ONTARIO, Ore. (AP) - Agencies are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on juniper removal in an effort to increase native shrubs and grasses.
But a recent study by Oregon State University researchers says cutting juniper may lead to an increase in invasive grasses if the trees are simply left where they fall.
The study was conducted from 2012 to 2016 in a wildlife area between the Ochoco and Malheur national forests.
Juniper trees toppled at the beginning of the study were left where they fell. Researchers later found that invasive grasses were more prevalent in areas of cutting than non-cutting.
Study co-author Lisa Ellsworth says juniper reduction is important for habitat and range health. But when the understory is compromised, follow up treatments such as herbicide and native-shrub seeding must be considered.
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Information from: Argus Observer, http://www.argusobserver.com
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