Background, Methods, Goals, Challenges, Opportunities, and Information Needs

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5018-A
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Prepared in cooperation with the University of Colorado Boulder
Edited by: Christine D. Miller Hesed and Heather M. Yocum

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Abstract

Understanding how climate change and variability will impact grassland ecosystems is crucial for successful grasslands management in the future. In 2020, the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center began a project to establish a baseline of information to best serve grassland managers (that is, those individuals who develop grassland management plans, implement those plans on the ground, or both) at Federal, State, and Tribal agencies; nongovernmental organizations; and partnerships to help meet regional grassland management goals. This chapter presents the main findings from the review and synthesis of 183 grassland management-related documents relevant to the North Central region. Specifically, this chapter describes the methods by which grassland management-related documents were identified, reviewed, and synthesized; defines five North Central Grassland Ecoregions; provides a synthesis of regional grassland management goals and challenges; identifies information needs relevant to grassland management in a changing climate; and summarizes grassland management issues by ecoregion. 

Suggested Citation

Miller Hesed, C.D., and Yocum, H.M., eds., 2026, Background, methods, goals, challenges, opportunities, and information needs, chap. A of Grassland management priorities for the North Central region: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5018–A, 108 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255018A.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • Executive Summary
  • Section A1. Background and Methods 
  • Section A2. Introduction to the North Central Grassland Ecoregions 
  • Section A3. Grassland Management Goals, Challenges, and Information Needs
  • Section A4. Differentiating Threats and Management Opportunities by Grassland Ecoregion
  • Glossary
  • Appendix A1. Grassland Management-Related Documents Used in Synthesis
  • Appendix A2. Methods Used to Create Maps and Calculate Acreages
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Background, methods, goals, challenges, opportunities, and information needs
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5018
Chapter A
DOI 10.3133/sir20255018A
Publication Date February 10, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center
Description Report: xiii, 108 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Other Geospatial North Central region
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details