Great Basin Restoration Initiative Area:

Geographic Area Determination Methodology

Mike "Sherm" Karl

Rangeland Management Specialist

Rangeland, Soil, Water & Air Group

Washington, DC

Bruce M. Durtsche

Wildlife Biologist

National Science and Technology Center

Denver, CO

Karen Morgan

GIS Specialist

Orkand Corporation

National Science and Technology Center

Denver, CO

June 21, 2001

**INTRODUCTION**

The Great Basin Restoration Initiative (GBRI) originated in the wake of
the disastrous fire season of 1999, in which 1.7 million acres of public
land burned, mostly in Nevada. Today, more than 25 million acres of the
Great Basin are dominated by exotic annual grasses and noxious weeds,
with additional acres dominated by pinyon pine/juniper. The health of
these lands is in jeopardy, attributable to (1) exotic annual grasses
such as cheatgrass, which are flammable and have increased the incidence
and spread of wildland fires, resulting in even more loss of native
vegetation and habitat, and further increases of cheatgrass as time goes
by, and (2) woodlands dominated by pinyon pine and/or juniper species,
which have invaded what once was sagebrush-steppe and sagebrush,
attributable to fire suppression, excessive livestock grazing pressure,
and climate change, individually or in combination. A restoration
effort, on a large geographic scale, needs to be undertaken to stop the
downward ecological trends in the Great Basin.

The restoration effort needs to be focused on the geographic area where
Great Basin vegetation is present and where fuel loads of the native
plant communities has been altered by cheatgrass, other flammable annual
plants, and woody vegetation such as pinyon pine and juniper species.
This paper describes the process used to delineate the Great Basin
Restoration Initiative Area, an area of about 178.7 million acres
located primarily within Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah (Figure 1).

**METHODOLOGY**

The Great Basin Restoration Initiative Area is being proposed based on
vegetation as the underlying foundation, and subbasins as the mapped
geographic units. The vegetation pieces that form the foundation of the
Great Basin Restoration Initiative Area include several ecoregions of
the United States (Bailey 1995), and the GAP Composite Vegetation Data
Theme. Hydrology is a component as well, because the Great Basin
Restoration Initiative Area will be comprised of subbasins, which are
the 4^th^ unit of the Hydrologic Unit Code Hierarchy (Federal Geographic
Data Committee *and* Advisory Committee on Water Information,
Subcommittee on Spatial Water Data, 2001).

A GAP Composite database, within Microsoft Access, underwent
quality-control to remove duplicative records. Records within this
database contained Hydrologic Unit Code 4 (8 digit subbasin
identification), Hydrologic Unit Code 4 Name (subbasin name), Existing
GAP Vegetation Type, Total Hydrologic Unit Code 4 Acreage, Acres of GAP
Vegetation Type per Hydrologic Unit Code 4, and Percent GAP Vegetation
Type per Hydrologic Unit Code 4. Subbasins included within this database
were those included within the Great Basin Restoration Initiative area
that was first proposed by the Great Basin Restoration Initiative team,
plus a buffer along the outside of the boundary that consisted of 1
layer of subbasins. To be more specific, the buffer contained any
subbasin which touched the outside of the boundary. The number of
subbasins within this database totaled 192.

The intent of this exercise is to produce a vegetative-based,
quantitative protocol for final subbasin identification which is the
foundation for identification of the Great Basin Restoration Initiative
Area. The first attempt at drawing the boundary of the Great Basin
Restoration Initiative Area was rather subjective, relying upon team
members of the Great Basin Restoration Initiative, who used their
collective on-the-ground knowledge to make decisions about which
subbasins should lie within the Great Basin Restoration Initiative area,
and which subbasins should not.

Within Microsoft Access, a crosstab query was performed, the outcome of
which were records of each subbasin that included the subbasin 8 digit
identifier and the percent of each of the 7 GAP vegetation types noted
below (see section: GAP Composite Vegetation Data Theme, for a
description of each of the 7 vegetation types), within each subbasin.
This crosstab query was then imported into Microsoft Excel and a sum was
then computed for each subbasin, which showed the total percentage of
the 7 GAP vegetation types within each subbasin. Total percents ranged
from zero (that is, there were some subbasins that had no acreage
classified to Sagebrush, Sagebrush/Perennial Grass, Juniper, Great Basin
Grassland, Salt Desert Shrub, Pinyon-Juniper, or Greasewood), to 98.5%.

All subbasins containing at least 20% of their area within these 7 GAP
Vegetation Types were identified as being Great Basin Restoration
Initiative subbasins. The 20% minimum criterion does not take into
account ownership: that is, whether the area is BLM-administered or not
was not considered. The 20% minimum threshold for subbasin inclusion is
a rather liberal criterion, for this means that up to 80% of a
subbasin's area could be classified to forested vegetation types, or
vegetation types not representative of Great Basin vegetation, yet the
subbasin would still be included within the Great Basin Restoration
Initiative Area.

Of the initial 192 subbasins, 152 subbasins are included within, and
constitute, the Great Basin Restoration Initiative Area (Table 1). The
remaining 40 subbasins (Table 2) were removed from consideration after
application of the 20% minimum threshold. These 152 subbasins contain
approximately 178.7 million acres, and roughly 88.4 million acres of
this, or nearly 50%, is BLM-administered land. Because subbasin
identification was vegetative-based, and Great Basin-type vegetation can
be found in other hydrologic regions as well, these 152 subbasins
collectively lie within several hydrologic regions (see Table 1) and are
not restricted to just the Great Basin region. Hydrologic regions
referred to in Table 1 derive from the Hydrologic Unit map created by
the United States Geological Survey, which can be found at
[www.usgs.gov/nationalatlas]{.underline}. Of the 152 subbasins, 69 lie
within the Great Basin hydrologic region, 61 lie within the Pacific
Northwest hydrologic region, 11 lie within the California hydrologic
region, 5 lie within the Lower Colorado hydrologic region, 5 lie within
the Upper Colorado hydrologic region, and 1 lies within the Missouri
hydrologic region (Table 1).

The 152 subbasins were selected from the original Hydrologic Unit Code
GIS coverage, and used to create a new coverage. Dissolving the interior
lines produced a single polygon, utilizing the original subbasin
linework to delineate the Great Basin Restoration Initiative Area,
maintaining a 1:250,000 scale accuracy. No attributes were included in
the boundary file. The boundary file was projected to coordinate with
previous mapping for the Initiative as follows:

Projection: Albers Conformal Conic

Datum: NAD27

Spheroid: Clarke1866

Units: Meters

1^st^ Standard Parallel: 29 30 00

2^nd^ Standard Parallel: 45 30 00

Central Meridian: -96 00 00

Reference Latitude: 23 00 00

**SUPPORTING INFORMATION USED TO DETERMINE THE GBRI AREA**

**Ecoregions of the United States**

Ecoregions of the United States (Bailey 1995) is a hierarchy that
depicts ecosystems of regional extent. The hierarchy is obtained by
defining successively smaller ecosystems within larger ecosystems.
Domains are the highest level of the hierarchy, followed by Divisions,
and both are based largely on large ecological climate zones. Each
division is further subdivided into Provinces, on the basis of
macro-features of the vegetation. The ecoregions that are the underlying
foundation of the Great Basin Restoration Initiative Area are Provinces
within the Dry Domain, and are as follows:

1\. Dry Domain/Temperate Desert Division/Intermountain Semidesert
Province

The Intermountain Semidesert Province covers the plains and tablelands
of the Columbia-Snake River Plateaus, and the Wyoming Basin. The
Columbia-Snake River Plateau area of this province, and more
specifically, the southern portion of it within Oregon, Idaho, Utah,
Nevada, and California, is the portion that forms part of the Great
Basin Restoration Initiative Area. Vegetation here is
**sagebrush-steppe**, which is composed of various **sagebrush species
or shadscale**, mixed with **short grasses** such as **Sandberg
bluegrass**. Moist alkaline flats support alkali-tolerant
**greasewood**. Lands in the Columbia River Basin with more than 10
inches of annual precipitation support open stands of **bunchgrasses,
such as bluebunch wheatgrass and Idaho fescue**. A woodland of **western
juniper** covers parts of central Oregon.

Dry Domain/Temperate Desert Division/Intermountain Semidesert and Desert
Province

The Intermountain Semidesert and Desert Province covers the
physiographic section called the Great Basin and the northern Colorado
Plateau in Utah and Colorado. The Great Basin area of this province, in
California, Nevada, and Utah is the portion that forms part of the Great
Basin Restoration Initiative Area. **Sagebrush** dominates at lower
elevations, with other prevalent plants being **antelope bitterbrush,
shadscale, fourwing saltbush, rubber rabbitbrush, spiny hopsage, and
horsebrush**. On soils with the greatest concentration of salt,
**greasewood and/or saltgrass** are prevalent. **Grasses typical of the
sagebrush-steppe** region more to the north can also be found in this
province. Above the sagebrush dominated areas lies woodlands, dominated
by **pinyon pine and juniper**.

Dry Domain/Temperate Desert Division/Nevada-Utah Mountains
Semidesert--Coniferous Forest--Alpine Meadow Province

This province covers the highest areas of the Great Basin and Colorado
Plateau, including valleys that are 5,000 feet in elevation. The
Semidesert area of this province in Nevada and Utah is the portion that
forms part of the Great Basin Restoration Initiative Area. Vegetation in
the Semidesert area of this province is similar to the vegetation
discussed previously in the Intermountain Semidesert and Desert
Province.

**GAP Composite Vegetation Data Theme**

For GAP Composite Vegetation data theme, 7 GAP Vegetation Types were
identified. The 7 vegetation types are Sagebrush, Sagebrush/Perennial
Grass, Juniper, Great Basin Grassland, Salt Desert Shrub,
Pinyon-Juniper, and Greasewood. These vegetation types are major
vegetation types within the Great Basin in geographic extent, and are
representative of the vegetation types that have undergone, and are
continuing to undergo, fuel load altering. The seven, with descriptions
for each by state (Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho) are:

**Sagebrush**

[In Oregon]{.underline}:

Geographic Distribution: The most common vegetative cover type in
eastern Oregon. It appears as a mosaic with shrub-steppe communities
along mountain range foothills and expansive extents in the valley
floor.

