This trend is continuing today and shows some evidence of accelerating. Conifer encroachment may also decrease the flow of water from springs, seeps, and creeks.
Fire suppression is one cause of conifer encroachment.
The reintroduction of fire via prescribed burning under controlled conditions represents an economical and environmentally friendly way to restore the productivity of Montana rangeland. However, only limited information exists about how to best conduct these burns. Responding to this need, we initiated a research project in 1996 to develop prescribed burning guidelines for controlling encroachment of Douglas-fir and Rocky Mountain juniper. This project is a collaborative effort among Montana State University, the University of Idaho, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Bureau of Land Management is providing most of the financial support for this project.