Cheatgrass and range science: 1930-1950

Abstract

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) is currently and historically has been a serious point of contention among a wide variety of people interested in sagebrush (Artemisia) bunchgrass rangelands. Nowhere are these differences more apparent than in the scientific community. Our purpose is to provide a historical per spective of the influence of cheatgrass invasion on western rangelands (1930-1950). This was a period of awakening interest by range scientists. Range managers, the livestock industry, and scientists have always had a love-hate relationship with cheatgrass. It provides the bulk of the forage on many ranges, yet it is the symbol of environmental degradation. Trying to cope with the endless ramifications of cheatgrass invasion, dominance, persistence, and potential community decline keep forcing scientists to critically evaluate the ecological principles upon which range management is based.