Three Ways to Combat Woody Encroachment
Nearly 8 million acres of intact grassland habitat in the US is threatened by woody encroachment, according to the Nebraska Great Plains Grassland Initiative of the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service. In fact, according to the National Wildlife Federation, grasslands are now disappearing at the same rate as rainforests.
"A lack of woody encroachment control inevitably leads to compromised grasslands which ultimately contributes to the demise of wildlife species that depend on those grasslands," says Logan Cares, Habitat Specialist for Pheasants and Quail Forever. Combating and reversing woody encroachment can be accomplished using a variety of methods. The following approaches, especially when combined, can help restore grassland habitat to a more productive state.
Prescribed Fire
The native plants and ecosystems where bobwhite quail and other upland species thrive are fire dependent. Introducing fire on the landscape can help remove invasive species and encourage the growth of native plants that are in the seed bank. States have different requirements for implementing prescribed fire, such as obtaining a burn permit. Getting into contact with a representative from the state fish and game agency, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, or a local USDA-NRCS office can be a great place to start. Prescribed burn associations, which are co-ops of landowners who assist each other in prescribed burns, are also a resource that can provide training, equipment and boots on the ground for implementing an effective fire plan. The Great Plains Fire Science Exchange offers an interactive map that can assist landowners in finding PBAs in their area.
Mechanical Removal
Alongside fire, mechanical removal is an important part of reducing woody encroachment. Mechanical removal can be broken down into mechanical removal with hand tools such as chainsaws or loppers and mechanical removal with heavy equipment such as brush hogs. Simply put, mechanical removal is cutting down woody growth.
For smaller or more targeted removals, hand tools can be very effective. Electric chainsaws and pole saws can be an easy-to-use alternative to hand loppers or gas-powered tools. Brush hogs and other similar equipment are better suited for larger projects. Cost share projects, such as Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ “Habitat First,” or cost share through the USDA-NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife Program can help pay the cost of mechanical removal.
When using mowing as part of a mechanical removal strategy, waiting longer to mow can pay big dividends for wildlife. Upland bird species such as quail and turkeys rely on intact native grasslands for successful brood rearing. Native grasses and forbs provide cover for juvenile birds to escape predators and habitat for the insects that upland birds need to grow! The timing of when to mow or hay varies depending on the state, but in Kansas for example, the best time to hay is in mid-July.
Herbicides
Herbicides are a valuable tool in upland habitat restoration, especially when dealing with invasive species such as autumn olive or bush honeysuckle. Many woody species can’t be controlled with mechanical means alone. Combining mechanical cutting with herbicides can keep pesky woody species from reappearing. Oftentimes, invasive species such as bush honeysuckle will also remain active while native species are dormant, which makes it possible to target them without affecting desired species.
If the goal is to target woody species alone, it’s best to avoid using herbicides like glyphosate unless it’s being applied after non-target plants have entered dormancy. It’s also vital to spray during low to no wind days to minimize the drift of herbicides and to wear proper protective equipment. Long pants, a long shirt, gloves and safety glasses are a must when handling any herbicide. To prevent toxic exposure, landowners should read and follow the correct mixing ratios given by the manufacturer.
Better Together
While each of these three management tools works for removing woody plants, they are best used in combination with each other! Incorporating all three into a land management plan is an important step towards creating quality upland habitat. Landowners can work with conservation professionals and other experienced landowners through a local prescribed burn association or other co-ops to develop such plans. Cost share programs through the USDA-NRCS and local fish and game agencies can also help make a management plan more financially feasible. To learn more about programs available for landowners, contact a local USDA-NRCS Service center.
