Beyond Uplands: Integrating Riparian Areas into Sagebrush Conservation Design for a More Resilient West

Abstract

Riparian and mesic habitats are essential biological hotspots in the American West, supporting 80% of wildlife, yet they are often assessed in isolation from surrounding uplands. To address this, we developed a framework that complements the Sagebrush Conservation Design to incorporate these habitats into broader landscape conservation planning. By analyzing 40 years of riparian vegetation data alongside sagebrush ecosystems, we classified watersheds into three actionable management tiers based on water availability and vegetation health. This prioritization is operationalized through the Mesic Analysis Platform, an interactive tool that identifies stream reaches with floodplain disconnection as key targets for restoration. Notably, the greatest restoration potential exists on private lands, where 63-65% of identified mesic habitats are found. This framework provides a practical strategy to integrate social feasibility with ecological priority, fostering the multi-jurisdictional partnerships vital to connecting water resources with the broader sagebrush ecosystem.