Project Summary:
A study of paleoecological conditions at Ash Meadows will result in an improved understanding of historical vegetation composition at Ash Meadows. With the exception of general descriptions at a few locations by early visitors to the Ash Meadows area and cadastral survey notes, historical vegetation conditions at Ash Meadows prior to European settlement are largely unknown. With an improved understanding of the pre-European settlement vegetation conditions, restoration planning and refuge management decisions will be more informed and defendable. For example, the target habitat types for vegetation community recovery at Ash Meadows are assumed primarily to be alkali meadows, ash and mesquite riparian forest, and emergent marsh. However, it is unknown how much of these habitat types were present at Ash Meadows prior to European settlement. Soil cores are being collected for pollen, ostracode, charcoal, and radiocarbon analysis.
Project Update:
This project is currently underway. Stay tuned for updates.
