Cutthroat Grass Communities - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

CUTTHROAT GRASS COMMUNITIES Multi-Species Recovery Plan for South Florida

as yet undescribed, cutthroat grass community types are present on the Lake Wales
Ridge. Understanding local and regional variation is necessary in order to protect the
biodiversity of cutthroat grass communities.

4.2. Fund and conduct research on the effect of livestock grazing on cutthroat grass
communities. Since much of the economic benefit to private landowners of
cutthroat grass communities is derived from revenues generated from livestock
grazing, it is important to fund studies evaluating the effects of livestock grazing on
not only the cutthroat grass community, but also on its flora and fauna. Funding to
evaluate the effects of livestock grazing on cutthroat grass vegetation through
establishment of permanent plots and exclosures to monitor the long-term effects of
livestock grazing should be encouraged.

4.3. Encourage research on prescribed burning in cutthroat grass communities. As
more land with cutthroat grass communities is purchased and/or protected,
management knowledge about the effects of fire frequency, intensity and seasonality
will become increasingly important if we are to maintain the biodiversity of the
cutthroat grass community and landscape. In addition, the long-term effect of
differing fire frequency needs study, since recent trends indicate that many land
managers of public properties are burning cutthroat grass communities typically on
a 3-year rotation, rather than the potentially more natural annual or biennial burn
cycle. Knowledge about the natural fire season and research on fire intervals would
lead to initiation of improved fire management programs.

4.4. Conduct research to determine the applicability and effectiveness of various
mechanical treatments for restoration of severely degraded cutthroat grass
communities. Former cutthroat grass communities that have been degraded because
of fire suppression or other disturbances should benefit from controlled burns.

5. Increase awareness and knowledge of the cutthroat grass ecosystem.

5.1. Provide technical advisory support to private landowners of cutthroat grass
communities. Provide technical information on ecosystem management strategies
and practices to private landowners willing and interested in protecting biodiversity
of cutthroat grass communities.

5.2. Increase public awareness and understanding of the cutthroat grass ecosystem.
Public understanding and approval are required for any conservation effort to be
successful. Public announcements should highlight land acquisition projects such as
Florida’s Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) program and Preservation-
2000. Environmental education programs in South Florida should be encouraged to
distribute materials or develop lesson plans on cutthroat grass community habitats,
cutthroat grass community species and the importance of maintaining natural
biodiversity. Develop a Wildlife Series, like others at GFC, and an education campaign
on cutthroat grass communities.

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