Dormant Native Prairie Grasses - Benefit or Hazard?

by Chan Glidewell

I love to see tallgrasses like big bluestem and Indiangrass waving in the wind whenever I travel throughout the Great Plains. The presence of these grasses in a plant community is a good indicator that the pasture has not been overutilized and that the ecosystem is functioning properly. But what if you or your neighbor has decided to leave native grasses standing over the winter? Do these dry, native grass stands present an unnecessary fire hazard? Are there good reasons why someone may choose not to mow their pastures and, if so, are there steps that can be taken to lessen risk?

One reason that grasses may be left standing is a result of a well-managed grazing system. In the practice of rotational grazing, for example, a rancher must have another pasture to go to with their cattle before they graze the grass too short. Just because livestock are not present in some areas does not mean that those pastures are not part of a scheduled or planned grazing system.

Maintaining sustainable forage production and achieving wildlife management goals (not to mention a responsible land ethic) are directly related to accurately determining and adhering to proper stocking rates. Native pastures should not be overgrazed. If livestock are used as a way to "fire-proof" rangeland, many more chronic and costly problems can arise (e.g., decreased forage production, abundance of less desirable and productive plants, reduced water infiltration and reduced overall rangeland health, to name a few) compared to the occasional threat of an uncontrolled fire.

If native grass is allowed to accumulate in the fall and left standing during the winter, a management tool often used on rangelands is prescribed burning. Part of the necessary planning process for a prescribed burn is to allow the grass to accumulate so fire will behave in a manner that will allow the land manager to accomplish his goals and objectives for the burn. Granted, allowing grass to accumulate creates the dilemma that we are faced with when determining if the benefits of prescribed burning outweigh the risks associated with a temporary fire hazard. These risks can be minimized though, by spending time throughout the year maintaining fireguards in and around native pastures. Just as planning, grass accumulation and management are part of the process for prescribed burning, so is the maintenance of adequate fireguards.

As land managers, none of us are immune from wildfires. It is preferable to burn native pastures under a specific "prescription" rather than to suppress and contain a wildfire. However, it is difficult to accomplish vegetation management objectives by always planning for the worst-case scenario. Invest the time and effort to mitigate risks by maintaining roadside vegetation, fencelines and fireguards. At the same time, those who appreciate native landscapes will be able to enjoy the beauty provided by well-maintained rangeland that is allowed to express itself. We can all appreciate our native grasses for the role that they play in wildlife habitat, water cycling and ecosystem health and function.