Restore Land, Grow Business: Get Funding!

This project would employ a variety of mechanisms to discourage woody vegetation from continuing to alter the grassland plant community on the Ranch. For example, isolated mesquite and juniper would be grubbed from the ground, piled, and burned, and re-sprouts or seedlings could be selectively sprayed to secure viable grassland conditions. Reseeding of some grubbed areas could also be accomplished. As different control mechanisms are tested on the ranch, it is expected that adaptive management techniques will ultimately provide focus on the most cost effective, efficient, and successful method for removing invasive woody vegetation from portions of the landscape.

Up to 1,000 acres will be treated to reduce the impacts of mesquite and juniper invasion from the landscape. Providing opportunities for precipitation to remain on the landscape, rather than running off as floodwater, will enhance soil saturation and infiltration, allow grassland stabilization, and help replenish the shallow aquifer upstream from the refuge. Initial and recurring control of mesquite, juniper, and other potentially invasive perennial woody plants that have taken over grassland sites will ensure the integrity of grasslands and the survivability and productivity by many native wildlife species.