Eric Thacker

Publications | Book Chapters

• Thacker, E., Dahlgren, D., Stoner, D., Clayton, M., (2023). A Perspective on Rangeland and Wildlife Disciplines: Similarities Over Differences: Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Springer International Publishing
• Busby, F.E, Thacker, E., (2023). Rangeland Ecoregions of Western North America. In Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.
• Scasata, , Thacker, E., (2023). Role and management of fire in rangelands. In Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Fact Sheets

• Bailey, E., Thacker, E., Monaco, T.A, Veblen, K.E, (2024). Mountain Big Sagebrush Restoration in Former Dryland Pasture. USU Extension Fact Sheets
• Veblen, K.E, Thacker, E., Larese-Casanova, M., Nehring, K., Duniway, M., Brungard, C., (2023). Establishing big sagebrush seedlings on the Colorado Plateau. USU Extension Fact Sheets
• Mann, R.K, Monaco, T.A, Veblen, K.E, Thacker, E., Burritt, E., (2020). Shrub management handbook for Utah.
• Dahlgren, D., Messmer, T.A, Thacker, E., (2016). Considerations for Sage-Grouse Management Objectives. USU Extension
• Dahlgren, D., Messmer, T.A, Thacker, E., (2016). Considerations for Sage-Grouse Management Objectives. Utah State University Extension
• Dahlgren, D., Thacker, E., Messmer, T.A, (2015). What does a Sage-grouse Eat?. USU Extension Fact Sheet
• Burritt, E., Monaco, T., Thacker, E., (2014). Should Ranchers Value Sagebrush? Why We Need Sagebrush. Utah State University Extension

