Revised Page: Annual Update 2003
  Introduction to the Grasslands Chapter
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Note that the data published in the 2002 State of the Nation’s Ecosystems Report as well as the 2003 and 2005 Web-Only Updates have been superseded by the 2008 Report and thus should be used with caution. For the most recent data, purchase the 2008 Report from Island Press.

Can we report trends? Are there other useful reference points?

System Dimensions Updated
Data Available Area of Grasslands and Shrublands How much land is covered by grasslands and shrublands? Current data only  
Partial Data Available Land Use How are grasslands and shrublands used? How many acres are used for livestock grazing; oil, gas, and mineral development; rural residences; intensive recreation; “protected areas”; and the Conservation Reserve Program? Trends 2003
2005
Data Inadequate Area and Size of Grassland and Shrubland Patches What fraction of grasslands and shrublands is found in patches of various sizes? No data reported  

Chemical and Physical Conditions Updated
Data Inadequate Nitrate in Groundwater How much nitrate is there in groundwater in grasslands and shrublands? No data reported  
Data Inadequate Carbon Storage How much carbon is stored in grasslands and shrublands? No data reported  
Data Available Number and Duration of Dry Periods in Streams and Rivers How many streams have zero flow for at least one day a year? For these streams, are the dry periods getting longer or shorter? Trends  
Data Inadequate Depth to Shallow Groundwater What is the depth to shallow groundwater in various parts of the country? No data reported  

Biological Components Updated
Partial Data Available At-Risk Native Species How many grassland and shrubland native species are at different levels of risk of extinction? Current data only  
Data Inadequate Non-Native Plant Cover What percentage of grassland and shrubland plant cover is not native to the region? No data reported  
Data Available Population Trends in Invasive and Noninvasive Birds Are invasive bird populations increasing more than other bird populations? Trends  
Data Inadequate Fire Frequency Index Are grassland and shrubland fires occurring more or less frequently than in presettlement times? No data reported  
Indicator Development Needed Riparian Conditions What is the condition of stream banks (riparian areas) in grassland and shrubland areas? No data reported  

Human Uses Updated
Data Available Production of Cattle How many cattle are fed on grasslands and shrublands? Trends 2003
2005
Data Inadequate Recreation on Grasslands and Shrublands How much recreational activity takes place on the nation’s grasslands and shrublands? No data reported  

Data Available All necessary data Available Partial Data Available Partial data available Data Inadequate Data not adequate for national reporting Indicator Development Needed Indicator development needed
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Last Revised: Friday, 25-Apr-2008 11:33:59 EDT