Structure and Appearance: Medium to tall shrub community dominated by
the three varieties of big sagebrush, mountain big sagebrush (*Artemisia
tridentata var. vaseyana*), basin big sage (*A.* *tridentata var.
tridentata*), and Wyoming big sage (*A. tridentata var. wyomingensis*).
Some stands support a diversity of forbs and grass species; however, due
to grazing pressure the dominant forb is cheatgrass *(Bromus tectorum*).
Crested wheat grass (*Agropyron cristatum*) from nearby CRP
(Conservation Reserve Program) lands can seed into these stands.

Composition: *Artemisia tridentata* varieties dominate the canopy layer.
Other shrubs found in this type include: bitterbrush (*Purshia
tridentata*, identified and described as a separate type), rabbitbrush
(*Chrysothamnus nauseosus* and *C. viscidiflorus*), threetip sagebrush
(*Artemisia tripartata*), silver sagebrush (*Artemisia cana*) and
shadscale (*Atriplex confertifolia*).

Herbaceous plants found in this type include pussytoes (*Antennaria
corymbosa*), spreading phlox *(Phlox diffusa*), Hoods phlox (*P.
hoodii*), and longleaf phlox *(P. longifolia*), starved milk vetch
(*Astragalus miser*), bigseed lomatium *(Lomatium macrocarpum*),
nineleaf lomatium (*Lomatium* *triternatum*) Cusicks penstemon
(*Penstemon cusickii*), and arrowleaf balsamroot (*Balsamorhiza*
*sagittata*).

Native grasses range from present to abundant based on site history and
beneficial soil/water relations. Commonly encountered native
bunchgrasses include bluebunch wheatgrass (*Agropyron spicatum*),
Sandbergs bluegrass (*Poa secunda*), junegrass (*Koeleria macrantha*),
Idaho fescue *(Festuca* *idahoensis*), Great Basin wildrye (*Elymus
cinereus*) and in more disturbed situations bottlebrush squirreltail
(*Sitanion hystrix*). Introduced annual grasses are primarily cheatgrass
and crested wheatgrass.

Landscape Setting: Big sagebrush occurs throughout the arid basins and
valleys of western United States. In Oregon, it is the 2^nd^ largest (to
Douglas fir/western hemlock/western red cedar) cover type mapped in this
study. Big sagebrush thrives in regions of low precipitation (mostly in
the 8 to 14 inch range). The big sage type is bordered on its upland
margin by western juniper, eastside mixed conifer, or ponderosa pine
types.

References: Tisdale 1994, Shiftlet 1994, Dealy et al 1981, Dobler *et
al.* 1996

[In Nevada]{.underline}:

The Sagebrush Vegetation Type includes mountain sagebrush and sagebrush.
Mountain sagebrush is a mountain shrubland dominated or co-dominated by
mountain big sagebrush (*Artemisia tridentata* var. *vaseyana*),
subalpine sagebrush (*Artemisia tridentata* ssp. *spiciformis*), low
sagebrush (*Artemisia arbuscula*), and silver sagebrush (*Artemisia
cana*), in association with mountain shrubs, grasses, and forbs. Primary
associated tree species include pinyon (*Pinus monophylla*), mountain
mahogany (*Cercocarpus ledifolius*), limber pine (*Pinus flexilis*),
white fir (*Abies concolor*), subalpine fir (*Abies lasiocarpa*),
Engelmann spruce (*Picea engelmannii*), ponderosa pine (*Pinus
ponderosa*), lodgepole pine (*Pinus contortus*), whitebark pine (*Pinus
albicaulis*), and jeffrey pine (*Pinus jeffreyi*). Primary associated
shrub species include snowberry (*Symphoricarpos* spp.), alder leaf
mountain mahogany (*Cercocarpus montanus*), bitterbrush (*Purshia
tridentata*), littleleaf mountain mahogany (*Cercocarpus intricatus*),
buckbrush (*Ceanothus* spp.), manzanita (*Arctostaphylos* spp.),
ninebark (*Physocarpus alternans*), currant (*Ribes* spp.), squawbush
(*Rhus* spp.), and cliffrose (*Cowania mexicana*).

Distribution: Mountain sagebrush is widespread throughout Nevada
mountains usually at elevations from 6,500 to 10,000 feet. It is
particularly prevalent in central and northern Nevada where mountain
forests are minimal.

Sagebrush is a shrubland dominated principally by big sagebrush
(*Artemisia tridentata* spp.), black sagebrush (*Artemisia nova*), or
low sagebrush (*Artemisia arbuscula*). Primary associated tree species
include juniper (*Juniperus osteosperma*), pinyon (*Pinus monophylla*),
mountain mahogany (*Cercocarpus ledifolius*), jeffrey pine (*Pinus
jeffreyi*), and ponderosa pine (*Pinus ponderosa*). Primary associated
shrub species include rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus* spp.), snakeweed
(*Gutierrezia sarothrae*), blackbrush (*Coleogyne ramosissima*),
shadscale (*Atriplex confertifolia*), greasewood (*Sarcobatus* spp.),
spiny hopsage (*Grayia spinosa*), and bitterbrush (*Purshia
tridentata*). Primary associated grass species include wheatgrasses
(*Agropyron* spp.), cheatgrass (*Bromus tectorum*), bluegrasses (*Poa*
spp.), needlegrasses (*Stipa* spp.), fescues (*Festuca* spp.), and
galleta (*Hilaria jamesii*).

Distribution: Sagebrush is the most widespread and abundant cover-type
in Nevada. Sagebrush typically occurs above 5,000 feet and associated
grass species make up less than 25% of the canopy.

[In Utah]{.underline}:

Sagebrush represents a shrubland dominated principally by big sagebrush
(*Artemisia tridentata*), black sagebrush (*Artemisia nova*), low
sagebrush (*Artemisia arbuscula*), or silver sagebrush (*Artemisia
cana*). Primary associated tree species include juniper (*Juniperus*
spp.), pinyon (*Pinus* spp.), mountain mahogany (*Cercocarpus
ledifolius*), and ponderosa pine (*Pinus ponderosa*). Primary associated
shrub species include rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus* spp.), snakeweed
(*Gutierrezia sarothrae*), winterfat (*Ceratoides lanata*), shadscale
(*Atriplex confertifolia*), and bitterbrush (*Purshia tridentata*).

[In Idaho]{.underline}:

The Sagebrush Vegetation Type includes numerous types classified at
finer scales:

1\) threetip sagebrush, which are tall shrub communities in which
threetip sagebrush predominates. This type is distributed on the eastern
Snake River Plain, and in the lower foothills of east-central Idaho, at
elevations ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. Diagnostic shrubs
include *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *tridentata*, *Artemisia*
*tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis*, *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp.
*vaseyana*, *Artemisia* *tripartita*, and *Cercocarpus* *ledifolius*.
Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron* *spicatum* and *Festuca*
*idahoensis*. Diagnostic forbs include *Allium* *acuminatum*,
*Antennaria* *dimorpha*, *Arabis* *holboellii*, *Aster* *scopulorum*,
*Astragalus* *atratus*, *Astragalus* *purshii*, *Balsamorhiza*
*sagittata*, *Calochortus* *nuttallii*, *Castilleja* *angustifolia*,
*Chaenactis* *douglasii*, *Crepis* *acuminata*, *Erigeron* *pumilus*,
*Eriogonum* *caespitosum*, *Eriophyllum* *lanatum*, *Fritillaria*
*pudica*, *Haplopappus* *nanus*, *Leptodactylon* *pungens*, *Lomatium*
*triternatum*, *Mentzelia* *albicaulis*, *Mertensia* *oblongifolia*,
*Microseris* *troximoides*, *Navarretia* *breweri*, *Opuntia*
*polyacantha*, *Phacelia* *linearis*, *Penstemon* *cyaneus*, *Penstemon*
*deustus*, *Phlox* *hoodii*, *Phlox* *longifolia*, *Senecio*
*integerrimus*, *Tragopogon* *dubius*, and *Zigadenus* *venenosus*;

2\) tall shrub community in which mountain big sagebrush and antelope
bitterbrush are codominants. This type is distributed at lower to middle
elevations (2,500 to 6,000 feet) in southwestern Idaho along the Boise
Front and west into Adams and Washington counties. Diagnostic shrubs
include Amelanchier *alnifolia*, *Artemisia* *tridentata*, *Artemisia*
*tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Ceanothus* *velutinus*, *Prunus*
*emarginata*, *Purshia* *tridentata*, *Ribes* *cereum*, and
*Symphoricarpos* *oreophilus*. Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron*
*spicatum*, *Aristida* *longiseta*, and *Festuca* *idahoensis*.
Diagnostic forbs include *Allium* *acuminatum*, *Allium* *cernuum*,
*Antennaria* *dimorpha*, *Arabis* *holboellii*, *Aster* *scopulorum*,
*Astragalus* *atratus*, *Astragalus* *purshii*, *Balsamorhiza*
*sagittata*, *Calochortus* *nuttallii*, *Calochortus* *chromosa*,
*Chaenactis* *douglasii*, *Crepis* *acuminata*, *Eriogonum*
*caespitosum*, *Eriogonum* *umbellatum*, *Eriophyllum* *lanatum*,
*Fritillaria* *pudica*, *Haplopappus* *nanus*, *Lomatium* *dissectum*,
*Mentzelia* *albicaulis*, *Mertensia* *oblongifolia*, *Microseris*
*troximoides*, *Navarretia* *breweri*, *Penstemon* *deustus*, *Phacelia*
*linearis*, *Phlox* *longifolia*, *Senecio* *integerrimus*, *Tragopogon*
*dubius*, and *Zigadenus* *venenosus*. Diagnostic ferns and fern allies
include *Cystopteris* *fragilis* and *Pteridium* *aquilinum*;

3\) mosaic of tall and low shrub communities in which mountain big
sagebrush predominates, but low sagebrush is common particularly on
shallow soils. This type is distributed at middle to upper elevations
(5,000 to 7,500 feet) in southwest Idaho from the Owyhee Mountains to
South Hills (south of Twin Falls), in the foothills north of the Snake
River Plain, in the broad intermountain valleys in east-central Idaho,
and in the foothills of southeastern Idaho. Diagnostic shrubs include
*Artemisia* *arbuscula* and *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*.
Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron* *spicatum*, *Festuca*
*idahoensis*, and *Poa* *sandbergii*. Diagnostic forbs are the same as
those listed previously for type #1 (threetip sagebrush type);

