We have completed a second year of data collection regarding our eastern red cedar (ERC) management goals: 1) seed bank ecology, 2) ERC growth rates and spread, 3) tree moisture dynamics, and 4) survival by vegetation type and grazing intensity. We have also begun implementing the rancher defined projects: 1) cost benefit analysis, 2) soil nutrient analysis, 3) erosion, infiltration, and runoff, and 4) tree
needle oil content dynamics. We collected a second set of data on sites at three ranches (Mulehead,
Greg Schmitz, and the Grim Ranch) in Gregory County, SD and set up new plots on a ranch (Todd Olson) in Brule County. Two graduate students, Dr. Smart, and Dr. Xu collected data to address ERC objective #2, #3 and #4 and rancher-defined objectives #1, #2, and #3. The Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burn Association (MMRPBA) was not able to conduct any prescribed burns due to COVID-19 in 2020. So, no acres have been submitted in 2020 for payment. The MMRPBA has completed a fourth newsletter (July 2020) and updated their website (https://www.midmissouririverpba.com/)...

Progress Report 2021

Progress report 3/1/2021 to 9/1/2021
We have completed a third year of data collection regarding our eastern red cedar (ERC) management goals: 1) seed/bud bank ecology, 2) ERC growth rates and spread, 3) tree moisture dynamics, and 4) survival by vegetation type and grazing intensity. We have also
completed some of the rancher defined projects: soil nutrient analysis; and erosion, infiltration, and runoff. We set up a new demonstration site on a ranch (John Boltjes) in Charles Mix County to assess seed/bud bank, biomass as affected by tree canopy cover, and to evaluate response after fire. Two graduate students, Dr. Smart, and Dr. Xu collected data to address ERC objective #2, #3 and #4 and rancher-defined objectives. The Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burn
Association (MMRPBA) was able to conduct one prescribed burn on 314 acres at the Mulehead Ranch in Gregory County in Spring 2021...