Managing invasive plants on Great Plains grasslands: A discussion of current challenges

Authors: Gaskin, John; ESPELAND, ERIN - Retired ARS Employee; JOHNSON, CASEY - Us Forest Service (FS); LARSON, DIANE - Us Geological Survey (USGS); MANGOLD, JANE - Montana State University; MCGEE, RACHEL - Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecological Association; MILNER, CHUCK - Us Forest Service (FS); PAUDEL, SHISHIR - Oklahoma State University; PEARSON, DEAN - Rocky Mountain Research Station; PERKINS, LORA - South Dakota State University; PROSSER, CHADLEY - Us Forest Service (FS); RUNYON, JUSTIN - Us Forest Service (FS); Sing, Sharlene; Sylvain, Zachary; SYMSTAD, AMY - Us Geological Survey (USGS); TEKIELA, DANIEL - University Of Wyoming

Submitted to: Rangeland Ecology and Management
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/5/2020
Publication Date: 9/27/2021
Citation: Gaskin, J.F., Espeland, E., Johnson, C., Larson, D., Mangold, J., McGee, R.A., Milner, C., Paudel, S., Pearson, D.E., Perkins, L.B., Prosser, C.W., Runyon, J.B., Sing, S.E., Sylvain, Z.A., Symstad, A.J., Tekiela, D.R. 2021. Managing invasive plants on Great Plains grasslands: A discussion of current challenges. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 78:235-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2020.04.003.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2020.04.003

Interpretive Summary: Plant invasions in the North American Great Plains present unique problems for sustainable management. New and persisting noxious weeds and invasive native plant species are an ongoing threat to the productivity and biodiversity of these valuable lands. New invasive species, multi-user conflicts, patchy patterns of ownership, inadequate funding and administrative policies make implementation of invasion management plans challenging. In this paper we discuss selected, pressing issues including how to manage undesired grasses and native trees, and alternate methods of prioritization of target species. We include a discussion on the latest control method options, including herbicides, biological control, fire and grazing, and how and when to use them in an integrated manner on these grasslands. We review recent changes in restoration practices and how they are used as an additional control method, including a discussion of soil legacies and their influence on invasion. For those involved in grassland invasive plant management or those about to enter the field of grasslands management, our intent is to supply useful information gathered by experienced voices in the management and research communities.

Technical Abstract: Plant invasions in the North American Great Plains present unique problems for sustainable management. New and persisting noxious weeds and invasive native plant species are an ongoing threat to the productivity and biodiversity of these valuable lands. New invasive species, multi-user conflicts, patchy patterns of ownership, inadequate funding and administrative policies make implementation of invasion management plans challenging. In this paper we discuss selected, pressing issues including how to manage undesired grasses and native trees, and alternate methods of prioritization of target species. We include a discussion on the latest control method options, including herbicides, biological control, fire and grazing, and how and when to use them in an integrated manner on these grasslands. We review recent changes in restoration practices and how they are used as an additional control method, including a discussion of soil legacies and their influence on invasion. For those involved in grassland invasive plant management or those about to enter the field of grasslands management, our intent is to supply useful information gathered by experienced voices in the management and research communities.