Annual Bromus grass invasion in semi-arid rangelands of the western U.S. alters disturbance regimes, affects native biodiversity and rangeland forage availability, and increases fire suppression costs, resulting in substantial ecological and economic impacts. Natural resource management decisions by private and public land managers affect the prevalence of Bromus grasses and their associated impacts. Managers’ decisions are influenced by a variety of factors including, values, attitudes, beliefs, institutions, and available resources. To examine how bioeconomic analysis can inform Bromus management and policy, this study synthesized economic studies addressing public and private decision-making on semi-arid rangelands affected by Bromusgrasses.
Results/Conclusions
Economic studies have examined the costs and benefits of pre- and post-fire restoration on Bromus affected rangelands, finding that the cost-effectiveness of management varies across rangeland communities, conditions, and intervention type – highlighting where restoration interventions are likely to provide the greatest bang of the buck. In addition, studies have examined how market conditions, uncertainty, and incentive programs affect private decision-making on rangelands. Findings from these studies help inform the role of public programs and policies for aligning private incentives with social goals. Finally, economic studies of coordinated invasive species management suggest that coordination of invasive annual grass management across locations can improve outcomes.