The purpose of this study is to develop a Strategic Habitat Conservation program to restore heterogeneity of native plant and animal species based on the evolutionary grazing patterns associated with pyric-herbivory.

To restore the totality of native species the focus of monitoring, management

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and research will be sentinel ecology; sentinel plants (the first to decline at both poles of natural processes) and their dependent food web-the sentinel animals and sentinel habitats associated with these plants.

The study will include the UL Bend NWR, surrounding lands on the Charles M Russell NWR, and adjacent lands held by the American Prairie foundation.

This study is a continuation of 2 years prior data collection on CMR by staff from the University.

Objectives:
1. ) Continue data collection and monitoring of patch burned sites to measure plant response to fire and grazing disturbances over time.

2. ) Monitor animal movements and measure selectivity and habitat use of past burn areas over time.

3. ) Monitor post burn areas and determine amount of use compared to recently burned areas.

4. ) Prepare a series of scientific peer reviewed papers that other refuges in Great Plains can use to make management recommendations concerning treatments to promote heterogeneity of habitats.