The Nature Conservancy Launches Research Project at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch Studying Wildfire Resiliency

In the aftermath of the 2024 Glendale Fire, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Idaho has launched a research project at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch studying wildfire resiliency in sagebrush ecosystems. Because of previously implemented restoration projects and data collection at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch, this research presents a rare opportunity to learn how restoration practices affect wildfire spread and severity.

With funding from TNC’s Science Catalyst and led by TNC Idaho Science Lead Dr. Taylor Ganz, University of Idaho professors Dr. Eric Winford, Dr. Jason Karl and Dr. Tracey Johnson, and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Leland Bennion, the research will collect and analyze fire severity data to understand how restoration and land management techniques influenced fire spread and severity. Findings from this research project will help land managers prioritize restoration strategies that make sagebrush landscapes more resilient to wildfire—critical information, given that wildfire is one of the greatest threats to sagebrush ecosystems across the West.

In September 2024, lightning sparked the Glendale Fire, which burned approximately 22% (4,653 acres) of Rinker Rock Creek Ranch and associated grazing allotments. Sagebrush landscapes have historically burned infrequently (every 50 to 200 years), and the plants and animals that live in this habitat are slow to recover from wildfire. Wildfire and fast-spreading invasive grasses are key drivers of sagebrush loss, posing a major threat to greater sage-grouse and other native species.

“By identifying practical ways to measure fire damage and plan for fire-resilient restoration, TNC hopes to support landowners and land managers in restoring and protecting these critical sagebrush habitats,” said Taylor Ganz, Idaho science lead for The Nature Conservancy.

Rinker Rock Creek Ranch is owned by The Nature Conservancy and Wood River Land Trust and managed in partnership with the University of Idaho as a working cattle ranch for research, education and outreach to integrate science-based rangeland management with conservation.