I'm glad you brought up the question regarding value to cheatgrass. There is definitely a cost associated with doing nothing and allowing cheatgrass to thrive.
The frequency and intensity of wildfires across the Western US is a prime example of doing nothing. Take a look at critical sage grouse and mule deer habitat loss across the West where high intensity wildfires consume large acres of sage and browse. Can you put a value on loss of this habitat? As a hunter I see fewer tags issued if fewer deer are present. Ultimately with fewer deer and other game species present the game departments in each state sells fewer tags which equates to less license revenue.
If you live in the West, how much did your state spend on wildfires last year and how many homes were consumed? Millions are spent each year fighting wildfires and the loss of homes. Many of these wildfires are fueled by cheatgrass. We've had multiple wildfires in cheatgrass country where I live the past 3 years that have cost millions of $ in home loss and wildfire fighting expenses. This definitely is a cost for doing nothing!
To me as a land manager, if I do nothing I see loss of native diversity and productivity of wildlife habitat. We have conducted research in collaboration with CSU/U of Wyo and have discovered that native plant, rare/concern species, pollinators, ground nesting birds, and other wildlife diversity increases where cheatgrass is removed. It's tough to put a price on loss of diversity of these species. To me it is super exciting to make a difference and see native species prosper where cheatgrass is controlled.
Talk to any cattle rancher that is faced with infestations of cheatgrass, medusahead, and ventenata that has sprayed thousands of acres of these invasive winter annuals in Sheridan County Wyoming. Ask them how much more forage is available for their cattle and if their cattle gains are substantially higher where they have sprayed these invasive annuals. I'm sure they know exactly how much $ this is saving them each year and the years to come. I can guarantee their AUM's are dramatically increasing!
Finally, ask Sublette, Sheridan, and Carbon County what they think of the stunning results of long-term cheatgrass control in their areas. They will likely tell you it's worth every penny! They are spraying thousands of acres to improve wildlife habitat and livestock grazing. I hope you had the chance to listen to the webcast....the weed coordinator in Sublette County mentioned that so far they have sprayed 63,000 acres of cheatgrass. They must be excited about what they are seeing?
If you are a land manager or cattle rancher I would certainly take a closer look! My invitation is always open to give you a personal tour to view the large scale cheatgrass properties we have sprayed on critical wildlife habitat and livestock grazing properties. We are seeing 4 to 6+ years of cheatgrass control on these properties...I know you will be impressed! The wildflowers are just starting to appear and it will be colorful the next few weeks. Please pm me if interested in taking a hike and look!
