person My Account  |  logout Logout  |  shopping_cart Cart

Grassland - Direct Threats and Conservation Actions (SWAP)

Threats and actions are not listed in order of priority.

Residential and Commercial Development

1.1 Housing and Urban Areas

Threats

  1. conversion of grassland to urban development
  2. fragmentation of grassland from urban development
  3. disturbance associated with urban development can disperse noxious/invasive weeds
  4. vegetation planted for ornamental purposes can invade adjacent native prairies
  5. mowing of adjacent native and/or tame grasslands for ornamental grooming
  6. pesticide/herbicide application and drift impacts adjacent plant/wildlife species composition
  7. loss of grazing and burning of grasslands near urban and recreational areas
  8. predation of grassland wildlife by domestic animals near urban areas

Conservation Action

  1. direct mortality to wildlife species, particularly birds, from collisions with glass on buildings
  2. offer incentives and programs to protect, enhance, and restore grasslands
  3. develop or support programs, initiatives and statutory language that strengthen the efficacy of conservation measures
  4. urge ecologically responsible urban planning and zoning
  5. urge ecologically responsible urban and county policies
  6. public education and outreach for native landscaping and management
  7. increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the grassland ecosystem
  8. bird-friendly building designs
  9. promote responsible and conscientious use of pesticides

1.2 Commercial and Industrial Areas

Threats

  1. conversion and disturbance of grassland associated with industrial development
  2. increased garbage load, illegal dumping
  3. disturbance associated with development can proliferate noxious/invasive weeds
  4. direct mortality to wildlife species, particularly birds, from collisions with glass on buildings
  5. increasing demand for data center capacity

Conservation Action

  1. develop or support programs, initiatives and statutory language that strengthen the efficacy of conservation measures
  2. urge ecologically responsible ordinances and suitable reclamation standards
  3. bird-friendly building designs
  4. education and outreach for native landscaping and management

1.3 Tourism and Recreational Areas

Threats

  1. disturbance associated with recreational development can disperse noxious/invasive weeds
  2. pesticide/herbicide application and drift impacts adjacent plant/wildlife species composition
  3. unrestrained domestic animals can harass wildlife
  4. introducing woody plant species to native grasslands
  5. improper management of grasslands within recreational areas

Conservation Action

  1. promote “Keep It Native” campaign for greenways, trails, recreational areas, and minimize project footprint
  2. public education and outreach for native landscaping and management
  3. promote ecotourism
  4. urge ecologically responsible ordinances
  5. encourage active management of grasslands, including grazing
  6. promote responsible and conscientious use of pesticides
  7. review policies to allow flexibility in proper management of grasslands

Agriculture

2.1 Annual and Perennial Non-Timber Crops

Threats

  1. conversion of grassland to cropland development
  2. fragmentation of grassland due to cropland development
  3. displacement of grassland wildlife during conversion process
  4. pesticide application and drift impacts on adjacent plant/wildlife species composition, effect on pollinators
  5. increase in soil erosion from wind and water resulting in deposition in grasslands
  6. decline in soil health
  7. impacts to water table and water infiltration rates
  8. changing farm demographics resulting in shift from livestock ranching to crop production, loss of connection to the land, and loss of rural community lifestyle
  9. salinization of land that has been converted to cropland
  10. increase of noxious weeds and invasive plants when grassland is converted

Conservation Action

  1. offer incentives and programs to protect, enhance, and restore grasslands
  2. use a targeted approach to protect, enhance, and restore the most vulnerable grasslands and/or those of high ecological value and connectivity
  3. develop or support programs, initiatives and statutory language that strengthen the efficacy of conservation measures
  4. offer midterm conservation agreements for grassland management and protection
  5. promote working lands conservation agreements
  6. strengthen Farm Bill regulatory provisions (i.e. sodbuster, sodsaver)
  7. offer incentives for wildlife friendly farming, tax-based or direct payments
  8. promote and support regenerative grazing management, collaborate with grassland based agricultural groups
  9. support demo projects and best management practices
  10. promotion of cover crops and soil health
  11. promote equal risk management for grassland-based agriculture
  12. promote responsible and conscientious use of pesticides

