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Protecting our prairies: Research and policy actions for conserving America’s grasslands

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  • Lark, Tyler J.

Abstract

Grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world. They supply vital resources for society, support an abundance of wildlife species, and store rich carbon reserves beneath their surfaces. Despite this, only a fraction of original grasslands in the United States now remains, and their rate of conversion to cropland has recently reaccelerated. This paper discusses opportunities that are immediately available to reduce the loss of U.S. native grasslands (i.e., prairie) and advance toward collective goals in grassland conservation. Potential solution-oriented actions include inventorying and monitoring remaining prairie, reconsidering public and private incentives for conversion and conservation, and establishing an industry-led moratorium on natural ecosystem loss. There is also a need among the engaged communities to develop unified messaging and a shared vision for grassland conservation in the U.S., such as “no prairie conversion” or “zero net loss of grasslands.” Additional tangible steps for action are outlined across the science, policy, and public-driven support arenas and offered for multiple stakeholder groups, including agricultural producers, policymakers, academics, and conservation organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Lark, Tyler J., 2020. "Protecting our prairies: Research and policy actions for conserving America’s grasslands," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:97:y:2020:i:c:s0264837717310372
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104727
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yuting Zhao & Yanfei Pu & Huilong Lin & Rong Tang, 2021. "Examining Soil Erosion Responses to Grassland Conversation Policy in Three-River Headwaters, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Richard Orozco & María Rosa Mosquera-Losada & Javier Rodriguez & Muluken Elias Adamseged & Philipp Grundmann, 2021. "Supportive Business Environments to Develop Grass Bioeconomy in Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Ranjan, Ram, 2024. "Creating synergies between payments for ecosystem services, green bonds, and catastrophe insurance markets for enhanced environmental resilience," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).

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