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for example, a publication downloaded in February 2014 from the University of
Missouri Extension website notes that B. inermis “can be a valuable cool-season
grass, especially in conjunction with a legume such as alfalfa” (Roberts and
Kallenbach 2000 ). Current US Department of Agriculture information takes a mid-
dle path, offering advice on how to establish and manage B. inermis while caution-
ing “this plant may become invasive” and advising readers to consult local
specialists before planting (USDA 2002 ).
The reasons for these policy discrepancies can likely be ascribed to either of two
factors: utility and futility. The utility explanation acknowledges that Bromus spe-
cies, while often invasive in North America, also can have benefi cial uses under
specifi c circumstances. While B. rubens is generally considered of little value to
livestock and big game, B. inermis has forage value as noted above. B. tectorum is
nutritious when young and palatable to a wide range of ungulates, although its short
green period and variable productivity make it a poor choice for forage and its fl am-
mability offsets its value for many users (Austin et al. 1999 ; Germino et al. 2015a ).
The futility explanation acknowledges that when a species becomes too common, it
may be more useful to focus precious control resources on species that are more
amenable to local eradication. B. tectorum , in particular, is so widespread that eradi-
cation is often impracticable, even on a local basis, and control strategies instead
focus on minimizing its impact and dom inance.
14.3.2 Emerging Institutions for Exotic Invasive Species
Management
A number of collaborative groups have arisen in recent years around exotic plant
management. These volunteer groups (e.g., Nevada’s Spring Creek Weed Action
Team (SWAT), Arizona’s Sonoran Desert Weedwackers, and Montana’s Gallatin/
Big Sky Noxious Weed Committee) typically involve multiple public agencies as
well as citizens groups that collaboratively engage volunteers in mapping, monitor-
ing, and controlling exotic invasive plant infestations. Some are focused on all spe-
cies in a specifi c locale, while others are organized around particular taxa, but nearly
all are geographically limited and supported by a combination of public and private
funds. Such collaboratives are increasingly common to address all sorts of land
management issues. Fernandez-Gimenez et al. ( 2004 ) identifi ed more than 100 col-
laboratives working in Arizona’s rangelands alone, although only a small subset of
those focused on exotic plants. Such groups are increasingly popular because they
can accomplish tasks that are not covered by limited tax revenues, can inform man-
agement decisions with stakeholder perspectives, and can breach communications
barriers between groups of people (e.g., ranchers and environmentalists) to achieve
goals of common interest. However, sustaining volunteer effort over time can be
challenging, and groups often must confront barriers due to inadequate funding and
problems negotiating the complex rules of agency bureaucracies.
M.W. Brunson and H. Kartchner