Improving our sagebrush habitat with prescribed fire

Fire crews working on the Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area Unit.

Shrubsteppe ecosystems are among the most vulnerable landscapes in north central Washington, facing threats from increasingly frequent wildfires, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation. This unique habitat, characterized by sagebrush and native grasses, is home to sensitive species like the federally endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, the Greater sage-grouse, and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, both of which the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) as state endangered.

Sagebrush provides essential shelter and food for these species. Unfortunately, high-intensity wildfires are a series threat for sagebrush ecosystems. Historically, these landscapes were more resilient to infrequent fires, but without disturbances like wildfire to support diverse generations of sagebrush enhance understory vegetation, critical species like pygmy rabbits face population declines.

Fire crews burning along the road on the Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area Unit.

“Prescribed burns are a vital tool for restoring shrubsteppe ecosystems,” said Prescribed Fire Unit Manager, Inaki Baraibar. “By safely mimicking natural fire cycles, we can control invasive species, enrich soil nutrients, and promote the regeneration of native plants essential for wildlife survival.”

WDFW is leading a restoration project at the Sagebrush Flat Unit in southern Douglas County. The project uses mowing and prescribed fire as key tools to mimic natural disturbance, control invasive species, and promote native plant regeneration. Recent efforts include careful burn planning, habitat monitoring, and targeted treatments to restore ecological balance and create conditions for wildlife recovery.

Sagebrush Flat is home to an array of sensitive species beyond pygmy rabbits and sage grouse, including loggerhead shrikes, short-eared owls, white-tailed jackrabbits, and Washington ground squirrels. The area is also home to rare plant species such as Sandbergia perplexa (puzzling rockcress).

Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area Unit

Restoration progress

In fall of 2024 and spring of 2025, WDFW made significant progress toward restoring shrubsteppe habitat through prescribed fire and management activities:

· Pygmy rabbit surveys: WDFW confirmed the absence of pygmy rabbits across both management areas including the perimeter of the prescribed burn and across large mowed plots.

· Burn preparation: WDFW developed a detailed burn plan and used snow-covered ground to mow the perimeter of two eligible burn plots.

· Mowing management: Approximately 25 acres were mowed, but instead of cutting everything evenly, we used a winding path and left some patches unmowed.

· Monitoring points: The Department established four photo monitoring points to document habitat changes over time.

· Burn treatment: In March 2025, WDFW conducted a prescribed burn on 119 acres.

Fire crews working on the Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area Unit.

Looking ahead: prescribed burn and habitat restoration

The next phase of the project will focus on implementing another prescribed burn (weather permitting) to diversify sagebrush age and improve understory composition. Following the burn, WDFW will evaluate treated areas for invasive plant control and seed native grasses as needed.

Additional activities planned include:

· Habitat monitoring: Regular assessments will track ecological recovery post-burn.

· Weed control and native seeding: Targeted spraying and reseeding will ensure habitat integrity.

· Pygmy rabbit surveys: Surveys in 2026 will assess potential recolonization by pygmy rabbits.

· Winter treatments: Up to 25 additional acres will undergo mowing treatments during winter 2025–2026.

Prescribed burns and targeted management are expected to enhance 150 acres of sagebrush habitat, increasing the diversity and abundance of native grasseswhile reducing invasive weeds. The project may also help buffer existing mature sagebrush stands from catastrophic wildfire, improving the landscape’s resilience to future disturbances. Over time, regular monitoring will track ecological recovery, support pygmy rabbit recolonization, and ensure that restored habitats remain sustainable. Ultimately, the project aims to secure the long-term health of Washington’s shrubsteppe, protect rare and endangered species. The project is slated to wrap up in December 2026.

“Burning is not just about reducing wildfire risks; it’s about managing the landscape,” said Matt Eberlein. “As we move forward with prescribed fires, we’re not only creating conditions for native vegetation to succeed, but we’re also setting the stage for long-term ecosystem health and resilience. Looking ahead, our goal is to ensure that these restored habitats remain vibrant and sustainable for generations of wildlife to come.”

Fire crew at the Sagebrush Flats Wildlife Area Unit.

Collaboration for wildlife recovery

Community involvement and collaboration remain essential to the success of this project. WDFW’s partnerships with private landowners, local organizations, and other stakeholders have been important in advancing restoration goals. These efforts also highlight the importance of long-term monitoring and adaptive management to ensure that restored habitats remain resilient in the face of changing environmental conditions. By leaning on these partnerships and maintaining a focus on science-based strategies, WDFW is helping to build a sustainable future for Washington’s shrubsteppe ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

Refer to WDFW’s website for more information about the Sagebrush Flat Wildlife Area and other WDFW managed lands.

Media contact: Nicole Jordan, communication specialist for North Central Washington, region 2. nicole.jordan@dfw.wa.gov