WEBINAR – Cheatgrass control methods and impacts on perennial grass abundance: A systematic review spanning 64 years
Reducing cheatgrass has been a primary research topic and goal of ecological restoration for over 50 years. Our work examined published studies between 1946 and 2012 to identify how a broad range of control methods influence cheatgrass and perennial grass abundance. Based on this assessment, we identify obstacles encountered in achieving desired restoration and clarify what research is needed to develop improved mechanistic control strategies.
30 Videos Now Available on Science & Management in Sagebrush Country
February 15, 2018Research Says, Adjusting Grazing Practices Can Improve Prairie-Chicken Habitat
February 27, 2018
When: Thursday Mar 8, 2018 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM MST
Hosts: Great Basin Fire Science Exchange, Sage Grouse Initiative, USDA-NRCS, BLM, USDA-ARS, and USFS
Speaker: Tom Monaco, Ecologist at USDA Agricultural Research Service and Utah State University
* Recent IT security changes at government agencies have made it difficult to access the webinar registration links. You may need to register from a personal device, but once registered the webinars can still be viewed from a government computer.
Description: Reducing cheatgrass has been a primary research topic and goal of ecological restoration for over 50 years. Our work examined published studies between 1946 and 2012 to identify how a broad range of control methods influence cheatgrass and perennial grass abundance. Based on this assessment, we identify obstacles encountered in achieving desired restoration and clarify what research is needed to develop improved mechanistic control strategies.
Background: This is part of the 2018 Webinar Series, Moving the Needle on Cheatgrass: Putting What We Know into Practice. This series will provide information on integrated management approaches using specific strategies and proven tools.
Conversion of native rangelands to cheatgrass, and subsequent impacts on wildfire regimes, are one of the most challenging threats to sagebrush ecosystems today. The widespread and complex nature of the problem and lack of clarity on effective management actions are often barriers to implementing meaningful treatments and practices to reduce risks. Although there is no silver bullet, combining cheatgrass reduction treatments with promotion or restoration of perennial vegetation in an integrated, adaptive management framework can move the needle toward maintenance and recovery of functioning ecosystems.
Brought to you by the Great Basin Fire Science Exchange, in partnership with the USDA-NRCS, Sage Grouse Initiative, BLM, USDA-ARS, and USFS