2.3 Livestock Farming and Ranching

Threats

  1. absence of grazing
  2. underutilization of grazing or over-rest
  3. overutilization of grazing or overgrazing
  4. shift from ranching (pro-grass) lifestyle to confined animal feeding operations
  5. disturbance, erosion, and decline in soil health in high livestock traffic areas
  6. opposing attitude of using prescribed fire as co-management tool
  7. non-traditional livestock farms may proliferate disease transmission, genetic mixing, escapees, to wild populations
  8. inappropriate fencing (i.e. not wildlife-friendly)
  9. incentives to convert grassland to cropland
  10. public perception that livestock are bad for the climate and lack of knowledge on the importance of grasslands for carbon sequestration and storage
  11. increase of noxious weeds and invasive plants from poor grazing management practices
  12. changing farm demographics resulting in shift from livestock ranching to crop production, loss of connection to the land, and loss of rural community lifestyle

Conservation Action

  1. encourage grazing as a grassland management tool for high resistance and resilience
  2. develop or support programs, initiatives and statutory language that strengthen the efficacy of conservation measures
  3. develop provisions for Farm Bill disaster assistance for livestock producers
  4. promote equal risk management for grassland-based agriculture
  5. establish grassbanks between state/federal/non-governmental land and private ranches
  6. incentivize good grazing management
  7. promote and support regenerative grazing management, use best management practices or ecological site descriptions
  8. build market and corporate support of grass-based livestock
  9. support grazing lands coalitions and work with grass-based agriculture groups
  10. use best management practices or ecological site descriptions
  11. assessment of economic and ecological values of grasslands and associated wildlife, ecosystem services
  12. promote carbon credits, biodiversity credits
  13. encourage smooth wire, at least for bottom wire, and apply visibility markers (wildlife-friendly fencing)
  14. encourage temporary or virtual fencing when possible
  15. promote responsible livestock practices that minimize disease spread (i.e. double fences, appropriate removal of carcasses, etc.)
  16. educate the public on the benefits of working grasslands
  17. support prescribed fire, including training and education

Energy Production and Mining

3.1 Oil and Gas Drilling

Threats

  1. conversion of grassland to well pads, field or production facilities, access roads
  2. fragmentation of grassland to well pads, field or production facilities, access roads
  3. disturbance associated with oil and gas development can proliferate noxious/invasive weeds
  4. inadequate or improper reclamation
  5. illegal dumping of materials and waste
  6. loss of grazing due to disturbance to livestock
  7. increased wildfire risk from drilling and operational activities
  8. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife, e.g. dust, light and noise pollution
  9. diminished forage quality and plant communities due to increased road dust
  10. social apathy to negative ecological impacts of oil and gas drilling
  11. governance apathy to negative ecological impacts of oil and gas drilling

Conservation Action

  1. well pad and facility consolidation, minimize footprint of development
  2. engage in early consultation with the siting of well pads
  3. develop crucial habitat maps or species avoidance areas
  4. follow/implement best management practices
  5. incentivize companies for implementing ecologically sound development
  6. urge ecologically responsible ordinances and suitable reclamation standards and foster relationships with oil companies to stimulate ecologically sound development
  7. urge requirements to promptly reclaim dry or abandoned wells
  8. enforce regulatory compliance and close loopholes which are used to delay or avoid reclamation
  9. public education and outreach
  10. public disclosure of impacts/footprint
  11. research the impacts of oil and gas drilling on grassland habitat and wildlife
  12. explore novel alternatives to offset impacts of oil and gas development

3.2 Mining and Quarrying

Threats

  1. conversion of grassland to mines or quarries
  2. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife
  3. inadequate or improper reclamation
  4. increase of noxious weeds and invasive plants when grassland is mined

Conservation Action

  1. minimize footprint of development
  2. suitable reclamation standards
  3. promote or develop local and state ordinances
  4. delay or halt mining/quarrying for new metals or minerals until local ordinances have been approved

3.3 Renewable Energy

Threats

  1. conversion of grassland to alternative fuel crops
  2. fragmentation of grassland by wind or solar facilities
  3. promotion of non-native, monotypic alternative fuel crops
  4. direct or indirect mortality of wildlife species from structures
  5. altered wildlife migrations
  6. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife, e.g. dust, noise and light pollution
  7. displacement of wildlife

Conservation Action

  1. offer incentives and programs to protect, enhance, and restore grasslands
  2. incentivize companies for implementing ecologically sound development alongside carbon incentives
  3. urge ecologically responsible ordinances and suitable reclamation standards
  4. urge accountability for ecological impacts
  5. minimize footprint of development
  6. research to determine the best areas for placement to minimize impacts to wildlife
  7. use livestock to control weeds
  8. establish pollinator-friendly plantings under solar arrays

