Invasive grasses are proliferating rapidly across the sagebrush biome. Where prevalent, annual invasive grass species like cheatgrass increase fire risk and intensity, and alter critical functions of ecosystems like nutrient cycling. Managers of invasive plants have limited time and funding to fight invasives across the entire sagebrush biome, and thus, need tools that can support decisions regarding where and when to implement specific management actions.

 

In this study, authors used vegetation cover data from 1987-2021 to measure yearly invasive annual grass cover and rates of change in invasive annual grass cover across the sagebrush biome. They found that rates have accelerated over time but were highly variable across the biome. 

 

The authors also identified and mapped potential invasive annual grass management opportunities across the sagebrush biome given invasive annual grass percent cover and rates of change in cover. The associated decision triangle (Figure 1) and map (Figure 2) can assist managers in identifying areas in need of different types of management action.

 

Full Citation: Roche, M.D., Crist, M.R., Aldridge, C.L., Sofaer, H.R., Jarnevich, C.S., Heinrichs, J.A., 2024, Rates of change in invasive annual grass cover to inform management actions in sagebrush ecosystems: Rangelands, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rala.2024.10.001.