Summary

The ecological integrity of the Great Plains is increasingly threatened by multiple stressors, including invasive species, climate change, and land-use changes. Invasive grasses and woody plants are of particular concern, as they outcompete native vegetation, replace habitat, reduce agricultural productivity, and alter water availability. The combined effects of climate change and public land use are only expected to exacerbate these impacts. This paper explores the major ecological and economic impacts of invasive species in the region, as well as the effectiveness of various management strategies.

Key focus areas include:

  • The most problematic invasive species in the Great Plains, including plants, animals, and insects.
  • The role of climate change in facilitating the spread of invasive species.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of the major tools for restoration and integrated invasive plant management in the Great Plains
  • Future challenges and research priorities in invasive species management.

Take-home points:

  • Invasive grasses are difficult to manage in the Great Plains. Morphological and physiological similarities means tools that impact invasives also impact native grasses.

  • Climate change is accelerating the spread of invasive species. The implications of rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns on invasion will be species-specific but may allow invasive species to expand into and thrive in the Great Plains.

  • Land use in the Great Plains presents a management challenge. Fragmentation, private vs. public ownership, off-road vehicles, cultivation of non-native grasses for livestock grazing and fire-suppression efforts, have all contributed to invasion or limiting management efforts, like EDRR.

  • Effective management requires the use of integrated strategies. A combination of prevention, herbicide use, prescribed fire, grazing, biological controls, and habitat restoration is key to long-term invasive species control.

Management Implications:

  • Early detection and rapid response (EDRR) programs can help prevent the establishment of new invasive species, but are often difficult in checkerboard ownership landscapes.

  • Coordinated, multi-state efforts are essential, as plant invasions advance across grassland ownership and administrative boundaries.

  • Better communication and cooperation between public grassland managers, private landowners, and the public that uses many of these lands is necessary for the success of controlling invasive plants.

  • Integrating fire and invasive species management is needed, as some invasives contribute to increased wildfire risks.

  • Defaulting to a single management strategy can lead to ineffective long-term control of invasive weeds.