The Use of Low-Growing Species on Military Ranges.

Current military land management needs include a rapidly establishing ground cover for erosion control purposes.  Many installation seeding mixes include a range of native species which tend to be significantly taller than the non-native species used for much of the erosion control and critical planting. Most native species are over 16 inches in height at full maturity. The suite of risks associated with taller vegetation heights includes increased fuel loads, non-desireable species habitat, interstitial void areas, etc.   In general, vegetation height is rarely considered when developing a seed mix unless a specific regulation dictates its height for the purposes of mowing, or safety.  Vegetation heights are limited around airstrips, for example, to reduce the chances of bird strikes.   This talk will provide background information on the use and adaptation of low growing native grasses for the purpose of erosion rehabilitation on military installations.