The WYNDD Vegetation Ecology Program collects, synthesizes, and distributes information about the vegetation- and ecosystem-types of Wyoming. Our work focuses on ecological systems, ecosystem-types defined by vegetation, physical environment, climate, and major processes. We obtain the information through field sampling and from published literature and unpublished reports and datasets. Our information is distributed through WYNDD’s database, web applications, and project reports.

Program highlights

• Surveys of groundwater-dependent ecosystems, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service
• Synthesis of information about limber pine in southwestern Wyoming
• Wetland profiles in the Great Divide Basin, Little Snake River valley, and other basins in the state
• Development of a method for assessing irrigation-influenced wetlands.

Expertise

• Field sampling and monitoring of plant populations and communities
• Ecological modeling and statistical analysis
• Forecasting climate change impacts on species and communities
• Monitoring and projecting forest demography, community dynamics, and range dynamics

2022 Program Focus

• Develop a framework for ecological forecasting of climate change impacts on Wyoming ecosystems
• Begin planning for the development of field-validated habitat/landcover maps for Wyoming
• Provide detailed accounts of ecological systems in Wyoming
• Develop a curated repository of information on Wyoming wetlands