Seth Munson, Ph.D.
Seth Munson is an ecologist with the Southwest Biological Science Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. His research focuses on plant-soil interactions in dryland ecosystems and how these interactions are affected by climate and land use changes.
Much of Dr. Munson's research aims to understand the dynamics of dryland ecosystems at long temporal and broad spatial scales, and employs a multidisciplinary approach. His work seeks to improve the management of arid and semi-arid lands, including determining effective ecological restoration strategies, and is done in close collaboration with several land management agencies.
Check the Science Tab Below for a List of Current Research Projects.
Research Interests: Plant Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, Dryland Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Soil Erosion
Professional Experience
Research Ecologist, US Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ
Adjunct Faculty, Northern Arizona University, Department of Biological Sciences, Flagstaff, AZ
Adjunct Faculty, Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ
Jan 2011 - Dec 2013: Research Ecologist (Mendenhall Fellow), US Geological Survey, Geology and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, CO
Dec 2008 - Jan 2011: Ecologist, US Geological Survey, Canyonlands Research Station, Moab, Utah
May 2004 - Nov 2008; Research Assistant, Colorado State University, Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Fort Collins, CO
Sep 2002 – May 2004; Research Associate, University of New Mexico, Biology Department, Albuquerque, NM
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, May 2009
B.A. Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN, May 2001
Science and Products
Conflict of energies: Spatially modeling mule deer caloric expenditure in response to oil and gas development
Southeast Utah Group climate and drought adaptation report: Exposure and perennial grass sensitivity
Functional composition of plant communities mediates biomass effects on ecosystem service recovery across an experimental dryland restoration network
Primary production responses to extreme changes in North American Monsoon precipitation vary by elevation and plant functional composition through time
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 2021 Report)
RestoreNet: Collaboration to improve success of seed-based restoration on the Colorado Plateau
Winter 2020-2021 edition
Protocol for installing and monitoring a RestoreNet restoration field trial network site
Directional selection shifts trait distributions of planted species in dryland restoration
Remotely sensed fine-fuel changes from wildfire and prescribed fire in a semi-arid grassland
Does restoration of plant diversity trigger concomitant soil microbiome changes in dryland ecosystems?
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Conflict of energies: Spatially modeling mule deer caloric expenditure in response to oil and gas development
Southeast Utah Group climate and drought adaptation report: Exposure and perennial grass sensitivity
Functional composition of plant communities mediates biomass effects on ecosystem service recovery across an experimental dryland restoration network
Primary production responses to extreme changes in North American Monsoon precipitation vary by elevation and plant functional composition through time
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 2021 Report)
RestoreNet: Collaboration to improve success of seed-based restoration on the Colorado Plateau
Winter 2020-2021 edition
Protocol for installing and monitoring a RestoreNet restoration field trial network site
Directional selection shifts trait distributions of planted species in dryland restoration
Remotely sensed fine-fuel changes from wildfire and prescribed fire in a semi-arid grassland
Does restoration of plant diversity trigger concomitant soil microbiome changes in dryland ecosystems?
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.