4\) mosaic of tall and low shrub communities in which mountain big
sagebrush predominates, but low sagebrush is common, particularly on
shallow soils. In addition, stands of lodgepole pine and quaking aspen
are common. This type is distributed at middle to upper elevations
(5,000 to 7,500 feet) in the South Hills of central southern Idaho.
Diagnostic tree species include *Pinus* *contorta* and *Populus*
*tremuloides*. Diagnostic shrubs include *Artemisia* *arbuscula*,
*Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Purshia* *tridentata,* and
*Symphoricarpos* *oreophilus*. Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron*
*spicatum*, *Festuca* *idahoensis*, and *Elymus* *glaucus*. Diagnostic
forbs are the same as those listed previously for type #1 (threetip
sagebrush type). Diagnostic ferns include *Cystopteris* *fragilis*;

5\) tall shrub community in which mountain big sagebrush predominates
(although numerous other shrubs are abundant), and stands of Douglas-fir
and quaking aspen are common, particularly along drainages and on
north-facing slopes. This type is distributed at middle to upper
elevations (5,000 to 8,000 feet) in mountains of central southern Idaho
from the vicinity of the Albion Mountains, east to Deep Creek Mountains,
and also along the Smoky Mountain Front from the vicinity of Anderson
Ranch Reservoir east to Big Wood River. Diagnostic tree species include
*Populus* *tremuloides* and *Pseudotsuga* *menziesii*. Diagnostic shrubs
include *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Artemisia*
*tripartita*, *Ceanothus* *velutinus*, *Cercocarpus* *ledifolius*,
*Purshia* *tridentata*, and *Symphoricarpos* *oreophilus*. Diagnostic
grasses include *Agropyron* *spicatum*, *Festuca* *idahoensis*, and
*Elymus* *glaucus*. Diagnostic forbs are the same as those listed
previously for type #1 (threetip sagebrush type). Diagnostic ferns
include *Cystopteris* *fragilis*;

6\) tall shrub community in which mountain big sagebrush predominates,
although stands of Douglas-fir are common, particularly on north-facing
slopes and along drainages. This type is distributed at middle to upper
elevations (5,500 to 8,500 feet) in the mountains of southeast Idaho
from Portneuf Range east to Caribou Range, and in the Centennial Range.
It is also distributed at middle elevations in the mountains of central
Idaho from Beaverhead Range east to the vicinity of Stanley. Diagnostic
tree species include *Pseudotsuga* *menziesii*. Diagnostic shrubs
include *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Artemisia*
*tripartita*, *Cercocarpus* *ledifolius*, *Spiraea* *betulifolia*, and
*Symphoricarpos* *oreophilus*. Diagnostic grasses and grasslikes include
*Agropyron* *spicatum*, *Carex* *geyeri*, and *Festuca* *idahoensis*.
Diagnostic forbs are the same as those listed previously for type #1
(threetip sagebrush type). Diagnostic ferns include *Cystopteris*
*fragilis*;

7\) tall shrub community in which mountain big sagebrush predominates,
but stands of subalpine fir are common, particularly in cold air
pockets. This type is distributed at upper elevations (7,500 to 8,000
feet) in the Centennial Range of eastern Idaho and in the Smoky
Mountains of central Idaho. Diagnostic tree species include *Abies*
*lasiocarpa*. Diagnostic shrubs include *Amelanchier* *alnifolia*,
*Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Ribes* *cereum*, *Ribes*
*montigenum*, and *Symphoricarpos* *oreophilus*. Diagnostic grasses and
grasslikes include *Carex* *geyeri*, *Carex* *rossii*, and *Festuca*
*idahoensis*. Diagnostic forbs include *Achillea* *millefolium*,
*Antennaria* *microphylla*, *Antennaria* *racemosa*, *Arenaria*
*aculeata*, *Arenaria* *macrophylla*, *Arnica* *cordifolia*,
*Balsamorhiza* *sagittata*, *Castilleja* *miniata*, *Crepis*
*acuminata*, *Epilobium* *angustifolium*, *Fragaria* *virginiana*,
*Goodyera* *oblongifolia*, *Hieracium* *albiflorum*, *Hieracium*
*gracile*, *Lupinus* *argenteus*, *Potentilla* *diversifolia*,
*Potentilla* *gracilis*, *Phacelia* *hastata*, *Senecio*
*streptanthifolius*, *Solidago* *multiradiata*, *Valeriana*
*sitchensis*, and *Viola* *purpurea*;

8\) tall shrub community in which mountain big sagebrush predominates,
but stands of quaking aspen are common, particularly near seeps and
along drainages. This type is distributed at lower elevations (6,000 to
7,500 feet) along the west slope of the Teton Range in the vicinity of
Driggs. Diagnostic tree species include *Populus* *tremuloides*.
Diagnostic shrubs include *Acer* *glabrum*, *Amelanchier* *alnifolia*,
*Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Berberis* *repens*,
*Pachistima* *myrsinites*, *Prunus* *virginiana*, *Rosa* *nutkana*,
*Rosa* *woodsii*, *Salix* *scouleriana*, *Shepardia* *canadensis*,
*Sorbus* *scopulina*, *Spiraea* *betulifolia*, and *Symphoricarpos*
*oreophilus*. Diagnostic grasses and grasslikes include *Calamagrostis*
*rubescens*, *Carex* *geyeri*, and *Festuca* *idahoensis*. Diagnostic
forbs include *Achillea* *millefolium*, *Antennaria* *microphylla*,
*Aquilegia* *caerulea*, *Arenaria* *macrophylla*, *Arnica* *cordifolia*,
*Aster* *engelmannii*, *Balsamorhiza* *sagittata*, *Castilleja*
*miniata*, *Chimaphila* *umbellata*, *Crepis* *acuminata*, *Epilobium*
*angustifolium*, *Fragaria* *vesca*, *Geranium* *viscosissimum*, *Geum*
*triflorum*, *Goodyera* *oblongifolia*, *Hieracium* *albiflorum*,
*Linum* *perenne*, *Lupinus* *argenteus*, *Mitella* *stauropetala*,
*Osmorhiza* *chilensis*, *Pedicularis* *bracteosa*, *Potentilla*
*diversifolia*, *Pyrola* *secunda*, *Senecio* *streptanthifolius*,
*Smilacina* *racemosa*, *Solidago* *multiradiata*, *Thalictrum*
*occidentale*, *Viola* *adunca*, and *Viola* *nuttallii*;

9\) tall shrub community in which mountain big sagebrush predominates,
but individual trees and stands of ponderosa pine are common,
particularly on south-facing slopes. This type is distributed at lower
to middle elevations (5,000 to 8,000 feet) in the mountains of
west-central Idaho in the vicinity of Council Mountain. It also is
distributed along the South Fork of the Payette River, along the Middle
and South Forks of the Boise River, and along the Middle Fork of the
Salmon River. Diagnostic tree species include *Pinus* *ponderosa*.
Diagnostic shrubs include *Amelanchier* *alnifolia*, *Artemisia*
*tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Berberis* *repens*, *Ceanothus*
*velutinus*, *Cercocarpus* *ledifolius*, *Purshia* *tridentata*, *Ribes*
*cereum*, and *Symphoricarpos* *oreophilus*. Diagnostic grasses and
grasslikes include *Agropyron* *spicatum*, *Carex* *geyeri*, *Carex*
*rossii*, and *Festuca* *idahoensis*. Diagnostic forbs are the same as
those listed previously for type #2 (mountain big sagebrush--antelope
bitterbrush type). Diagnostic ferns include *Cystopteris* *fragilis* and
*Pteridium* *aquilinum*;

10\) low shrub community in which early low sagebrush predominates. This
type is distributed in the vicinity of Camas Prairie (north of Bennett
Hills), at an elevation ranging between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. Diagnostic
shrubs include *Artemisia* *longiloba* and *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp.
*vaseyana*. Diagnostic grasses include *Festuca* *idahoensis*, *Poa*
*sandbergii*, *Sitanion* *hystrix*, and *Stipa* *thurberiana*.
Diagnostic forbs include *Allium* *acuminatum*, *Antennaria* *dimorpha*,
*Arabis* *holboellii*, *Aster* *scopulorum*, *Astragalus* *atratus*,
*Astragalus* *purshii*, *Balsamorhiza* *sagittata*, *Castilleja*
*angustifolia*, *Castilleja* *chromosa*, *Chaenactis* *douglasii*,
*Crepis* *acuminata*, *Delphinium* *andersonii*, *Eriogonum*
*caespitosum*, *Eriophyllum* *lanatum*, *Fritillaria* *pudica*,
*Fritillaria* *atropurpurea*, *Lewisia* *rediviva*, *Lomatium*
*dissectum*, *Mentzelia* *albicaulis*, *Mertensia* *oblongifolia*,
*Microseris* *troximoides*, *Navarretia* *breweri*, *Penstemon*
*deustus*, *Phacelia* *linearis*, *Phlox* *longifolia*, *Senecio*
*integerrimus*, *Tragopogon* *dubius*, and *Zigadenus* *venenosus*;

11\) low shrub community in which low sagebrush predominates, although
scattered western juniper are common. This type is distributed in the
vicinity of Juniper Mountain in Owyhee County at an elevation ranging
between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. Diagnostic tree species include
*Juniperus* *occidentalis*. Diagnostic shrub species include *Artemisia*
*arbuscula*. Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron* *spicatum* and *Poa*
*sandbergii*. Diagnostic forbs are the same as those listed previously
for type #10 (early low sagebrush type);

12\) mosaic of low and tall shrub communities in which low sagebrush,
particularly on shallow soils, and mountain big sagebrush predominate.
This type is distributed in southwestern Idaho from eastern Owyhee
County, east to the South Hills (south of Twin Falls) at an elevation
ranging between 5,000 and 7,500 feet. Diagnostic shrubs include
*Artemisia* *arbuscula* and *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*.
Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron* *spicatum*, *Festuca*
*idahoensis*, and *Poa* *sandbergii*. Diagnostic forbs are the same as
those listed previously for type #10 (early low sagebrush type);

