Sagebrush ecosystems are the picture of the American West. Seas of aromatic bushes spread across the dry, cold-desert landscape, functioning as shelter for some species. Birds and rodents nibble on flowers and grasses, and the sage grouse, a species experiencing dramatic population declines, relies on intact sagebrush habitat to perform its iconic mating dance. Not only is ecological integrity in sagebrush communities critical for wildlife, but humans also rely on sagebrush systems for livestock grazing, recreation, water and nutrient cycle regulation, and cultural significance.