What if most of the forested plateaus in Yellowstone burned and were replaced by grasslands? And what if the grasslands were covered not by native plants important to the health of elk and deer, but exotic cheatgrass? Sholly says park managers need to anticipate the future and try to prevent disasters when there's still time, not wait for them to happen.  Photo courtesy D. MacDonald/National Park Service
What if most of the forested plateaus in Yellowstone burned and were replaced by grasslands? And what if the grasslands were covered not by native plants important to the health of elk and deer, but exotic cheatgrass? Sholly says park managers need to anticipate the future and try to prevent disasters when there's still time, not wait for them to happen. Photo courtesy D. MacDonald/National Park Service