13\) mosaic of low to tall shrub communities in which low sagebrush,
particularly on shallow soils, and big sagebrush predominate. This type
is distributed on the south slope of the Bennett Hills, also in western
Owyhee County, and also in the vicinity of Timbered Dome along the north
edge of the eastern Snake River Plain. The elevation range is 3,500 to
7,000 feet. Diagnostic shrubs include *Artemisia* *arbuscula*,
*Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis*, and *Artemisia*
*tridentata* ssp. *tridentata*. Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron*
*spicatum*, *Festuca* *idahoensis*, and *Poa* *sandbergii*. Diagnostic
forbs are the same as those listed previously for type #10 (early low
sagebrush type);

14\) low shrub communities in which low sagebrush and black sagebrush
are predominant. This type is distributed in the lower foothills and
broad, intermountain valleys of east-central Idaho. It is also
distributed in the Albion Range and Jim Sage Mountains of central
southern Idaho. The elevation range is 4,500 to 8,000 feet. Diagnostic
shrubs include *Artemisia* *arbuscula* and *Artemisia* *nova*.
Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron* *spicatum*, *Elymus* *ambiguus*
var. *salmonensis*, *Oryzopsis* *hymenoides*, *Poa* *sandbergii*, and
*Stipa* *comata*. Diagnostic forbs are the same as those listed
previously for type #10 (early low sagebrush type);

15\) low shrub communities in which low sagebrush and fringed sagebrush
are predominant. This type is distributed at lower elevations (5,000 to
7,500 feet) in the Big Lost River, Little Lost River, and Pahsimeroi
River Valleys of east-central Idaho. Diagnostic shrubs include
*Artemisia* *arbuscula*, *Artemisia* *frigida*, *Chrysothamnus*
*nauseosus*, and *Tanacetum* *nuttallii*. Diagnostic grasses include
*Oryzopsis* *swallenii*, *Poa* *sandbergii*, and *Sitanion* *hystrix*.
Diagnostic forbs include *Aster* *scopulorum*, *Astragalus* *calycosus*,
*Astragalus* *purshii*, *Eurotia* *lanata*, *Lewisia* *rediviva*,
*Opuntia* *polyacantha*, *Penstemon* *pumilis*, and *Phlox* *muscoides*.

Reference: Caicco (1989).

**Sagebrush/Perennial Grass**

[In Oregon]{.underline}:

Geographic Distribution: The predominant cover type of the Owyhee
Uplands ecoregion of southeastern Oregon. Sagebrush steppe is a common
vegetation element in the watersheds of the Malheur, Powder, and Burnt
Rivers. Sagebrush steppe is also commonly found in the non-cultivated
portions of the Columbia River basin.

Structure and Appearance: Complicated mosaic of grasses (mostly
introduced) and shrubs (mostly the differing varieties of big
sagebrush). Historically, this type contained a predominance of
bunchgrasses with scattered shrubs. Overgrazing has shifted the
composition to favor sagebrush.

Composition: Shrub layer always contains some mixture of sagebrush and
sagebrush-like vegetation. The three common subspecies of big sagebrush,
Wyoming (*Artemisia tridentata* var. *wyomingensis*), basin (*A.
tridentata* var. *tridentata*), and mountain *(A. tridentata var.
vaseyana*) will grow with shorter varieties of sagebrush (rigid
(*Artemisia rigida*), low (*A. arbuscula*), silver (*A. cana*) and
three-tip \[*A. tripartata*\]) along with rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus
viscidiflorus* and *C. nauseosus*), based on local environment and site
history.

A variety of bunchgrasses are associated with this type although they
rarely comprise much of the stand due to grazing pressure. Some of the
characteristic native grasses of this type are Great Basin wildrye
(*Elymus cinereus*), Thurber needlegrass (*Stipa thurberiana*), Indian
ricegrass (*Oryzopsis hymenoides*), blue bunch wheatgrass (*Agropyron
spicatum*), Idaho fescue (*Festuca idahoensis*), bluegrass *(Poa
secunda*), and sand dropseed (*Sporobolus cryptandrus*). In many areas,
these have given way to cheatgrass (*Bromus tectorum*), and crested
wheatgrass *(Agropyron* *cristatum*).

Landscape Setting: The sagebrush steppe primarily is adjacent to the big
sagebrush type. These two types may, in fact, weave together in
complicated mosaics at the edges of the Basin and Range ecoregion and in
the interior uplands. Distinction between the two types is complicated
and therefore somewhat crude and inexact in its depiction on the map.

References: Johnson and Simon 1986, Johnson and Clausnitzer 1987,
Crawford *et al.* 1999, Franklin and Dyrness 1973.

[In Nevada]{.underline}:

Sagebrush/Perennial Grass is co-dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia spp.)
shrubland and perennial grassland. Principal grass species include
wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), bluegrasses (Poa spp.), needlegrasses
(Stipa spp.), fescues (Festuca spp.), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis
hymenoides), and galleta (Hilaria jamesii). Primary associated shrub
species include rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.), bitterbrush (Purshia
tridentata), and cliffrose (Cowania mexicana). Primary associated grass
species include cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and squirreltail (Elymus
elymoides).

Distribution: Sagebrush/Perennial Grass typically occurs at
mid-elevation between sagebrush and mountain sagebrush in central
Nevada, and is widespread as part of the sagebrush steppe of northern
Nevada.

[In Utah]{.underline}:

Principal shrub species for the Sagebrush/Perennial Grass Vegetation
Type include sagebrush (*Artemisia tridentata*, *Artemisia nova*, or
*Artemisia cana*). Principal grass species include bluebunch wheatgrass
(*Agropyron spicatum*), sandberg bluegrass (*Poa secunda*), crested
wheatgrass (*Agropyron cristatum*), needlegrass (*Stipa comata*), sand
dropseed (*Sporobolus cryptandrus*), blue grama (*Bouteloua gracilis*),
Thurbers needlegrass (*Stipa thurberiana*), western wheatgrass
(*Agropyron smithii*), Indian ricegrass (*Oryzopsis hymenoides*), and
galleta (*Hilaria jamesii*).

Associated principal shrub species include rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus*
spp.), bitterbrush (*Purshia tridentata*), and oak (*Quercus* spp.).
Associated principal grass species include cheatgrass (*Bromus
tectorum*).

[In Idaho]{.underline}:

The Sagebrush/Perennial Grass Vegetation Type includes these vegetation
types that were classified at finer scales:

1\) tall shrub community in which Wyoming big sagebrush and basin big
sagebrush predominate. Patches of a low shrub community in which low
sagebrush predominates may be common, particularly on shallow soils.
This type is distributed throughout much of southern Idaho, at an
elevation ranging between 2,500 and 6,500 feet. Diagnostic shrubs
include *Artemisia* *arbuscula*, *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp.
*tridentata*, *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis*,
*Chrysothamnus* *nauseosus*, and *Chrysothamnus* *viscidiflorus*.
Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron* *spicatum* and *Poa*
*sandbergii*. Diagnostic forbs include *Allium* *acuminatum*, *Allium*
*cernuum*, *Antennaria* *dimorpha*, *Arabis* *holboellii*, *Aster*
*scopulorum*, *Astragalus* *atratus*, *Astragalus* *purshii*,
*Balsamorhiza* *sagittata*, *Calochortus* *nuttallii*, *Castilleja*
*angustifolia*, *Castilleja* *chromosa*, *Chaenactis* *douglasii*,
*Crepis* *acuminata*, *Eriogonum* *caespitosum*, *Eriogonum*
*umbellatum*, *Eriophyllum* *lanatum*, *Fritillaria* *pudica*,
*Haplopappus* *nanus*, *Leptodactylon* *pungens*, *Lomatium*
*dissectum*, *Mentzelia* *albicaulis*, *Mertensia* *oblongifolia*,
*Microseris* *troximoides*, *Navarretia* *breweri*, *Opuntia*
*polyacantha*, *Penstemon* *cyaneus*, *Penstemon* *deustus*, *Phacelia*
*linearis*, *Phlox* *hoodii*, *Phlox* *longifolia*, *Senecio*
*integerrimus*, *Tragopogon* *dubius*, and *Zigadenus* *venenosus*;

2\) big sagebrush lava fields, in which tall shrub communities
containing Wyoming big sagebrush and basin big sagebrush predominate.
Low shrub communities in which low sagebrush predominates may be common.
This type is distributed as recent lava fields of the central and
eastern Snake River Plain, at an elevation ranging between 4,500 and
5,500 feet. Diagnostic shrubs include the shrubs mentioned previously
for type #1, plus *Chaemaebataria* *millefolium* and *Purshia*
*tridentata*. Diagnostic grasses include *Oryzopsis* *hymenoides*, *Poa*
*sandbergii*, *Stipa* *comata*, and *Stipa* *thurberiana*. Diagnostic
forbs include the same species listed previously for type #1.

Reference: Caicco (1989).

**Juniper**

[In Oregon]{.underline}:

Geographic Distribution: Western juniper (*Juniperus occidentalis*) is a
common foothills vegetation type for many of the mountain ranges of
eastern Oregon. Juniper reaches its greatest extent in the High Lava
Plains Ecoregion centered on Bend, Oregon.

Structure and Appearance: This woodland type is typified by its open
canopy (less than 30% crown closure), single story, short stature (6-20
feet tall) trees. Understory vegetation in these stands tends to be
dominated by sagebrush species, although introduced annual grasses and
native bunchgrasses can be important depending on site history and
disturbance. As site productivity conditions improve, or as soil
moisture availability increases, the pure stands of juniper give way to
mixed stands of juniper and ponderosa pine (*Pinus ponderosa*).

Composition: In most stands western juniper dominates the tree layer.
The most frequently encountered shrubs in this cover type are sagebrush
species. Big sagebrush (*Artemisia tridentata*) is the most common with
rigid sagebrush (*A. rigida*) and low sagebrush (*A. arbuscula*) also
commonly found. Other shrubs associated with this type are mountain
mahogany *(Cercocarpus ledifolius*), bitterbrush (*Purshia tridentata*),
and rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus nauseous* and *C. viscidiflorus*).

