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shrubs burning
Case Study

Shrub Control to Restore a Coastal Prairie Ecosystem

Researchers from the University of Texas at Brownsville (now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) partnered with The Peregrine Fund and USFWS to evaluate several nature-based strategies for grassland management to address honey mesquite and huisache shrub encroachment in the Bahia Grande coastal prairie. The team measured the effectiveness and financial cost of various combinations of mechanical treatments, herbicide applications, and prescribed fire at reducing cover of woody plants.

Location Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Bahia Grande Unit
Year
2023

Details

Hazards
Shifting Species, Habitats, and Ecosystems
Assets
Natural Areas and Wildlife
People
Sources
USFWS—U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Read the Full Case Study

Funding & Building Capacity

This project was funded by The Peregrine Fund, University of Texas - Brownsville, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, South Texas Refuge Complex - Fire Program, and the USFWS Coastal Program

 

Organizations

USFWS—U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Relevant Options

Consider using the US Forest Service's monitoring tools, including the Design and Analysis Toolkit for Inventory and Monitoring among others, for planning, Provide sufficient habitat for native pollinators and beneficial species in and adjacent to agricultural areas. Continue to acquire open spaces, enhance habitats and restore native vegetation.

Steps to Resilience

Get Started
Understand Exposure
Assess Vulnerability & Risk
Investigate Options
Prioritize & Plan
Take Action
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