A ranching economic analysis of ventenata (<i>Ventenata dubia</i>) control in northeast Wyoming

Abstract Invasive species pose a threat to the livelihoods of many people living on rangelands western United States. impact ecosystem goods and services areas they invade represent one largest causes habitat degradation. On private ranches, economic analyses often find that conservation practices, such as invasive control, are not economically viable, in contrast what is found at landscape scale. In northeast Wyoming, ventenata [ Ventenata dubia (Leers) Coss.] relatively new invader Great Plains ecoregion threatens forage production ranches. Our objective was explore costs V. for two options available ranch operation: purchasing extra hay offset losses controlling with herbicide. Using partial budget analysis, we compare these three invasion scenarios using range utilization rates discount rates. Controlling herbicide cheaper option compared additional cases. fact, 50% utilization, it control all our given assumptions. For lower grazing rates, becomes purchase some cases other than worst-case scenario. cases, coordination among ranchers needed effectively . There ranch-specific differences may make different more feasible, did reducing herd sizes. However, results suggest can be an viable under certain circumstances. Additional assistance form cost-share program, facilitation overcome difficulties management species.