A User Guide to Selecting Invasive Annual Grass Spatial Products for the Western United States

Fact Sheet 2022-3001
By: , and 

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Abstract

Invasive annual grasses (IAGs)—including Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead), and Ventenata dubia (ventenata) species—present significant challenges for rangeland management by altering plant communities, impacting ecosystem function, reducing forage for wildlife and livestock, and increasing fire risk. Numerous spatial data products are used to map IAGs, and understanding the similarities, differences, and potential tradeoffs among these products is key to selecting the right maps for specific applications. This short guide outlines considerations for selecting regional- and national-scale spatial data to support the management of IAGs.

Suggested Citation

Van Schmidt, N.D., Shyvers, J.E., Saher, D.J., Tarbox, B.C., Heinrichs, J.A., and Aldridge, C.L., 2022, A user guide to selecting invasive annual grass spatial products for the western United States: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2022-3001, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20223001.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Background
  • Spatial Data Basics
  • Considerations for Selecting Spatial Data
  • Selecting a Final Product
  • Evaluating the Accuracy of Spatial Products
  • Assessing Tradeoffs in Product Choice
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A user guide to selecting invasive annual grass spatial products for the western United States
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2022-3001
DOI 10.3133/fs20223001
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description Fact Sheet: 6 p.; Data Release
Country United States
Other Geospatial western United States
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details