Near-real-time cheatgrass percent cover in the northern Great Basin, USA--2015

This dataset provides an estimate of 2015 cheatgrass percent cover in the northern Great Basin at 250 meter spatial resolution. The dataset was generated by integrating eMODIS NDVI satellite data with independent variables that influence cheatgrass germination and growth into a regression-tree model. Individual pixel values range from 0 to 100 with an overall mean value of 9.85 and a standard deviation of 12.78. A mask covers areas not classified as shrub/scrub or grass/herbaceous by the 2001 National Land Cover Database. The mask also covers areas higher than 2000 meters in elevation because cheatgrass is unlikely to exist at more than 2% cover above this threshold. Cheatgrass is an invasive grass that has invaded much of the Great Basin. It grows from seed, usually early in spring, and rapidly matures, produces seed, and dies. Its presence can deplete early-season moisture reserves and put native vegetation at a competitive disadvantage. In addition, it contributes fine fuels that facilitate fire ignition and fire spread. Rangeland fires are often stand replacing events in sagebrush communities, commuities which historically dominated much of the northern Great Basin. Increasing fire return intervals, increasing fire intensities, land management practices, and development have all contributed to the fragmentation of sagebrush ecosystems, which are critical for greater sagegrouse survival.