Awarded External Grants

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Grant Title: The Impact of AmeriCorps Members in Invasive Species and Wildfire Fuels Mitigation

• Funded Amount:  $156,136
• Sponsoring Agencies: The Public Lands Service Coalition (PLSC) & The Corporation for National and Community Service
• Principal Investigators (PIs):
  • Dr. Lily Zhuhadar, AIS Department, WKU
  • Dr. Allie McCreary, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University
• Grant Duration: January 2021 – December 2023

Overview

This grant, funded under grant #545402, is a nationwide evaluation led by Dr. Lily Zhuhadar and Dr. Allie McCreary in collaboration with the Public Lands Service Coalition (PLSC). The study assesses the impact of AmeriCorps members in mitigating invasive species and reducing wildfire fuel loads on public lands, a crucial collaboration with federal agencies such as the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). AmeriCorps members play a critical role in supporting these efforts, contributing significantly to invasive species management and wildfire risk reduction, thereby protecting communities and natural habitats. 

Research Objectives and Methodology

The primary aim of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of AmeriCorps programs in controlling invasive species and managing wildfire risks. The evaluation uses advanced statistical methods, including Difference-in-Differences (DID) analysis and Multiple Linear Regression, to provide both individual and collective insights into the programs’ practices and outcomes.

On August 22, 2022, Co-PI Dr. Zhuhadar presented this research at the 31st International Scientific Conference in Burgas, Bulgaria. In this presentation, Dr. Zhuhadar introduced the method (Before-After-Control-Impact Quasi-experimental Design) used to assess the impact of AmeriCorps members on natural and recreation resource enhancement. These results demonstrate members’ efficacy in improving trails and habitats on public lands, enhancing recreational access and experiences, reducing fire risk, and decreasing invasive plant cover resulting in improved ecological conditions for native species. Here is a  linkto this paper. For an in-depth exploration of all the details and insights, please access the report directly through this  link.

Key Findings

1. Invasive Species Control:

   • The analysis revealed that several AmeriCorps programs demonstrated statistically significant success in eradicating invasive species, although results varied depending on plot characteristics and the nature of the targeted species.
   • Native species presence influenced outcomes significantly, highlighting the need to consider initial conditions when assessing intervention efficacy.

2. Wildfire Fuel Reduction:

   • Data indicated minimal changes in litter depth following mechanical thinning, though a reduction in canopy coverage was observed in specific programs.
   • The lack of significant changes in the lowest live branches metrics suggests a need for reevaluation of existing assumptions in wildfire management strategies.

3. Program-Specific Insights:

   • The Conservation Corps MN & IA and Montana Conservation Corps showcased effective strategies and outcomes.
   • Programs such as the VA Service & Conservation Corps and American Conservation Experience provided a comprehensive view of the complexities involved in managing invasive species and wildfire fuels.

Challenges and Limitations

• Inconsistencies in data collection intervals across programs and varied geographic and climatic conditions impacted the results.
• Observational variations due to individual AmeriCorps members and multicollinearity issues presented further challenges.

Global Relevance and Implications

The findings align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the global significance of this research. The insights provide a framework for international adaptation, particularly in regions facing similar environmental challenges. The study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and strategic alliances in effective environmental management.

Conclusion & Recommendations

AmeriCorps members play a vital role in environmental stewardship, as highlighted in this study. The research emphasizes the need for ongoing partnerships with government agencies and suggests improvements in data collection practices for future evaluations. Strengthening collaborations, implementing strategies informed by research, and unifying efforts are essential to addressing the global challenges of invasive species control and wildfire risk management.

This project not only advances the understanding of environmental interventions but also lays the foundation for scalable, transnational strategies aimed at sustainable land management.

Data Source

Data Source used for the pilot can be downloaded from here:

• forest_fuel_sampling.csv (link)
• forest_fuel_pilot (link)
• forest_fuel_plot_data.csv (link)
• invasive_species_pilot.csv (link)

Code

Cloud-live code can be accessed from this link.