Economic Effect of Leafy Spurge in the Upper Great Plains: Methods, Models, and Results

Abstract

Research was initiated in 1989 to develop a bioeconomic model of leafy spurge in the upper GreatPlains.The study resulted in two M.S. theses, several monographs, and numerous articles in periodicals and professional journals.Methods included budget analyses and regional economic analyses.Models of leafy spurge patch expansion, infestation and grazing carrying capacity, infestation and wildlife habitat, and wildlife and wildlands were developed.Leafy spurge infestation results in an estimated direct annual impact of $40.5 million in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.Impacts in North Dakota account for nearly 67 percent of the total.Total secondary impacts could be as high as $89 million per year and represent the potential loss of 1,433 jobs.While more work could be done to refine the models, it is clear that leafy spurge control deserves attention, especially when leafy .surgeacreage has been doubling about every ten years.