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Journal Articles

Academic Journal

• Farnsworth, C., Longmore, A., Thacker, E., (2025). Evaluating 51 Years of the High School Range Camp. Outcomes and Impact Quarterly, 5:1, doi: 10.59620/2995-2220.1092
• Barkat, Z., Ulrich-Schad, J.D, Thacker, E., (2025). Ranchers’ Views of Smart Foodscapes: Applied and Methodological Insights. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 98, 293-296. doi: 10.1016/j.rama.2024.08.027
• Villalba, J., Shreiber-Pan, S., Veblen, K.E, Muzzo, B., Thacker, E., (2024). Islands of Plant Diversity within Working Landscapes: A Strategic Intervention for Restoring Rangeland Monocultures. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, section Agroecology and Ecosystem Services
• Jablokski, , Thacker, E., (2024). Principles for successful livestock grazing management on western US rangelands.
• Barkat, Z., Schad, J., Thacker, E., (2024). Ranchers’ Views of Smart Foodscapes: Applied and Methodological Insights. Rangeland Ecology & Management
• Wilmer, H., Ferguson, D.B, Dinan, M., Thacker, E., Adler, P.B, (2024). Resilience Is Not Enough: Toward a More Meaningful Rangeland Adaptation Science. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 95, 56-67. doi: 10.1016/j.rama.2024.04.003
• Bailey, E., Thacker, E., Monaco, T., Veblen, K.E, (2024). Transplanted “wildlings” exhibit higher survival than greenhouse-grown tubelings yet both recruit new plants. BMC Ecology and Evolution
• Thacker, E., Veblen, K.E, (2024). Transplanted sagebrush “wildlings” exhibit higher survival than greenhouse-grown tubelings yet both recruit new plants. BMC Ecology and Evolution, 24:1, doi: 10.1186/s12862-024-02236-z
• Cohen, E., Decker, T., Thacker, E., (2023). Evaluating targeted grazing as a fuels treatment. . Journal of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Volume 16:2
• Thacker, E., PROVENZA, F.D, (2023). Review: Rangeland management in Tanzania: Opportunities, challenges, and prospects for sustainability. International Journal of Tropical Drylands, 7:2, doi: 10.13057/tropdrylands/t070204
• Riginos, C., Veblen, K.E, Gunnell, K., Thacker, E., Monaco, T.A, (2023). Resistance and resilience framework predicts vegetation responses to shrub reduction treatments in the sagebrush ecosystem. Rangeland Ecology & Management
• Veblen, K.E, Schupp, E.W, Boettinger, J.L, Villalba, J.J, Thacker, E., (2022). Soil depth and precipitation moderate soil textural effects on seedling survival of a foundation shrub species. Restoration Ecology, 30:6, doi: 10.1111/rec.13700
• Veblen, K.E, Nehring, K., Duniway, M., Knight, A., Fick, S., Monaco, T., Schupp, E.W, Boettinger, J.L, Villalba, J., Brungard, C., Thacker, E., (2022). Soil depth and precipitation moderate soil textural effects on survival of sagebrush plantings on the Colorado Plateau . Restoration Ecology, 30, e13700.
• Thacker, E., (2022). Relative Influence of Precipitation and Grazing on a Salt Desert Shrub Plant Community. Western North American Naturalist, 82:2, doi: 10.3398/064.082.0203
• Adler, P.B, Brunson, M., Thacker, E., (2021). Making research relevant: Sharing climate change research with rangeland advisors to transform results into drought resilience. Rangelands, 43:5, 185-193. doi: 10.1016/j.rala.2021.08.004
• Ransom, C., Thacker, E., Palmer, M., (2021). Herbicidal control of deathcamas (<i>Zigadenus paniculatus</i>). Weed Technology, 35:3, 380-384. doi: 10.1017/wet.2020.102
• Riginos, C., Monaco, T.A, Veblen, K.E, Gunnell, K., Thacker, E., Dahlgren, D., Messmer, T.A, (2019). Potential for post-fire recovery of Greater Sage-grouse habitat. Ecosphere, 10:11, e02870.
• Riginos, C., Monaco, T.A, Veblen, K.E, Gunnell, K., Thacker, E., Dahlgren, D., (2019). Potential for post‐fire recovery of Greater Sage‐grouse habitat. Ecosphere, 10:11, doi: 10.1002/ecs2.2870
• Riginos, C., Veblen, K.E, Gunnell, K., Thacker, E., Monaco, T., (2019). Disturbance type and sagebrush community affect plant community structure following sagebrush reduction. Rangeland Ecology and Management, 72, 619-631.
• Stonecipher, C.A, Thacker, E., Welch, K.D, Ralphs, M.H, Monaco, T.A, (2019). Long-Term Persistence of Cool-Season Grasses Planted to Suppress Broom Snakeweed, Downy Brome, and Weedy Forbs. Rangeland Ecology &amp; Management, 72:2, 266-274. doi: 10.1016/j.rama.2018.10.008
• Rigby, C., Jensen, K., Creech, J.E, Thacker, E., Waldron, B., Derner, J., (2018). Establishment and Trends in Persistence of Selected Perennial Cool-Season Grasses in the Western United States. Range Ecology and Management, 71, 681-690.
• Thacker, E., (2018). A Comparison of Two Herbaceous Cover Sampling Methods to Assess Ecosystem Services in High-Shrub Rangelands: Photography-Based Grid Point Intercept (GPI) Versus Quadrat Sampling. Rangelands, 40:5, 152-159. doi: 10.1016/j.rala.2018.08.004
• Thacker, E., Larsen, R., Ramsey, D., Provenza, F., (2018). Upland Bare Ground and Riparian Vegetative Cover Under Strategic Grazing Management, Continuous Stocking, and Multiyear Rest in New Mexico Mid-grass Prairie. Rangelands, 40:1, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rala.2017.12.004
• Tanner, E.P, Elmore, R.D, Davis, C.A, Fuhlendorf, S.D, Dahlgren, D., Thacker, E., Orange, J.P, (2016). Does the presence of oil and gas infrastructure potentially increase risk of harvest in northern bobwhite?. Wildlife Biology, 22:6, 294–304.
• Orange, J.P, Davis, C.A, Elmore, R.D, Tanner, E.P, Fuhlendorf, S.D, Thacker, E., (2016). Evaluating the efficacy of brood flush counts: a case study in two quail species. Western North American Naturalist, 76:4, 8.
• Thacker, E., Hamm, R.L, Hagen, J., Davis, C.A, Guthery, F., (2016). Evaluation of the Surrogator® system to increase pheasant and quail abundance. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 40:2, 310–315.
• Thacker, E., Springer, T.L, (2016). Preference of pen-reared northern bobwhite among native plant seeds of the sand sagebrush-mixed prairie. The Southwestern Naturalist, 61, 307-311.
• Braithwaite, H., Bateman, T.M, Veblen, K.E, Thacker, E., Villalba, J.J, (2016). Identification of elk preferences for different diet supplements. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 40:2, 368-374. doi: 10.1002/wsb.633
• Braithwaite, H., Bateman, T.M, Veblen, K.E, Thacker, E., Villalba, J., (2016). Identification of elk preferences for different diet supplements. The Wildlife Society Bulletin, 40, 368-374.
• Tanner, E.P, Elmore, R.D, Fuhlendorf, S.D, Davis, C.A, Thacker, E., Dahlgren, D., (2015). Behavioral responses at distribution extremes: how artificial surface water can affect quail movement patterns. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 68:6, 476–484.
• Dahlgren, D., Larsen, R.T, Danvir, R., Wilson, G., Thacker, E., Black, T., Naugle, D.E, Connelly, J.W, Messmer, T.A, (2015). Greater sage-grouse and range management: insights from a 25-year case study in Utah and Wyoming. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 68:5, 375–382.
• Carroll, J.M, Davis, C.A, Elmore, R.D, Fuhlendorf, S.D, Thacker, E., (2015). Thermal patterns constrain diurnal behavior of a ground-dwelling bird. Ecosphere, 6:11, 1–15.
• Tanner, E., Elmore, D., Fuhlendorf, S., Davis, C., Thacker, E., Dahlgren, D., (2015). Behavioral responses at distribution extremes: How artificial surface water can affect quail movement patterns. . Range Ecology and Management, 68:6, 476-484.
• Carrol, M., Davis, C., Elmore, D., Fuhlendorf, S., Thacker, E., (2015). Thermal patterns constrain diurnal behavior of a ground-dwelling bird. Ecosphere
• Thacker, E., Scasta, J., Hovick, T., Engle, D., (2015). Patch-burn grazing (PBG) as a livestock management alternative for fire-prone ecosystems of North America. RENEWABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS1, 1-18.
• Dahlgren, D., Larsen, R., Danvir, R., Wilson, G., Thacker, E., Naugle, D., Black, T., Messmer, T.A, (2015). Sage-grouse response to sagebrush treatments: Insights from a 23-year case study in Utah. Rangeland Management and Ecology - Society for Range Management, 68:5, 375-382.
• Thacker, E., Messmer, T., Burritt, B., (2015). Sage-Grouse Habitat Monitoring: Daubenmire versus Line-Point Intercept. Rangelands, 37:1, 7-13. doi: 10.1016/j.rala.2014.12.002
• Thacker, E., Messmer, T.A, Burritt, E., (2015). Daubenmire vs Line Point Intercept as Cover Measurements for Sage-Grouse Habitat. Rangelands, 37, 7-13.
• Thacker, E., Gardner, D.R, Messmer, T.A, Guttery, M.R, Dahlgren, D.K, (2012). Using gas chromatography to determine winter diets of greater sage-grouse in Utah. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 76:3, 588–592.
• Dahlgren, D., Messmer, T.A, Thacker, E., Guttery, M.R, (2010). Evaluation of brood detection techniques: recommendations for estimating greater sage-grouse productivity. Western North American Naturalist, 70:2, 233–237.
• Thacker, E., (2009). Seeding Cool-Season Grasses to Suppress Broom Snakeweed (<i>Gutierrezia sarothrae</i>), Downy Brome (<i>Bromus tectorum</i>), and Weedy Forbs. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 2:3, 237-246. doi: 10.1614/ipsm-08-129.1

