Nithi Range
The south facing slope of Nithi Mountain is an important grassland ecosystem that provides important forage opportunities for ungulates. While this location has been burned in the past, the most recent fire didn't affect the large mature aspen resulting in deciduous encroachment in the grassland ecosystems.
With the objective of expanding the range of grasslands two areas were treated using both mechanical treatment of aspen and prescribed burning. Both sites: Nithi-Steiner and Nithi Mountain-Larson Grazing Lease were treated in 2010-2011 to down encroaching mature aspen in preparation for burning to maintain open grassland ecosystems on south facing slopes. Downing these trees serves to open up the grassland as well as providing fuel to carry the prescribed fire.
Maps
Click maps below to enlarge
Nithi Range
Nithi
Nithi - Steiner - Before
Application Criteria
SERNbc uses three general criteria to select specific ecosystems for restoration activities, which include:
- Ecosystem vulnerability,
- Functional importance of the ecosystem, and
- Existing management mechanisms and/or programs.
Vulnerable, degraded and damaged ecosystems are a high priority for ER activities if they have high functional importance in terms of providing important ecological services. This functional importance or management priority increases when the ER needs of a subject ecosystem is not being addressed by existing programming.
Potential ER projects must align with SERNbc’s objectives as identified in our strategic plan. All ER projects undertaken by SERNbc need to be supported by data and analysis that describes their current state, desired future condition, management objectives, and treatment rationale.
