Key Science

• Conifer encroachment reduces soil moisture through interception of precipitation, reduced ground cover, and accelerated runoff and erosion. However, conifer removal has been shown to extend soil water availability allowing native grasses, forbs, and shrubs to stay greener longer. These effects are greatest in Phase II and III removal projects, and they decline over time following removal (Roundy et al. 2014, Roundy et al. 2020).
• Conifer encroachment affects snow accumulation in sagebrush grasslands which impacts the storage and delivery of water. Removing conifers has been shown to increase late season water retention by holding snow in drifts that persists longer in the spring, helping maintain streamflows (Kormos et al. 2017).