Transportation and Service Corridors

4.1 Roads and Railroads

Threats

  1. conversion of grassland to roads and railroads
  2. fragmentation of grassland by roads and railroads
  3. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife, e.g. noise, dust
  4. direct mortality and displacement of wildlife species with vehicles or trains
  5. roads acting as migration barriers for terrestrial wildlife
  6. proliferate noxious/invasive weeds
  7. road and railway incident secondary effects, e.g. spills and explosions
  8. improper herbicide uses in railroad rights-of-way
  9. potential for wildfires, either accidental or from negligent actions
  10. road salt impacts to roadside plants and rights-of way

Conservation Action

  1. urge ecologically responsible ordinances and suitable reclamation standards
  2. appropriate mitigation, e.g. native grassland ecosystems
  3. appropriate road restrictions, including speed limits
  4. reasonable timing restrictions for construction
  5. maintain natural corridors or construct wildlife crossings
  6. use pipelines versus trucking liquids and gas
  7. use native local ecotype seed, including pollinator-friendly, when seeding road rights-of-way
  8. promote adjustments in the timing and frequency of mowing along rights-of-way to minimize impacts to wildlife

4.2 Utility and Service Lines

Threats

  1. fragmentation of grassland by utility and service lines
  2. disturbance associated with development of utility and service lines can proliferate noxious/invasive weeds
  3. inadequate reclamation
  4. intensification and accumulation of infrastructure
  5. reduced management and flexibility in easement rights-of-way
  6. direct mortality of wildlife species, particularly birds, by collision or electrocution
  7. wildlife displacement from tall structures

Conservation Action

  1. consolidation corridors
  2. encourage buried lines when feasible
  3. urge ecologically responsible ordinances and suitable reclamation standards
  4. engage in early consultation with the siting of utility and service lines
  5. reasonable timing restrictions for construction
  6. require line marking devices
  7. use avian protection plans or guidance documents to minimize bird/powerline interactions
  8. use native local ecotype seed, including pollinator-friendly, when reseeding easement rights-of-way

Biological Resource Use

5.1 Hunting and Collecting Terrestrial Animals

Threats

  1. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife, e.g. off-road travel, dog training during nesting season and brood rearing period
  2. disturbance/movement can proliferate noxious/invasive weeds
  3. wildlife value or changing public attitudes towards wildlife, promoting the introduction of nonnative species for hunting
  4. insufficient regulations for collection or harvest of certain wildlife, e.g. reptiles and amphibians
  5. poaching
  6. supplemental feeding
  7. conversion of native grassland to facilitate hunting desires, e.g. converting native to dense nesting cover, trees, food plots, and improper herbicide use
  8. lead ammunition impacts to non-target wildlife

Conservation Action

  1. urge ecologically responsible ordinances
  2. increase enforcement and deterrents
  3. reevaluate or develop regulations pertaining to collection or harvest of certain wildlife, e.g. reptiles and amphibians
  4. public education and outreach
  5. encourage appropriate management of native grasslands
  6. amend dog training laws and regulations to minimize impacts to wildlife during sensitive life cycle periods
  7. encourage non-toxic ammunition use

5.2 Gathering Terrestrial Plants

Threats

  1. unregulated collection of edible/medicinal plants for commercial use/sale
  2. spreading invasive species

Conservation Action

  1. increase enforcement and deterrents
  2. public education and outreach

5.3 Logging and Wood Harvest

Threats

  1. not a threat

Conservation Action

  1. use as management tool to restore grassland

5.4 Fishing and Harvesting Aquatic Resources

Threats

  1. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife, e.g. off-road travel
  2. disturbance/movement can proliferate noxious/invasive weeds
  3. poaching

Conservation Action

  1. urge ecologically responsible ordinances
  2. increase enforcement and deterrents
  3. public education and outreach

Human Intrusions and Disturbance

6.1 Recreational Activities

Threats

  1. damage to grassland habitat from off-road vehicles and trail establishment/fragmentation
  2. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife, e.g. off-road travel, geocaching, paintball, unauthorized camping
  3. littering
  4. proliferate noxious/invasive weeds
  5. potential for wildfires, either accidental or from negligent actions
  6. discouraging proper management of grasslands

Conservation Action

  1. restrict or eliminate off-road vehicle use in environmentally sensitive areas
  2. engage in early consultation with the siting of recreational areas
  3. urge ecologically responsible ordinances
  4. increase enforcement, deterrents and fines
  5. public education and outreach
  6. promote equipment and off-road vehicle hygiene to prevent the spread of noxious weeds

