as provide a valuable economic resource for cattle-ranching livelihoods, with 90% of the grasslands open to grazing. Chihuahuan grasslands share many characteristics with other managed grazing systems, which occupy 25% of the global land surface and are the most extensive form of land-use. Grasslands around the globe are experiencing land-cover modification from woody encroachment and increasing woody plant cover. Ongoing research indicates that grazing, fire suppression, and precipitation variability are the primary drivers that have caused increased woody plant cover in Chihuahuan grasslands. However, little research has examined changes in woody plant cover and its drivers in fine temporal detail or considered feedbacks and synergies. This poster focuses on the long-term effects of fire on woody plant cover in the region and the usefulness of anniversary Landsat TM/ETM+ dates for monitoring changes in woody plant cover, highlighting the initial phase of my dissertation research.