Grasses characterize the herbaceous layer. Cheatgrass (*Bromus
tectorum*) and bottlebrush squirreltail (*Sitanion hystrix*) are typical
and dominant on overgrazed or disturbed sites. Native bunchgrasses can
usually be found. Idaho fescue (*Festuca idahoensis*), bluebunch
wheatgrass (*Agropyron spicatum*), Thurbers needlegrass (*Stipa
thurberiana*), and Sandbergs bluegrass (*Poa secunda*) are the most
commonly encountered.

Landscape Setting: Western juniper occupies the transition zone between
conifer dominant uplands and the shrub-steppe basins of eastern Oregon.
In the driest mountain ranges of southeastern Oregon, i.e. the Trout
Creek and Pueblo Mountains, juniper is found at all elevational ranges.
Western junipers range is increasing in Oregon. Overgrazing and fire
suppression are considered to be the primary factors for the spread of
this type.

References: Crawford and Chappell 1999, Dealy et al. 1981, Monzingo
1986, Kagan and Caicco 1991.

[In Nevada]{.underline}:

Juniper represents a conifer woodland principally dominated by Utah
juniper (*Juniperus osteosperma*). Primary associated tree species
include Rocky Mountain juniper (*Juniperus scopulorum*), western juniper
(*Juniperus occidentalis*), and single leaf pinyon (*Pinus monophylla*).
Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush (*Artemisia* spp.),
rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus* spp.), and blackbrush (*Coleogyne
ramosissima*).

Distribution: Juniper is widely distributed throughout Nevada in open
canopy stands. Juniper typically occurs at lower elevations below the
pinyon-juniper zone. Northern Nevada contains only juniper, with small
stands of western juniper in extreme northwest Nevada. In southern
Nevada juniper occurs commonly with blackbrush.

[In Utah]{.underline}:

Juniper represents a conifer forest dominated principally by juniper
(*Juniperus scopulorum*, *Juniperus monosperma*, and *Juniperus
osteosperma*). Primary associated tree species include pinyon (*Pinus
edulis* or *Pinus monophylla*), and mountain mahogany (*Cercocarpus
ledifolius*). Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush
(*Artemisia* spp.), and blackbrush (*Coleogyne ramosissima*).

[In Idaho]{.underline}:

The Juniper Vegetation Type includes these vegetation types that were
classified at finer scales:

1\) open woodlands of western juniper interspersed with low sagebrush in
a mosaic. This type is distributed at middle to upper elevations (5,000
to 6,500 feet) in the vicinity of South and Juniper Mountains in Owyhee
County. Diagnostic tree species include *Juniperus* *occidentalis*.
Diagnostic shrub species include *Artemisia* *arbuscula*. Diagnostic
grasses include *Festuca* *idahoensis*, *Koeleria* *cristata*, and *Poa*
*sandbergii*. Diagnostic forbs include *Antennaria* *dimorpha*, *Aster*
*scopulorum*, *Astragalus* *atratus*, *Astragalus* *beckwithii*,
*Crepis* *acuminata*, *Lewisia* *rediviva*, *Phacelia* *linearis*, and
*Phlox* *longifolia*;

2\) open woodland to closed-canopied forests of western juniper trees,
with open areas of medium-tall mountain big sagebrush, particularly on
southerly aspects. This type is distributed at middle to upper
elevations (5,000 to 6,500 feet) from the vicinity of Juniper Mountain
of Owyhee County, north to the Owyhee Mountains. Diagnostic tree species
include *Juniperus* *occidentalis*. Diagnostic shrubs include
*Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Cercocarpus* *ledifolius*,
*Purshia* *tridentata*, and *Symphoricarpos* *oreophilus*. Diagnostic
grasses include *Festuca* *idahoensis* and *Poa* *sandbergii*.
Diagnostic forbs include *Antennaria* *dimorpha*, *Arabis* *holboelii*,
*Astragalus* *beckwithii*, *Astragalus* *purshii*, *Balsamorhiza*
*sagittata*, *Crepis* *acuminata*, *Erigeron* *bloomeri*, *Erigeron*
*pumilus*, *Lupinus* *caudatus*, *Lupinus* *laxiflorus*, *Microseris*
*nutans*, and *Phlox* *longifolia*;

3\) open woodland to closed-canopied forests of Utah juniper trees, with
open areas of medium-tall mountain big sagebrush, particularly on
southerly aspects. This type is distributed at lower to middle
elevations (4,500 to 7,500 feet) from the Albion Mountains, west to the
South Hills of central southern Idaho. Diagnostic tree species include
*Juniperus* *osteosperma*. Diagnostic shrubs include *Amelanchier*
*alnifolia*, *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *vaseyana*, *Purshia*
*tridentata*, and *Symphoricarpos* *oreophilus*. Diagnostic grasses
include *Agropyron* *spicatum* and *Poa* *sandbergii*. Diagnostic forbs
include *Balsamorhiza* *hookeri*, *Balsamorhiza* *sagittata*, *Lomatium*
*triternatum*, *Opuntia* *polyacantha*, *Senecio* *integerrimus*, and
*Zygadenus* *venenosus*;

4\) open to dense woodlands of Utah juniper and Rocky Mountain juniper
trees, scattered over lava bluffs and recent lava fields, with basin big
sagebrush and Wyoming big sagebrush. This type is distributed at lower
to upper elevations (5,000 to 8,000 feet) from the vicinity of Black
Pine Mountains in central southern Idaho, north and east to Pocatello.
There are isolated patches on recent lava fields of the eastern Snake
River Plains, at the base of the mountains of east central Idaho, and
along the South Fork of the Snake River. Diagnostic tree species include
*Juniperus* *osteosperma* and *Juniperus* *scopulorum*. Diagnostic
shrubs include *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *tridentata*, *Artemisia*
*tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis*, *Chamaebataria* *millefolium*,
*Holodiscus* *dumosus*, and *Purshia* *tridentata*. Diagnostic grasses
include *Agropyron* *spicatum*, *Poa* *sandbergii*, and *Sitanion*
*hystrix*. Diagnostic forbs include *Castilleja* *chromosa*, *Crepis*
*acuminata*, *Haplopappus* *nanus*, *Haplopappus* *spinulosus*,
*Leptodactylon* *pungens*, *Opuntia* *polyacantha*, *Penstemon*
*deustus*, and *Potentilla* *glandulosa*.

Reference: Caicco (1989).

**Great Basin Grassland**

[In Oregon]{.underline}:

Geographic Distribution: Occurs on steep canyon slopes in the mountains
of northeastern Oregon. This type is most extensive in the Hells Canyon
and Grand Ronde River canyon of Wallowa and Baker Counties.

Structure and Appearance: Bunchgrasses and shrub dominant patches form a
mosaic vegetation cover type. On steep slopes with poor soil
development, grasses dominate with stringers of shrubs, especially
mockorange (*Philadelphus lewisii*), oceanspray (*Holodiscus discolor*),
and Rocky Mountain maple (*Acer glabrum*). Where deeper soils exist,
shrub development is usually more extensive along with widely scattered
ponderosa pine (*Pinus ponderosa*) and Douglas fir (*Pseudotsuga
menziesii*).

Composition: Predominant grasses found in this cover type are Idaho
fescue (*Festuca idahoensis*), blue bunch wheatgrass (*Agropyron
spicatum*), Wheelers bluegrass (*Poa nervosa*), Sandbergs bluegrass (*P.
secunda*), mountain brome *(Bromus carinatus*), cheatgrass *(B.*
*tectorum*), junegrass (*Koeleria nitida*), western needlegrass (*Stipa
occidentalis*), sand dropseed (*Sporobolus cryptandrus*) and red three
awngrass (*Aristida longiseta*).

Predominant shrubs are: mountain big sagebrush (*Artemisia tridentata*
var. *vaseyana*), bitterbrush (*Purshia tridentata*), ninebark
(*Physocarpus malvaceus*), hackberry (*Celtis reticulata*), snowberry
(*Symphoricarpos albus*), buffaloberry (*Shepherdia canadensis*), and
sumac *(Rhus glabrum*).

Landscape Setting: Occupies the hot, dry environments of the river
canyons of northeastern Oregon. This type grades in and out of ponderosa
pine and/or mixed conifer forest that occupy the benches and more
suitable environments.

References: Johnson and Simon 1987, Kagan and Caicco 1992.

[In Nevada]{.underline}:

Great Basin Grassland represents perennial and annual grasslands.
Principal perennial grass species include wheatgrasses (*Agropyron*
spp.), bluegrass (*Poa* spp.), basin wildrye (*Elymus cinereus*),
galleta (*Hilaria* spp.), needlegrass (*Stipa* spp.), sand dropseed
(*Sporobolus cryptandrus*), blue grama (*Bouteloua gracilis*),
squirreltail (*Sitanion hystrix*), and Indian ricegrass (*Oryzopsis
hymenoides*). Principal annual grass species include cheatgrass (*Bromus
tectorum*).

Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush (*Artemisia* spp.),
shadscale (*Atriplex confertifolia*), greasewood (*Sarcobatus
vermiculatus*), and creosote (*Larrea tridentata*). Primary associated
tree species include juniper (*Juniperus* spp.).

Distribution: Great Basin Grassland is a widespread, broadly defined
vegetation type distributed mostly in central and northern Nevada. The
majority of this vegetation type consists of seeded perennial grasslands
or fire-induced annual grasslands. It also includes valley, foothill,
and mountain native grasslands.

[In Utah]{.underline}:

Great Basin Grassland represents perennial and annual grasslands.
Principal perennial grass species include bluebunch wheatgrass
(*Agropyron spicatum*), sandberg bluegrass (*Poa secunda*), crested
wheatgrass (*Agropyron cristatum*), basin wildrye (*Elymus cinereus*),
galleta (*Hilaria jamesii*), needlegrass (*Stipa comata*), sand dropseed
(*Sporobolus cryptandrus*), blue grama (*Bouteloua gracilis*), Thurbers
needlegrass (*Stipa thurberiana*), western wheatgrass (*Agropyron
smithii*), squirreltail (*Sitanion hystrix*), and Indian ricegrass
(*Oryzopsis hymenoides*). Principal annual grass species include
cheatgrass (*Bromus tectorum*).

Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush (*Artemisia* spp.),
shadscale (*Atriplex confertifolia*), greasewood (*Sarcobatus
vermiculatus*), and creosote (*Larrea tridentata*). Primary associated
tree species include juniper (*Juniperus* spp.).

[In Idaho]{.underline}:

The Great Basin Grassland Vegetation Type includes annual grasslands and
canyon grasslands, two vegetation types that were classified at finer
scales. Annual grasslands are comprised of open to dense, low (less than
0.5 meter) annual grasses. Weedy native and exotic annual forbs may also
be present, or even dominant. Native bunchgrasses and shrubs may be
locally common.

Distribution of annual grasslands: Common throughout much of southern
Idaho, and in the Clearwater River, lower Salmon River, and adjacent
Snake River canyons.

Elevation range of annual grasslands: 725 to 5,000 feet.

Diagnostic species of annual grasslands: Diagnostic annual grasses are
*Bromus* *tectorum* and *Taeniatherum* *caput-medusae*. Diagnostic
annual forbs are *Lepidium* *perfoliatum*, *Salsola* *kali*, and
*Sisymbrium* *altissimum*.

Canyon grasslands are medium-tall grasslands with scattered shrub
patches, but notably lack the woody *Artemisia* taxa.

Distribution of canyon grasslands: Hells Canyon of the Snake River, the
lower Salmon River downstream of the vicinity of Riggins, and the
Clearwater River canyon.

Elevation range of canyon grasslands: 750 to 5,500 feet.

Diagnostic species of canyon grasslands: Diagnostic shrubs include
*Amelanchier* *alnifolia*, *Crataegus* *douglasii*, *Philadelphus*
*lewisii*, *Rosa* *nutkana*, *Rosa* *woodsii*, *Rhus* *glabrum*, and
*Symphoricarpos* *albus*. Diagnostic grasses include *Agropyron*
*spicatum*, *Festuca* *idahoensis*, *Koeleria* *cristata*, and *Poa*
*sandbergii*. Diagnostic forbs include *Achillea* *millefolium*,
*Balsamorhiza* *sagittata*, *Besseya* *rubra*, *Calochortus* *elegans*,
*Castilleja* *hispida*, *Cirsium* *undulatum*, *Draba* *verna*,
*Erigeron* *pumilis*, *Eriogonum* *heracleoides*, *Geum* *triflorum*,
*Fritillaria* *pudica*, *Heuchera* *cylindrica*, *Hieracium*
*altertinum*, *Lithophragma* *pariviflora*, *Lomatium* *triternatum*,
*Lupinus* *sericeus*, *Opuntia* *polyacantha*, *Phacelia*
*heterophylla*, *Phlox* *colubrina*, *Phlox* *longifolia*, *Potentilla*
*gracilis*, *Scutellaria* *angustifolia*, *Stellaria* *nitens*, and
*Tragopogon* *dubius*.

Reference: Caicco (1989).

**Salt Desert Shrub**

[In Oregon]{.underline}:

Geographic Distribution. Most extensive in the alkaline playa lake
basins of the Great Basin ecoregion of Harney, Lake and Malheur
Counties. Especially prominent around Lake Abert, Malheur, Alvord, and
the Warner Lakes.

Structure and Appearance. Low to tall shrub communities comprised of
dispersed alkali-tolerant vegetation. Salt desert scrub is a catchall
term that describes several differing environments. On the most saline
sites, that also are seasonally flooded, black greasewood (*Sarcobatus*
*vermiculatus*) and winterfat *(Erotia lanata*) dominate. Sites with
better drainage support a variety of shrubs and several grasses.

Composition. Characteristic shrubs that are commonly associated with
salt desert scrub complexes are shadscale (*Atriplex confertifolia*),
hopsage (*Grayia spinosa*), budsage (*Artemisia spinescens*), Mormon tea
(*Ephedra viridis*), rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus nauseosus*), saltbush
(*Atriplex nuttallii*) and greenmolly (*Kochia americana*).

Landscape Setting. Salt desert scrub is surrounded by big sagebrush or
sagebrush steppe cover types. The most extensive areas are always
associated with the large, ephemeral lakes of the region. However, there
are numerous, small pockets of this cover type scattered sporadically
throughout southeastern Oregon.

References. Mozingo 1986, Demming *et al.* 1978, Shiftlet 1994, Dealy
*et al.* 1981.

[In Nevada]{.underline}:

Salt Desert Shrub represents shrublands dominated principally by one or
more of the following: shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), desert holly
(Atriplex hymenelytra), bailey's greasewood (Sarcobatus baileyi), desert
thorn (Lycium spp.), torrey saltbush (Atriplex torreyi), winterfat
(Ceratoides lanata), budsage (Artemisia spinescens), fourwing saltbush
(Atriplex canescens), mormon tea (Ephedra spp.), horsebrush (Tetradymia
canescens), and snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae).

Primary associated shrub species include greasewood (Sarcobatus
vermiculatus), sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), blackbrush (Coleogyne
ramosissima), iodine bush (Allenrolfea occidentalis), and creosote
(Larrea tridentata). Primary associated forb species includes halogeton
(Halogeton glomeratus). Primary associated grass species include
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum).

Distribution: This is a broad abundant vegetation type which can occur
in a variety of physiographic areas throughout Nevada. Typically Salt
Desert Shrub occurs below 5,000 feet (except for central Nevada) and
particularly dominates the Lahontan basin of western Nevada.

[In Utah]{.underline}:

Salt Desert Shrub represents shrublands dominated principally by
shadscale (*Atriplex confertifolia*), gray molly (*Kochia vestita*),
mat-atriplex (*Atriplex corrugata*), castle valley clover (*Atriplex
cuneata*), winterfat (*Ceratoides lanata*), budsage (*Artemisia
spinescens*), fourwing saltbush (*Atriplex canescens*), halogeton
(*Halogeton glomeratus*), mormon tea (*Ephedra* spp.), horsebrush
(*Tetradymia canescens*), snakeweed (*Gutierrezia sarothrae*), and
rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus* spp.).

Primary associated shrub species include greasewood (*Sarcobatus
vermiculatus*), sagebrush (*Artemisia* spp.), and blackbrush (*Coleogyne
ramosissima*).

[In Idaho]{.underline}:

Salt Desert Shrub represents a shrubland containing low to tall shrub
communities comprised of numerous species of alkali tolerant shrubs.

Distribution: Salt Desert Shrub is a major type along the Snake River at
the western end of the Snake River Plain. It is also found in lesser
amounts in the bottoms of the broad intermountain valleys in
east-central Idaho.

Elevation range: 2,500 to 7,500 feet

Diagnostic Species: Diagnostic shrub species include *Artemisia*
*spinescens*, *Artemisia* *tridentata* ssp. *wyomingensis*, *Atriplex*
*confertifolia*, *Atriplex* *nuttallii*, *Atriplex* *spinosa*,
*Chrysothamnus* *nauseosus*, *Chrysothamnus* *viscidiflorus*, *Eurotia*
*lanata*, and *Sarcobatus* *vermicularis*. Diagnostic grasses include
*Distichlis* *stricta*, *Oryzopsis* *hymenoides*, *Sitanion* *hystrix*,
and *Stipa* *comata*. Diagnostic forb species include *Allium*
*textile*, *Astragalus* *geyeri*, *Astragalus* *miser*, *Astragalus*
*purshii*, *Balsamorhiza* *sagittata*, *Chaenactis* *douglasii*,
*Erigeron* *pumilus*, *Eriogonum* *mancum*, *Haplopappus* *acaulis*,
*Lewisia* *rediviva*, *Lygodesmia* *grandiflora*, *Microseris*
*troximoides*, *Oenothera* *scapoidea*, *Opuntia* *polyacantha*, *Phlox*
*longifolia*, *Phlox* *muscoides*, *Penstemon* *miser*, *Penstemon*
*pumulis*, and *Senecio* *integerrimus*.

Reference: Caicco (1989).

**Pinyon-Juniper**

[In Oregon]{.underline}:

Not mapped in Oregon.

[In Nevada]{.underline}:

Pinyon-juniper represents a conifer woodland principally co-dominated by
single leaf pinyon (*Pinus monophylla*) and Utah juniper (*Juniperus
osteosperma*). Primary associated tree species include mountain mahogany
(*Cercocarpus ledifolius*). Primary associated shrub species include
sagebrush (*Artemisia* spp.), rabbitbrush (*Chrysothamnus* spp.), oak
(*Quercus gambelii*), alder leaf mountain mahogany (*Cercocarpus
montanus*), bitterbrush (*Purshia tridentata*), littleleaf mountain
mahogany (*Cercocarpus intricatus*), and cliffrose (*Cowania mexicana*).

Distribution: Pinyon-juniper is distributed throughout all but northern
Nevada. Pinyon-juniper is most abundant in eastern and central Nevada.
It typically occurs at elevations above the juniper zone and below the
pinyon zone.

[In Utah]{.underline}:

Pinyon-juniper represents a conifer forest co-dominated principally by
pinyon (*Pinus edulis* or *Pinus monophylla*), and juniper (*Juniperus
scopulorum*, *Juniperus monosperma*, and *Juniperus osteosperma*).
Primary associated tree species include mountain mahogany (*Cercocarpus
ledifolius*). Primary associated shrub species include sagebrush
(*Artemisia* spp.).

[In Idaho]{.underline}:

Classified in Idaho, but not mapped in Idaho.

**Greasewood**

[In Oregon]{.underline}:

Not mapped in Oregon.

[In Nevada]{.underline}:

Greasewood is a shrubland principally dominated by greasewood
(*Sarcobatus vermiculatus*). Primary associated shrub species include
shadscale (*Atriplex confertifolia*), iodine bush (*Allenrolfea
occidentalis*), basin sagebrush (*Artemisia tridentata* var.
*tridentata*), and bailey greasewood (*Sarcobatus baileyi*). Other
associated species include seepweed (*Suaeda torreyana*), halogeton
(*Halogeton glomeratus*), and tumbleweed (*Salsola iberica*).

Distribution: Greasewood is located throughout Nevada, typically in the
salt desert shrub zone. It is very salt tolerant and can usually be
found on flat valley floors.

