Barbara Allen-Diaz
Ph.D. Wildland Resource Science, University of California, Berkeley, 1980
M.S. Range Management University of California, Berkeley, 1978
A.B. Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, 1975
Anthropology-Biology University of Washington, 1971-1974Professional Certifications and Awards
I study how rangeland ecosystems respond to herbivory, fire, and management. I ask questions about how rangeland plant community distribution is related to physical site variables such as elevation, slope, aspect, soil type, and climate, as well as to biological and management variables such as grazing and fire history, etc. Then I examine whether the patterns in community response are predictable at various scales. I develop plant community models of ecosystem response which are intended to improve land management decision making.
My current research focus addresses political and management issues of livestock grazing contribution to nonpoint source pollution. Common belief is that livestock are a major source of degradation to riparian vegetation, streambanks, and water quality. Furthermore, livestock grazing in the uplands is believed to be a significant source of pollution in rangeland watersheds.
I have several projects, at different scales, examining rangeland watershed functioning. With other colleagues, I am studying spring systems in oak woodland/annual grass dominated rangelands to determine spring type, relationship to site, and response to herbivory. I am experimentally manipulating cattle grazing intensity in replicated sub-watersheds containing springs and riparian areas to determine vegetation, channel, and water quality response. I am simultaneously monitoring an ungrazed watershed to determine the yearly cycle of water movement in and through the system.
I am also interested in grazing season and fire effects on plant community composition, native plant distribution, and water quality and runoff. I continue to study the effects of spatial and temporal scale on plant community dynamics, biodiversity, and ecosystem productivity.
Students working with me are interested in general questions of ecosystem response to various disturbances and effects of management activities My students are specifically interested in oak woodland, riparian, wetland, and meadow rangeland ecosystems and approach research questions from plant community, landscape, and ecosystem points of view. All the students working with me are interested in rangeland vegetation change and the mechanisms involved in predicting change as well as options for good and/or better management of resources.
ESPM 116B Range Ecology
This course covers the science and management of the complex and extensive terrestrial ecosystems that make up the world's rangelands. Students are first introduced to the background of ecological science, emphasizing a hierarchical approach coupled to an explanation of how rangeland ecosystems function. The course covers important rangeland types in detail and introduces the important management and restoration techniques.Executive Associate Dean, College of Natural Resources, July 1, 2002
Associate Dean of Research and Extension, College of Natural Resources, July 1, 2000
Member, NAS/NRC Committee, Ungulates in Yellowstone NP, 1998-2002
Chair, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, 1996
Head, Division Ecosystem Sciences, Dept. ESPM, UCB 1994-1996
Convening Lead Author, Chapter IIA.2. Grasslands and Rangelands, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: Second Assessment 1994-1996
Director, Society for Range Management, 1991-1993
President, California Section, Society for Range Management. 1995-1996
Professional Certifications and Awards
California Certified Rangeland Manager: License #59
SRM Certified Rangeland Manager: #CP99-55
Outstanding Achievement Award, Society for Range Management, 2001
Copyright © 2004 U.C. Regents | Last Modified: 04/29/2004