Around the world, woodlands and forests are replacing native grasslands and shrublands which impacts wildlife and people. In the sagebrush biome of the American West, pinyon pine, juniper, and other native conifer trees are expanding into imperiled shrublands. Learn more about the implications of this woodland encroachment and what communities are doing to restore healthy and resilient shrublands.

Tree Cover Change from 1990-2020

Tree cover change across non-forest lands in the sagebrush biome in the western U.S. (1990-2020). Data: Rangeland Analysis Platform, Cartography: Eric Jensen, USDA-NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife

The Ecology

Learn more about the issue of woodland encroachment

Read More

The Impacts

See how woodland encroachment affects shrublands

Healthy landscape

Resilience in Action

See how communities are restoring healthy and resilient shrublands

Long-Term Research in Southern Oregon Shows Restoration Benefits Sagebrush Wildlife

Idaho Project is One of the Largest Conifer Removal Efforts for Sagebrush Ecosystems

Collaboration Restores Community and Ecosystem Health in Nevada

See the Science

Explore over 400 peer-reviewed publications on pinyon-juniper ecology and management

Read More