Scientific studies that document invasive grass impacts on fire and methods to control their spread in the Intermountain West, USA from 1985 to 2023

Many non-native invasive grass species increase wildfire activity and recover more quickly than native species. This invasive grass-fire cycle has severe negative consequences for ecosystems, creating a need to understand how different invasive grass species alter fuel characteristics and fire behavior, as well as effective treatments to reduce their spread. We reviewed and compiled recent (1985-2023) scientific literature on six focal grass species common to the Intermountain West, USA: red brome [Bromus rubens (L.)], cheatgrass [Bromus tectorum (L.)], Lehmann's lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees), buffelgrass [Pennisetum ciliare (L.) Link], Mediterranean grass [Schismus arabicus Nees and Schismus barbatus (Loefl. ex L.) Thell.], and medusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski]. These data include information from studies that were conducted in the Intermountain West in natural systems, or in controlled lab, greenhouse, or field environments meant to simulate natural systems (cropped/urban systems were excluded). To be included, the studies must have quantified the impacts of one or more of the focal invasive grasses on fuel characteristics, wildfire behavior, or treatments to reduce their spread. These data can be used to identify and assess common treatment methods and their effectiveness, inform needs for future research, and apply knowledge learned from these invasive grasses to others with similar invasion potential and life histories.