In-House Journal

Professional Journal

• Stonecipher, C., Ransom, C., Thacker, E., Whelch, K., Gardener, D., Palmer, M.D, (2020). Herbicidal control of deathcamas (<i>Zigadenus paniculatus<i>). Cambridge Core Weed Technology
• Dahlgren, D., Messmer, T.A, Crabb, B.A, Larsen, R.T, Black, T., Frey, S., Thacker, E., Baxter, R.J, Robinson, J.D, (2016). Seasonal movements of greater sage-grouse populations in Utah: Implications for species conservation. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 40, 288–299.
• Dahlgren, D., Messmer, T.A, Crabb, B., Larsen, R., Black, T., Frey, S., Thacker, E., Baxter, R., Robinson, J., (2016). Seasonal movements of greater sage-grouse populations in Utah: Implications for species conservation.. Wildlife Society Bulletin , 40, 288 - 300.
• Messmer, T.A, Thacker, E., (2013). Greater Sage-Grouse Sex Ratios: Does the Evidence Support the Assumption? Journal of Wildlife Management. Journal of Wildlife Management, 77, 1593-1597.
• Guttery, M., Messmer, T.A, Thacker, E., (2013). GREATER SAGE-GROUSE (CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS) SEX RATIOS: . Journal of wildlife management, 8:77, 1593-1597.

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | MultiMedia

Audio

• Garcia, M., Larsen, R., Thacker, E., (2020). Beef Educator Series Podcast-Kevin Heaton Inverview. *
• Garcia, M., Larsen, R., Thacker, E., (2020). Beef Educator Podcast-Wrap up on first three producer interviews. *
• Garcia, M., Larsen, R., Thacker, E., (2020). Beef Educators Podcast- Interview with Calvin and Rhett Crandall. *
• Garcia, M., Larsen, R., Thacker, E., (2020). Beef Educators Podcast- Interview with Christen Pedersen. *
• Garcia, M., Larsen, R., Thacker, E., (2020). Beef Educators Podcast-Interview with John Ferry. *

Video

• Garcia, M., Larsen, R., Thacker, E., (2020). Beef Educators Podcast-Compatible range genetics. *
• Garcia, M., Larsen, R., Thacker, E., (2020). Drought Prepardness Podcast part 1.

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Technical Reports

Research Reports

Other Reports

• Thacker, E., Twidwell, D., (2014). Synthesis of the effect of fire on lesser prairie‐chickens. Great Plains Fire Science Exchange

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.

Publications | Other

Bulletins

• Dahlgren, D.K, Thacker, E., Messmer, T.A, (2015). What does a sage-grouse eat?. Utah State University Extension

Other

An asterisk (*) at the end of a publication indicates that it has not been peer-reviewed.