Environmental Effects of Water, Grazing, and Invasive Grasses on Culturally Significant Plants at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Georgia Hart-Fredeluces, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Native plants like camas (Camassia quamash) are vital for Indigenous communities, such as the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, in meeting their cultural and nutritional needs. Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge (GLNWR), north of Soda Springs, Idaho, serves as a wildlife refuge and habitat for various native plant species, including camas.
Environmental factors such as cattle grazing, changes to water sources, and invasive grass species can impact the growth and sustainability of native plants. However, this relationship has not been previously studied at GLNWR. Therefore, this study asks: how do grazing, water accessibility, and invasive grasses impact camas and other culturally-significant plants?
To answer this question, we conducted vegetation and soil moisture sampling in nine plots across three sites that varied in grazing intensity. Three transects were made per plot, and six quadrats were created along each transect where each key plant, invasive grasses, and soil moisture content were recorded.
This poster discusses the data collected and how environmental factors impact camas and other key plants. This study’s findings are important for understanding how these factors affect native plant abundance and can contribute to tribal and federal resource management.
Environmental Effects of Water, Grazing, and Invasive Grasses on Culturally Significant Plants at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Native plants like camas (Camassia quamash) are vital for Indigenous communities, such as the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, in meeting their cultural and nutritional needs. Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge (GLNWR), north of Soda Springs, Idaho, serves as a wildlife refuge and habitat for various native plant species, including camas.
Environmental factors such as cattle grazing, changes to water sources, and invasive grass species can impact the growth and sustainability of native plants. However, this relationship has not been previously studied at GLNWR. Therefore, this study asks: how do grazing, water accessibility, and invasive grasses impact camas and other culturally-significant plants?
To answer this question, we conducted vegetation and soil moisture sampling in nine plots across three sites that varied in grazing intensity. Three transects were made per plot, and six quadrats were created along each transect where each key plant, invasive grasses, and soil moisture content were recorded.
This poster discusses the data collected and how environmental factors impact camas and other key plants. This study’s findings are important for understanding how these factors affect native plant abundance and can contribute to tribal and federal resource management.