Integrated Management of Fire-Adapted Invasive Plants That Change Wildfire Regimes

Abstract

Fire-adapted invasive plants alter wildfire regimes by changing the amount, type, and distribution of fuels across landscapes, with cascading consequences for human health, ecological services, and economic systems. This publication examines the two-way relationship between invasive plants and fire: species such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), medusahead (Elymus caput-medusae), and cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) increase fire frequency and intensity through positive feedback loops that favor the invader over native vegetation, while species such as Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) suppress fire by reducing fine fuel loads and outcompeting native grasses and shrubs. Both dynamics degrade native ecosystems and require science-based management responses. The publication reviews the policy landscape governing invasive species management and identifies critical gaps in fire-prone contexts. It presents integrated pest management approaches — including biological, chemical, cultural, and mechanical control methods — alongside revegetation and restoration strategies following invasion and wildfire. Regional case studies from California, the Southeastern United States, and the Sagebrush Steppe–Great Plains transition zone illustrate how these dynamics play out across distinct ecosystems and fire regimes. Effective management requires coordinated action across local, regional, and national scales, informed by life history ecology, landscape resilience, and adaptive management principles.