Impacts and management of invasive cool-season grasses in the Northern Great Plains: Challenges and opportunities for wildlife

Abstract

Grasslands of the Northern Great Plains of North America are in the midst of extensive human-driven loss and redistribution of important species. Invasive plants contribute to degradation of this ecosystem and present monumental challenges for natural resource managers. Widespread decreases in populations of grassland-dependent wildlife, particularly birds, have been documented, but relatively little research has been focused on direct responses of wildlife to invading plants relative to native vegetation. Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) are 2 invasive cool-season grass species found across much of the Northern Great Plains that continue to expand despite management actions intended to reduce them. With eradication unlikely, creativity, cooperation, and science-based management (e.g., Adaptive Management) are paramount to protect and restore the integrity of grassland habitats across the Northern Great Plains. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.