[In Utah]{.underline}:

Greasewood represents a shrubland dominated principally by greasewood
(*Sarcobatus vermiculatus*). Primary associated shrub species include
shadscale (*Atriplex confertifolia*), and pickleweed (*Allenrolfea
occidentalis*). Other associated species include seepweed (*Suaeda
torreyana*) and halogeton (*Halogeton glomeratus*).

[In Idaho]{.underline}:

Not classified or mapped in Idaho.

**Sources for the Descriptions for the Vegetation Types**

Oregon:

Kiilsgaard, C. 1999. Manual and land cover type descriptions, Oregon GAP
analysis, 1998 land cover for Oregon. Appendix 2.1 in: Manual and land
cover type descriptions, OR-GAP Version 2 Land Cover. Oregon Natural
Heritage Program, Portland, Oregon.
[http://www.sscgis.state.or.us/data/alphalist.html]{.underline}

Nevada:

[http://www.gis.usu.edu/gap-data/nv-gap/textfiles/lulc.txt]{.underline}

Utah:

[http://www.gis.usu.edu/gap-data/ut-gap/vegcodes.asc]{.underline}

Idaho:

Caicco, S.L. 1989. Manual to accompany the map of the existing
vegetation of Idaho.

Idaho Gap Analysis. 2000. Idaho vegetation and land cover classification
system, modified from Redmond et al. (1997) and Homer et al. (1998).
Idaho Gap Analysis, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. 8
pp.

**LITERATURE CITED**

Bailey, R.G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United States.
2^nd^ ed. Rev. and expanded (1^st^ ed. 1980). Misc. Publ. No. 1391
(rev.), Washington, DC: USDA Forest Service. 108 p. with separate map at
1:7,500,000.

Federal Geographic Data Committee *and* Advisory Committee on Water
Information, Subcommittee on Spatial Water Data. 2001. Draft Federal
Standards for Delineation of Hydrologic Unit Boundaries, June 12, 2001.
[http://www.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/huc_data.html]{.underline}

Table 1. List of the 152 Subbasins, by 8 digit identifier, name,
hydrologic region residing within, subbasin size (acres), and percent of
subbasin that is classified as "Sagebrush", "Sagebrush/Perennial Grass",
"Juniper", "Great Basin Grassland", "Salt Desert Shrub",
"Pinyon-Juniper" and "Greasewood", collectively. Subbasins are listed in
descending order by percent of subbasin classified to the 7 vegetation
types collectively. Three subbasins, the Lower Weber, Jordan, and Great
Salt Lake, are legitimately included within the Great Basin Restoration
Initiative Area yet have less than 20% of their area classified to the 7
vegetation types, primarily because one or more of these 7 vegetation
types has been displaced by a combination of Agriculture, Water, or
Highly Developed land cover categories.

Great Basin Restoration Initiative\--Identified Subbasins

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Subbasin      Subbasin Name                   Hydrologic   Subbasin    Percent of
  8-digit                                       Region       Size        Subbasin
  identifier                                                             
  ------------- ------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------
  17050106      East Little Owyhee, Idaho,      Pacific      586069      98.5
                Nevada, Oregon                  Northwest                

  16040106      Rock, Nevada                    Great Basin  577551      98.2

  16040204      Massacre Lake, California,      Great Basin  836802      97.9
                Nevada                                                   

  16020307      Pilot-Thousand Springs, Nevada, Great Basin  1141744     97.7
                Utah                                                     

  16040205      Thousand-Virgin, Nevada, Oregon Great Basin  749896      95.9

  16040102      North Fork Humboldt, Nevada     Great Basin  639144      95.5

  16040105      Middle Humboldt, Nevada         Great Basin  2065744     95.4

  17120008      Guano, Nevada, Oregon           Pacific      1928901     95.2
                                                Northwest                

  16050104      Granite Springs Valley, Nevada  Great Basin  1071876     94.4

  16060013      Cactus-Sarcobatus Flats, Nevada Great Basin  1755263     93.1

  16030008      Lower Beaver, Utah              Great Basin  486971      92.7

  16060001      Dixie Valley, Nevada            Great Basin  2584013     92.1

  16060002      Gabbs Valley, Nevada            Great Basin  1332916     92.1

  17050105      South Fork Owyhee, Idaho,       Pacific      1202612     91.5
                Nevada, Oregon                  Northwest                

  16040104      Pine, Nevada                    Great Basin  640937      90.9

  16060011      Ralston-Stone Cabin Valleys,    Great Basin  2067463     90.2
                Nevada                                                   

  16060003      Southern Big Smoky Valley,      Great Basin  1315566     90.0
                Nevada                                                   

  16040109      Little Humboldt, Nevada         Great Basin  1124962     89.7

  16040108      Lower Humboldt, Nevada          Great Basin  1686880     89.2

  16040203      Smoke Creek Desert, California, Great Basin  1574985     88.8
                Nevada                                                   

  17050110      Lower Owyhee, Oregon            Pacific      1274763     88.0
                                                Northwest                

  16040107      Reese, Nevada                   Great Basin  1505196     87.7

  16060010      Fish Lake-Soda Spring Valleys,  Great Basin  1752734     87.4
                California, Nevada                                       

  16020305      Skull Valley, Utah              Great Basin  517050      87.0

  17050104      Upper Owyhee, Idaho, Nevada     Pacific      1346305     86.4
                                                Northwest                

  17050107      Middle Owyhee, Idaho, Nevada,   Pacific      958498      86.2
                Oregon                          Northwest                

  16040201      Upper Quinn, Nevada, Oregon     Great Basin  2261831     85.8

  17120009      Alvord Lake, Nevada, Oregon     Pacific      1364680     85.6
                                                Northwest                

  16060006      Little Smoky-Newark Valleys,    Great Basin  928713      85.5
                Nevada                                                   

  17050109      Crooked-Rattlesnake, Oregon     Pacific      861556      84.2
                                                Northwest                

  16060004      Northern Big Smoky Valley,      Great Basin  1222988     83.8
                Nevada                                                   

  16050303      Walker, Nevada                  Great Basin  667655      83.2

  16060007      Long-Ruby Valleys, Nevada       Great Basin  2621220     82.7

  16040101      Upper Humboldt, Nevada          Great Basin  1770797     82.6

  16060012      Hot Creek-Railroad Valleys,     Great Basin  3030777     82.3
                Nevada                                                   

  17120004      Silver, Oregon                  Pacific      1086564     82.0
                                                Northwest                

  17070303      Beaver-South Fork, Oregon       Pacific      992402      81.8
                                                Northwest                

  16020303      Tule Valley, Utah               Great Basin  601411      81.7

  17050118      Bully, Oregon                   Pacific      367926      81.6
                                                Northwest                

  17040213      Salmon Falls, Idaho, Nevada     Pacific      1378914     81.5
                                                Northwest                

  16030006      Escalante Desert, Nevada, Utah  Great Basin  2136606     81.3

  16060009      Dry Lake Valley, Nevada         Great Basin  1396120     81.0

  17050102      Bruneau, Idaho, Nevada          Pacific      2110750     80.7
                                                Northwest                

  16020302      Pine Valley, Utah               Great Basin  468559      80.6

  16030009      Sevier Lake, Utah               Great Basin  872939      80.3

  16020301      Hamlin-Snake Valleys, Nevada,   Great Basin  2019765     78.6
                Utah                                                     

  16040202      Lower Quinn, Nevada             Great Basin  2083113     77.7

  16060005      Diamond-Monitor Valleys, Nevada Great Basin  1993818     77.5

  16030005      Lower Sevier, Utah              Great Basin  2558662     77.2

  16060008      Spring-Steptoe Valleys, Nevada  Great Basin  3405836     77.0

  16050202      Middle Carson, California,      Great Basin  544496      76.8
                Nevada                                                   

  16050103      Pyramid-Winnemucca Lakes,       Great Basin  886735      76.5
                Nevada                                                   

  17120007      Warner Lakes, California,       Pacific      1220217     76.2
                Nevada, Oregon                  Northwest                

  17050108      Jordan, Idaho, Oregon           Pacific      820448      76.2
                                                Northwest                

  17050117      Lower Malheur, Oregon           Pacific      592989      76.1
                                                Northwest                

  17070307      Trout, Oregon                   Pacific      445043      75.2
                                                Northwest                

  17040221      Little Wood, Idaho              Pacific      727305      74.8
                                                Northwest                

  15010011      White, Nevada                   Lower        1831480     74.5
                                                Colorado                 

  16020304      Rush-Tooele Valleys, Utah       Great Basin  768036      74.4

  16040103      South Fork Humboldt, Nevada     Great Basin  833707      74.0

  17050103      Middle Snake-Succor, Idaho,     Pacific      1477512     73.7
                Oregon                          Northwest                

  14060007      Price, Utah                     Upper        1210868     73.6
                                                Colorado                 

  17040211      Goose, Idaho, Nevada, Utah      Pacific      742840      73.3
                                                Northwest                

  16030007      Beaver Bottoms-Upper Beaver,    Great Basin  1096879     73.2
                Utah                                                     

  14070002      Muddy, Utah                     Upper        993418      73.1
                                                Colorado                 

  16050304      Walker Lake, Nevada             Great Basin  535712      72.6

  17040218      Big Lost, Idaho                 Pacific      1220476     72.4
                                                Northwest                

  18080002      Madeline Plains, California,    California   545045      71.5
                Nevada                                                   

  17050119      Willow, Oregon                  Pacific      492909      71.1
                                                Northwest                

  16020309      Curlew Valley, Idaho, Utah      Great Basin  1254899     70.0

  15010003      Kanab, Arizona, Utah            Lower        1540683     69.1
                                                Colorado                 

  16010101      Upper Bear, Utah, Wyoming       Great Basin  1271383     68.3

  17060202      Pahsimeroi, Idaho               Pacific      526942      67.4
                                                Northwest                

  17120003      Donner and Blitzen, Oregon      Pacific      484993      67.2
                                                Northwest                

  17040219      Big Wood, Idaho                 Pacific      932760      67.1
                                                Northwest                

  17040215      Medicine Lodge, Idaho           Pacific      624123      65.6
                                                Northwest                

  17040209      Lake Walcott, Idaho             Pacific      2349775     65.3
                                                Northwest                