6.2 Military Exercises

Threats

  1. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife

Conservation Action

  1. support responsible processes

6.3 Work and Other Activities

Threats

  1. anthropogenic disturbance to grassland associated wildlife

Conservation Action

  1. urge ecologically responsible ordinances

Natural Systems Modifications

7.1 Fire and Fire Suppression

Threats

  1. fire suppression results in woody encroachment, succession, loss of native diversity, and increase in wildfire risk or severity due to increased fuel loads
  2. lack of funding for fire management
  3. public resistance to use of prescribed fire/controlled burns
  4. insufficient awareness regarding the advantages of prescribed fire/controlled burns

Conservation Action

  1. offer incentives and programs to implement prescribed fire/controlled burns
  2. support fire coalitions and cooperative ventures
  3. obtain funding for fire management programs, staff and training
  4. involve and educate rural or local fire departments
  5. develop fire management plans
  6. public education and outreach
  7. support pro-prescribed fire strategies
  8. encourage post-fire reclamation

7.2 Dams and Water Management/Use

Threats

  1. conversion of grassland to impoundment
  2. may proliferate concentration of salts, heavy metals, etc.
  3. addition of water may proliferate the spread of West Nile virus and other diseases to grassland associated wildlife
  4. inappropriate movement of water as water management
  5. change in water infiltration rates
  6. tile and surface drainage
  7. hydrological impacts from irrigation and ditching
  8. degradation of grasslands from livestock congregation at dams and impoundments

Conservation Action

  1. offer incentives and programs for alternative water sources, e.g. wells, portable water
  2. reclaim deteriorating dams and dugouts
  3. education about dynamic water systems and water management
  4. incentivize buffers/exclusion zones

7.3 Other Ecosystem Modification

Threats

  1. loss of pollinators
  2. loss of native plant diversity
  3. diminishing soil health, e.g. compaction and loss of water infiltration
  4. changes in water systems
  5. loss of genetics for both plants and wildlife
  6. noxious weeds and invasive plants
  7. improper use of herbicides
  8. improper placement of woody vegetation

Conservation Action

  1. promote diversity
  2. plant diverse grass and forb mixes and pollinator plantings
  3. promote soil health
  4. ecosystem education and awareness
  5. follow/implement best management practices for timing and frequency of mowing
  6. follow/implement best management practices for windbreaks or woody plantings

7.4 Removing/Reducing Human Maintenance

Threats

  1. loss of indigenous peoples management regimes, e.g. loss of fires set by indigenous peoples

Conservation Action

  1. include indigenous peoples culture and values

Invasive and Problematic Species, Pathogens and Genes

8.1 Invasive Non-Native/Alien Plants and Animals

Threats

  1. spread and proliferation of invasive or detrimental plants, e.g. Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome
  2. spread and proliferation of noxious weeds
  3. spread and proliferation of invasive woody vegetation
  4. feral and free-roaming domestic animals
  5. hybridization concern

Conservation Action

  1. removal or reduction of invasive or detrimental plants using grazing, fire, chemical and mechanical treatments
  2. removal or reduction of noxious weeds using grazing, fire, chemical, mechanical and biological treatments
  3. prohibit or disincentive new seeding of invasive or detrimental plants, particularly Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome
  4. incentivize native plant seeding
  5. develop recommended plant lists and sources of local ecotype seed
  6. engage the horticultural industry to educate and promote recommended plants and reduce the use of problematic invasive or detrimental plants
  7. public education and outreach
  8. support programs and initiatives to reduce or remove feral animals from native habitat
  9. encourage pet owners to keep animals indoors, in an outdoor enclosure, or on a leash, to protect both the welfare of the animal and wildlife
  10. research control or reduction of invasive plants
  11. incentivize and promote adaptive management or climate informed approach
  12. engage in climate adaptation strategies

8.2 Problematic Native Species

Threats

  1. spread and proliferation of native woody vegetation, e.g. Eastern red cedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, aspen and Western snowberry
  2. grasshoppers

Conservation Action

  1. removal or reduction of undesirable native plants using grazing, fire, chemical and mechanical treatments
  2. develop programs and incentives for woody invasive management, including outreach and education programs
  3. promote natural control
  4. public education and outreach
  5. consider climate adaptation in woody species management

8.3 Introduced Genetic Material

Threats

  1. genetically modified plants enable the use of a broad range of pesticides and herbicides
  2. increase of herbicide resistant plants
  3. risk of loss of genetics with plants and wildlife
  4. neonicotinoid effects on non-target organisms

Conservation Action

  1. promote pragmatic use of herbicides and pesticides

Pollution

9.1 Domestic and Urban Waste Water

Threats

  1. pipeline leaks
  2. inappropriate disposal of untreated sewage
  3. non-point runoff from housing and urban areas, e.g. fertilizer and pesticides from lawns and golf courses

