Invasion of the Pasture Snatchers

by Steven P. Wingerson, Supervisory District Conservationist
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Smith Center, Kansas

Opening Scene – A farmer and his teenage son peer out the side window of the pickup they are riding in. They stop on the road to get a better look. Strange plants dot the snow-covered landscape as far as they can see. The plants have a deep green color, even though it is the middle of winter. The farmer looks concerned, almost frightened. The boy is confused. “Where are we, Dad? Is this our pasture? I cannot see the cows, Dad. Where are the cows?!”

“It’s worse than I thought, Jacob. We had better get home and check on Mom. The pasture snatchers are here……it will not be long now.”

They speed off into the distance, looking back, as if the strange plants could somehow uproot themselves and grab them in their escape.

Plot – Set in Kansas, the plot centers around a battle against invasive trees that are taking over land at an alarming rate. Cattle herds have become obscure and hidden in the dense growth of the trees. Over time, grass production is reduced to such a degree that cattle are no longer profitable. Powerful machines are deployed that cut, chew, and carry away the invading trees. Local conservation workers assist through danger alerts and organized “cutting demonstrations,” much like the jackrabbit and coyote hunts of days gone by. In the end, some land is lost, never to be the same again….for the battle will be too great, too costly.

Cast – The Invaders: Most visible are the Eastern Red Cedar trees. They show themselves readily, summer or winter, always ready for a fight. Less visible, but just as threatening, are the thorny locust trees. Shedding their leaves in the winter, they go into hiding. In legion with the locusts are the Osage orange or “hedge trees.” Both of these Invaders have suckering roots and thorny exteriors, making them more menacing than the cedar trees. Even after being cut, dragged away, and burned…….they live underground, ready to resurface and fight again. Only a lethal dose of herbicide to their open wounds can finish them off, hopefully for good.

The Landowners: A determined group, they are in for the long haul and are not scared of a fight. They attack when provoked by the Invaders and are committed to victory over them. Some battle with their own weaponry in the form of chainsaws, small sprayers, and even fire. Others enlist the Soldiers, equipped with powerful machines to make quick work of the unwelcome guests.

The Soldiers: They come in two breeds. One breed works behind the lines, plotting techniques and supplying funds to assist in the numerous raids. They are known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). They have reinforcements they can call upon such as wildlife biologists and range specialists. These reinforcements may supply more funds or help in strategic attacks. The other breed works on the front lines. They are the Contractors. They own tree-eating machines and are mercenaries for hire. Show them the enemy, and they will reduce it to a pile of debris.

Conclusion – So far, the end is not in sight. It seems the Invaders are still holding onto significant expanses of land. Some areas have been cleared of the enemy; and if he returns, action will be swift. Other strongholds have not yet been penetrated.

Join us – You will not be “drafted” into this war. However, you may willingly enlist to join our forces. If you have seen the enemy on your property, feel free to act, you have the right to bear arms against these Invaders. If you need assistance, contact the NRCS at our USDA Service Center outposts. Together……we will fight!

For more information about NRCS programs, visit the Kansas NRCS Web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Last Modified: 12/11/2008