Challenges of Brush Management Treatment Effectiveness in Southern Great Plains, United States

Woodland expansion is a global challenge documented under varying degrees of disturbance, climate, and land ownership patterns. In North American rangelands, mechanical chemical brush management practices prescribed fire are frequently promoted by agencies used private landowners to reduce woody plant cover. We assess the distribution agency-supported cost sharing (2000−2017) in southern Great Plains, United States, evaluate longevity treatment application. test general expectation that current paradigm Plains reduces plants conserves rangeland resources at broad scales. This study represents most comprehensive assessment following linking confidential lands data national inventory program (US Department Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service National Inventory). observed regional differences types techniques cost-sharing programs throughout area. Mechanical was common practice shared Texas, while mixture application Oklahoma. Prescribed Kansas with some areas receiving treatment. Our analysis showed management, as implemented, did not tree cover long term minimally reduced shrub Evidence support only existed local site-level scales (40- 50-acre area), but effectiveness short-lived. At scales, changes little no overall net reduction from 2000 2017. These findings bring into question philosophy paradigm, its implementation default conservation practice, prioritization over alternative prevent new establishment enhance resilience rangelands region.