  16050301      East Walker, California, Nevada Great Basin  691822      64.6

  17040216      Birch, Idaho                    Pacific      451977      64.5
                                                Northwest                

  16020306      Southern Great Salt Lake        Great Basin  3520707     63.6
                Desert, Nevada, Utah                                     

  17040220      Camas, Idaho                    Pacific      436942      63.5
                                                Northwest                

  17040217      Little Lost, Idaho              Pacific      621507      62.9
                                                Northwest                

  15010013      Meadow Valley Wash, Nevada,     Lower        1639266     62.1
                Utah                            Colorado                 

  17050116      Upper Malheur, Oregon           Pacific      1561611     61.5
                                                Northwest                

  17070304      Upper Crooked, Oregon           Pacific      737120      61.4
                                                Northwest                

  17070305      Lower Crooked, Oregon           Pacific      1191804     61.4
                                                Northwest                

  17050122      Payette, Idaho                  Pacific      803140      61.2
                                                Northwest                

  17120001      Harney-Malheur Lakes, Oregon    Pacific      933837      61.0
                                                Northwest                

  17040214      Beaver-Camas, Idaho             Pacific      613734      60.8
                                                Northwest                

  16020308      Northern Great Salt Lake        Great Basin  3003716     60.6
                Desert, Nevada, Utah                                     

  18080001      Surprise Valley, California,    California   572756      60.5
                Nevada                                                   

  18090101      Mono Lake, California, Nevada   California   690905      60.1

  17120005      Summer Lake, Oregon             Pacific      2629710     59.2
                                                Northwest                

  17050115      Middle Snake-Payette, Idaho,    Pacific      99392       58.7
                Oregon                          Northwest                

  14060009      San Rafael, Utah                Upper        1548372     58.6
                                                Colorado                 

  18080003      Honey-Eagle Lakes, California,  California   1802610     56.9
                Nevada                                                   

  16060014      Sand Spring-Tikaboo Valleys,    Great Basin  3297688     56.7
                Nevada                                                   

  17050101      C.J. Strike Reservoir, Idaho    Pacific      1379190     56.5
                                                Northwest                

  17060204      Lemhi, Idaho                    Pacific      824460      56.1
                                                Northwest                

  16050203      Carson Desert, Nevada           Great Basin  1386314     55.1

  16010102      Central Bear, Idaho, Utah,      Great Basin  546755      53.3
                Wyoming                                                  

  15010008      Upper Virgin, Utah              Lower        1378874     53.3
                                                Colorado                 

  17040210      Raft, Idaho, Utah               Pacific      949260      53.2
                                                Northwest                

  17040207      Blackfoot, Idaho                Pacific      672756      52.4
                                                Northwest                

  17040206      American Falls, Idaho           Pacific      1892874     52.0
                                                Northwest                

  14070003      Fremont, Utah                   Upper        1274856     51.8
                                                Colorado                 

  14060004      Strawberry, Utah                Upper        748742      51.5
                                                Colorado                 

  16030003      Middle Sevier, Utah             Great Basin  1209556     51.4

  18020002      Upper Pit, California           California   1684021     49.9

  16050302      West Walker, California, Nevada Great Basin  649247      48.1

  17050113      South Fork Boise, Idaho         Pacific      828495      47.4
                                                Northwest                

  18010204      Lost, California, Oregon        California   1912543     47.1

  16030001      Upper Sevier, Utah              Great Basin  754525      45.9

  16020201      Utah Lake, Utah                 Great Basin  888565      45.7

  16020101      Upper Weber, Utah, Wyoming      Great Basin  749167      45.0

  17040205      Willow, Idaho                   Pacific      416647      44.9
                                                Northwest                

  18090102      Crowley Lake, California,       California   1246304     44.6
                Nevada                                                   

  10020001      Red Rock, Montana               Missouri     1494376     43.9

  16030002      East Fork Sevier, Utah          Great Basin  806142      43.0

  16010204      Lower Bear-Malad, Idaho, Utah   Great Basin  749518      42.3

  17070204      Lower John Day, Oregon          Pacific      2014699     41.4
                                                Northwest                

  17050114      Lower Boise, Idaho              Pacific      860373      40.8
                                                Northwest                

  17120006      Lake Abert, Oregon              Pacific      655874      40.6
                                                Northwest                

  17070201      Upper John Day, Oregon          Pacific      1366202     40.1
                                                Northwest                

  17060201      Upper Salmon, Idaho             Pacific      1553334     39.7
                                                Northwest                

  17050202      Burnt, Oregon                   Pacific      696908      39.6
                                                Northwest                

  17050124      Weiser, Idaho                   Pacific      1061921     39.3
                                                Northwest                

  16030004      San Pitch, Utah                 Great Basin  543857      38.1

  16050102      Truckee, California, Nevada     Great Basin  769569      38.0

  17040212      Upper Snake-Rock, Idaho         Pacific      1544676     37.3
                                                Northwest                

  16050201      Upper Carson, California,       Great Basin  599609      37.0
                Nevada                                                   

  17040201      Idaho Falls, Idaho              Pacific      737216      33.1
                                                Northwest                

  17070306      Lower Deschutes, Oregon         Pacific      1476499     33.0
                                                Northwest                

  17120002      Silvies, Oregon                 Pacific      851750      29.8
                                                Northwest                

  17040203      Lower Henrys, Idaho, Wyoming    Pacific      701665      29.1
                                                Northwest                

  17060101      Hells Canyon, Idaho, Oregon     Pacific      340803      29.1
                                                Northwest                

  17050203      Powder, Oregon                  Pacific      1117894     28.9
                                                Northwest                

  18090201      Eureka-Saline Valleys,          California   1068413     27.9
                California, Nevada                                       

  17050201      Brownlee Reservoir, Idaho,      Pacific      839596      26.5
                Oregon                          Northwest                

  17040208      Portneuf, Idaho                 Pacific      834834      26.2
                                                Northwest                

  18090103      Owens Lake, California          California   864021      24.7

  16010201      Bear Lake, Idaho, Utah          Great Basin  792236      24.5

  18090202      Upper Amargosa, California,     California   2163353     24.1
                Nevada                                                   

  16010203      Little Bear-Logan, Idaho, Utah  Great Basin  606034      23.4

  16020203      Provo, Utah                     Great Basin  451205      22.8

  16010202      Middle Bear, Idaho, Utah        Great Basin  778269      22.8

  15010010      Lower Virgin, Arizona, Nevada,  Lower        1342688     21.4
                Utah                            Colorado                 

  16020202      Spanish Fork, Utah              Great Basin  643284      20.9

  18020001      Goose Lake, California, Oregon  California   694589      20.7

  16020102      Lower Weber, Utah               Great Basin  823033      17.2\*

  16020204      Jordan, Utah                    Great Basin  521257      16.5\*

  16020310      Great Salt Lake, Utah           Great Basin  1207886     3.9\*

  **Total                                                    178715466   
  Acreage                                                                
  within Great                                                           
  Basin                                                                  
  Restoration                                                            
  Initiative                                                             
  Area**                                                                 
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 2. List of the 40 subbasins that were not selected for inclusion
in the Great Basin Restoration Initiative area. Percent of Subbasin
refers to the percent of the subbasin that is classified as "Sagebrush",
"Sagebrush/Perennial Grass", "Juniper", "Great Basin Grassland", "Salt
Desert Shrub", "Pinyon-Juniper", and "Greasewood", collectively.
Subbasins are listed in descending order by percent of subbasin
classified to the 7 vegetation types collectively.

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Subbasin     Subbasin Name                       Subbasin    Percent of
  8-digit                                          Size        Subbasin
  Identifier                                                   
  ------------ ----------------------------------- ----------- ------------
  17070202     North Fork John Day, Oregon         1184426     19.2

  17070203     Middle Fork John Day, Oregon        500670      18.1

  17090005     North Santiam, Oregon               1386074     16.9

  15010015     Las Vegas Wash, Nevada              1184923     16.3

  17050112     Boise-Mores, Idaho                  403141      16.2

  17060203     Middle Salmon-Panther, Idaho        883055      13.8

  18020003     Lower Pit, California               1719370     12.9

  10020004     Big Hole, Montana                   1802097     12.8

  18010202     Sprague, Oregon                     1029957     12.4

  18020122     East Branch North Fork Feather,     663430      12.2
               California                                      

  18090203     Death Valley-Lower Amargosa,        3431858     11.0
               California, Nevada                              

  16060015     Ivanpah-Pahrump Valleys,            1854386     10.8
               California, Nevada                              

  17040202     Upper Henrys, Idaho, Wyoming        683587      8.4

  18020123     Middle Fork Feather, California     871345      7.8

  17060210     Little Salmon, Idaho                377345      7.6

  17040101     Snake Headwaters, Wyoming           1085924     7.2

  17040105     Salt, Idaho, Wyoming                592629      7.1

  10020007     Madison, Montana, Wyoming           1663212     7.1

  15010012     Muddy, Nevada                       1134300     6.2

  17040104     Palisades, Idaho, Wyoming           595495      4.2

  16050101     Lake Tahoe, California, Nevada      332580      3.5

  17050120     South Fork Payette, Idaho           525112      2.3

  17040204     Teton, Idaho, Wyoming               724963      2.3

  17050111     North and Middle Forks Boise, Idaho 487643      2.3

  18040010     Upper Stanislaus, California        634296      1.3

  18040012     Upper Mokelumne, California         493775      1.1

  18020121     North Fork Feather, California      780631      1.1

  18020129     South Fork American, California     544964      0.6

  17060205     Upper Middle Fork Salmon, Idaho     956515      0.5

  18040009     Upper Tuolumne, California          1033939     0.5

  18020128     North Fork American, California     646127      0.3

  18020125     Upper Yuba, California              832902      0.3

  18010201     Williamson, Oregon                  919511      0.2

  18040006     Upper San Joaquin, California       1102047     0.1

  17060102     Imnaha, Oregon                      548390      0.01

  17050121     Middle Fork Payette, Idaho          230534      0

  17050123     North Fork Payette, Idaho           584780      0

  17070302     Little Deschutes, Oregon            673214      0

  18030010     Upper King, California              989752      0

  18040008     Upper Merced, California            699625      0
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------