Grasslands west of the Mississippi River stretch from Canada to Mexico, divided by the Rocky Mountains in the West and the Great Plains in the East.
Grasslands in this region vary in terms of topography, soils and biodiversity. For example, in the northern parts of the region, temperate grasslands occur with bluestems, grama and needlegrasses dominating, while in the southern regions warmer-season grasses, such as buffalo grass and big and little bluestem, are more prominent.
In North America, grasslands have faced long-standing human disturbance, with the consequences being more severe for the most ecologically-intact areas in the western region. This has been especially evident in the last two centuries due to population growth, increased land-uses, and large-scale manipulation of fire and grazing.
The consequences of human activities include the conversion of grasslands into croplands, the introduction of invasive species, and the destruction of flora and fauna. All of these are contributing to the rapid decline in grassland species and habitats, including pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Grassland communities have also been impacted due to climate change, with shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns projected to have serious consequences. This would have profound effects on the production of forage, food and fiber, soil fertility, water quality, and the rate of invasions.
Land managers in this region are taking proactive measures to ensure the sustainable management of grasslands. These include managing invasive species, restoring native vegetation, conserving key species, controlling wildfires, and implementing adaptive strategies to manage for the changing climate.
The conservation of grasslands is essential for the health of our ecosystems, as well as for providing ecosystem services such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. It is also important for preserving cultural and historical heritage, providing recreational opportunities, and maintaining landscapes of great beauty.
Economy and Livelihoods
Grasslands are of immense economic importance in the West. Cattle ranches, farms and other operations dependent on the healthy stewardship of grasslands, provide livelihoods for families in this region.
The grassland-dependent livestock industry is particularly important to the economic stability of many rural communities, providing nearly 28 million jobs related to crop and livestock production and $122 billion in annual economic output. These jobs support communities in both rural and urban areas, from ranching operations to feed yards, packing plants and stores.
Grasslands are also important for the production of plants and forages, hay, and for providing forage for wild animals. They play a major role in the production of timber, providing a source of materials for paper, wood products, furniture, and textiles.
Grasslands are also essential for Native American cultures, providing resources for ceremonial, religious and spiritual activities, as well as sustenance and traditional medicines.
Policy and Governance
The conservation of grasslands in the West is largely dependent on policies and regulations that encourage and support sustainable land management.
At the federal level, the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Protection Act are two of the most influential pieces of legislation, but state and local governments have also taken a leading role in the management of grasslands.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created various initiatives and programs to conserve grasslands, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). These programs provide financial incentives to farmers and ranchers who practice conservation on their land.
At the state level, the various state fish and wildlife agencies have multiple policies and regulations in place to protect grasslands and their associated species. These typically involve permitting and regulation of grazing and hunting, as well as fire and water management.
In addition, conservation programs and partnerships sponsored by government agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and nongovernmental organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, have been fundamental in protecting grasslands and their associated species.
Local Conservation Efforts
Many communities in the West have taken up local efforts to conserve the grasslands in their area. Private landowners, ranchers and farmers have implemented conservation practices on their land, such as rotational grazing, range management, and prescribed burning, in order to protect and restore grasslands.
Various conservation organizations have also sprung up in recent years, such as the Western Landowners Alliance, the Landowners Stewardship Alliance, and the Quivira Coalition, which aim to promote grassland conservation through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
Local governments have also put policies in place to protect and restore grasslands. These include zoning regulations and programs to protect areas of high biodiversity value, such as riparian areas, wetlands, and keystone species habitats.
These efforts have had a positive effect, with grasslands in the West mostly in good or fair condition in areas under active management.
Citizen Awareness and Action
The long-term conservation of grasslands in the West requires public awareness and action. This is necessary to ensure that policies and regulations are implemented and enforced, and that public and private conservation efforts are pursued.
Awareness-raising activities and programs, such as education initiatives and outreach programs, can help engage the public in grassland conservation. This can include citizen science, public meetings, field trips, and other forms of engagement and education.
Action is needed from citizens to ensure that grasslands remain healthy and intact. This can be through voting for grassland conservation initiatives and advocating for policies that protect grasslands. People can also join grassland conservation organizations and engage in local projects to support the conservation of grasslands.
Individuals and communities have the power to make a difference in the conservation of grasslands, and their efforts can have a long-lasting impact.
Environmental Justice
It is important to recognize that conservation and environmental justice are intertwined. Grasslands historically have been inhabited by indigenous peoples, and many of them rely on the land for subsistence and cultural practices.
The impacts of conservation efforts on local communities must be considered. This includes recognizing the traditional rights of indigenous peoples, consulting with local stakeholders before taking action, addressing any potential adverse impacts of conservation efforts, and promoting grassroots advocacy.
Grassland conservation also needs to be more inclusive and equitable, and recognize that communities of color and other disadvantaged groups are often disproportionately affected by environmental issues.
At the same time, these communities must be involved in decision-making and offered support to ensure they have equitable access to conservation opportunities and resources.
Environmental justice is an integral part of grassland conservation and must be centered in all conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Grasslands west of the Mississippi River are a vital part of the North American landscape, playing an important role in water purification, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration, as well as providing a major economic benefit to the region.
But grasslands have faced major threats from human activities, such as the destruction of species and habitats, conversion to cropland, and the introduction of invasive species. Climate change is also causing shifts in temperature and precipitation, affecting the production of forage, food and fiber.
In response to this challenge, land managers are taking proactive measures to ensure the sustainable management of grasslands, with both policy and local efforts playing an important role. Citizen awareness and action is also essential, and environmental justice must be included in all grassland conservation initiatives.
