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Buffelgrass
By Zack Danis and Brittany Robinson
CITATIONS: Buffelgrass Information Center. (n.d.). Buffelgrass Information Center. Retrieved March 7, 2010, from http://www.buffelgrass.com/ Buffelgrass Information Center. (n.d.). Buffelgrass Information Center. Retrieved March 7, 2010, from http://www.buffelgrass.com/threat.php Buffelgrass Information Center. (n.d.). Buffelgrass Information Center. Retrieved March 7, 2010, from http://www.buffelgrass.com/distribution.php
History of Buffelgrass: Buffelgrass is an African grass that was introduced to improve cattle foraging in tropical and subtropical regions. Buffelgrass was first introduced to the United States in the 1930s as a food for livestock and was also used for erosion control and soil stabilizaton. Expansive infestations of Buffelgrass are becoming more and more common in Arizona.
Solution: We propose to have a public campaign to eradicate Buffelgrass. The city would announce a weekend during which volunteers would be urged to go out and clear the Buffelgrass from their property and their immediate area. The campaign would also include T.V. and radio commericals, funded by the city, educating people on the threats presented by Buffelgrass. Though this would not be effective on a very large scale it would be a start that people wouldn't be hugely opposed to; over time, with people becoming more aware of the dangers of Bufflegrass, these weekend ventures on private property could turn into a full scale crusade against the plant. This seems to be the easiest and most doable way to begin the fight against Bufflegrass and because it is done by volunteers it would require no funding other than for the commercials which would be paid for by the city with donations from private groups.
Why is Buffelgrass a Threat? Buffelgrass is a threat to wildlife in Arizona because it is highly flammable. When you add an easily flammable substansce to the already dry desert of Southern Arizona you create a recipe for disaster. Buffelgrass helps wildfires spread and therefore is hazardous to wildlife living in the area because it destroys their habitats and food sources. Also, Buffelgrass also kills other species of plants, such as Palo Verde, by stealing water from them. Buffelgrass is particularly difficult to combat because it reproduces and spreads its seeds very quickly.
This solution will impact wildlife conservation by eliminating a plant which is a threat to it, its habitats, and its food sources. Possible Side Effects: There are no negative side effects that would come from our solution other than some tired people and sore hands.
