Get reliable rangeland science

Cheatgrass is an invasive winter annual grass prevalent enough in the state of Wyoming to warrant concern from public and private land managers. It is one of many detrimental invasive species in the state, which means prioritizing to ensure the most efficient use of time and resources is important. Current distribution models do not provide enough information for effective prioritization. This project has three objectives:1) synthesize distribution data from around Wyoming, (2) develop a distribution model, and (3) develop a spatially-explicit prioritization model based on invasion status, estimated recovery potential, and potential as wildlife habitat. We developed a rapid assessment protocol to classify survey points into invasion levels based on measures of cheatgrass, native plants and other qualitative measures (disturbance, other invasive grasses, etc.). Over 1800 sites were surveyed in the past two summers, and including these surveys, we have compiled cheatgrass data for over 20,000 sites. Roughly 60% of the sites classified had no cheatgrass. Survey goals included balancing spatial representation of the state the first season and targeting dominant cheatgrass infestations the second season. Distribution prediction models are almost complete for the state as well as more focused regional models for primary drainage basins in Wyoming. These models will be used to identify areas of high risk for cheatgrass dominance, and in conjunction with habitat indicators, to prioritize areas for management action. The final goal is to provide a tool to land managers that will be the first step in a statewide cooperative approach to managing cheatgrass.