Future of the Great Plains Without Fire

Elimination of fire from the Great Plains is obtainable through complete conversion of rangelands and forests to cropland and asphalt. However, fire suppression efforts are successful and cause major changes in Great Plains ecosystems. The future of the Great Plains with fire suppression would result in the dominance of woody plants; hardships to ranching communities and rural economies; more endangered and threatened species; and increased risk of wildfire to our homes and communities. Prescribed burn associations work to avoid the consequences of fire suppression by bringing communities together to conduct prescribed fires and address regional conservation issues.