Conservation Action

  1. require pipeline warning system for leak detection
  2. improve reporting and disclosure of incidents
  3. increase enforcement and deterrents
  4. public education and outreach

9.2 Industrial and Military Effluents

Threats

  1. pipeline leaks, e.g. oil and brine water
  2. oil and brine water spills at production or exploration facilities
  3. oil and brine water spills during transportation
  4. inappropriate disposal of brine water
  5. inappropriate disposal of radioactive waste
  6. coal mining and coal-fired power plant waste seepages

Conservation Action

  1. require pipeline warning system for leak detection
  2. require check valves to contain oil in pipeline in the event of a pipeline rupture
  3. improve reporting and disclosure of incidents
  4. quantify the magnitude of incidents, full disclosure of environmental impact
  5. increase enforcement, deterrents and fines
  6. support policies to update deteriorating infrastructure

9.3 Agriculture and Forestry Effluents

Threats

  1. fertilizer and pesticide runoff from cropland
  2. runoff from improperly designed or sited feedlots

Conservation Action

  1. require warning system for waste leakage detection
  2. require full containment feedlot runoff control system
  3. improve reporting and disclosure of incidents
  4. quantify the magnitude of incidents, full disclosure of environmental impact
  5. increase enforcement, deterrents and fines

9.4 Garbage and Solid Waste

Threats

  1. illegal waste sites
  2. litter

Conservation Action

  1. improve reporting and disclosure of incidents
  2. increase enforcement, deterrents and fines

9.5 Air-borne Pollutants

Threats

  1. dust, e.g. from increased traffic on gravel roads, mines or quarries, coal-fired power plants,
  2. pesticide or herbicide drift
  3. hydrogen sulfide
  4. excess carbon dioxide
  5. wind dispersion of nutrients, pollution, or sediments
  6. wildfire smoke

Conservation Action

  1. require warning system for air-borne pollutant detection
  2. quantify the magnitude of incidents, full disclosure of environmental impact
  3. increase enforcement, deterrents and fines
  4. promote carbon credits

9.6 Excess Energy

Threats

  1. light and thermal pollution causing disturbance to grassland associated wildlife, e.g. from natural gas flaring or urban areas
  2. noise pollution, e.g. from increased traffic, work sites
  3. data center disturbance to wildlife, e.g., noise, heat

Conservation Action

  1. improve reporting and disclosure of incidents
  2. quantify the magnitude of incidents, full disclosure of environmental impact
  3. increase enforcement, deterrents and fines

Geological Events

10.3 Avalanches/Landslides

Threats

  1. land sloughing

Conservation Action

  1. offer incentives or programs for sensitive or susceptible land

Climate Change

11.1 Ecosystem Encroachment

Threats

  1. changes in species composition
  2. changes in phenology
  3. changes in species life cycle requirements
  4. timing and intensity of weather events

Conservation Action

  1. alter management plans to adapt to predicted changes
  2. provide habitat connectivity to ease species shifts
  3. research predicted changes and potential impacts
  4. monitor effect of changes
  5. some change is natural, dynamic landscape

11.3 Changes Temperature Regimes

Threats

  1. proliferates invasive plants (see Case Study 2)
  2. limits management actions (see Casey Study 2)
  3. loss of wildlife or plant production (see Case Study 1)
  4. increased mortality of wildlife

Conservation Action

  1. establish grassbanks between state/federal/non-governmental land and private ranches
  2. promotion of cover crops and soil health

11.4 Changes Precipitation and Hydrological Regimes

Threats

  1. proliferates invasive plants (see Case Study 2)
  2. limits management actions (see Case Study 2)
  3. loss of wildlife or plant production (see Case Study 1)

Conservation Action

  1. establish grassbanks between state/federal/non-governmental land and private ranches
  2. promotion of cover crops and soil health

11.5 Severe/Extreme Weather Events

Threats

  1. siltation, sedimentation and erosion
  2. proliferate invasive plants

Conservation Action

  1. offer incentives and programs to protect, enhance, and restore grasslands
  2. incentivize buffers

Other

12.1 Human Dimensions

Threats

  1. social apathy of the value of healthy grasslands and ecosystem services they provide
  2. lack of knowledge of grassland ecosystem
  3. view of grasslands as being of no significance, e.g. “wasteland”
  4. public misconception that livestock are bad for the environment

Conservation Action

  1. increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the grassland ecosystem and ecosystem services
  2. public education and outreach
  3. support grassland coalitions
  4. provide demonstration sites
  5. incorporate grassland education into K-12 classrooms
  6. human dimension research/surveys
Return to 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan Index