FUTURE OF THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

          Although an ecosystem sustained by innate change, the Northern Great Plains will demonstrate significant impact in the future due to modern changes that threaten the well being and natural development of the ecosystem (“Northern Great Plains”).

          The land's fertile farmland sustains the production of several crops. Grassland conversion into crops plays a significant role in the future of the Northern Great Plains. Wheat, corn, and soybeans are the major crops in the area. Wheat, taking up 1, 037, 843 acres of land, is the most produced crop in the Northern Great Plains(Rashford). Studies investigate the impacts of changes in crop prices, government payments and climate in order to obtain an enhanced understanding on the possibility of grassland conversion in the Northern Great Plains (Rashford).Grassland in North Dakota faces the greatest risk of grassland conversion due to the increase of price on corn (Rashford). If crop prices increase linearly until 2030, North and South Dakota are expected to lose 3 million acres of grassland to cropland; however, Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska will maintain its grasslands (Rashford). By 2060, an additional 700,00 acres of grassland will disappear in North and South Dakota (Rashford). Government payments also influence landowners in making the decision to convert grassland into crops; thus, without government security, the Northern Great Plains would inhabit an additional 5.5 million acres of grassland (Rashford).

 This chart illustrates a comparison of the presence of cropland in the Northern Great Plains (Rashford).

          The grassland also faces great threat with the possibility of extreme climate change (“Northern Great Plains”). Areas that are predicted to become warmer and wetter are more likely to be chosen for cropland; whereas, regions that are expected to become warmer and drier are most likely to be safe from grassland conversion Rashford). Eastern Montana, an area currently suitable for cropland, may become much more appealing for cropland (Rashford).

          Without a doubt, grassland conversion and climate change significantly disturbs the biological cycles in the Northern Great Plains. Species that better prosper in certain habitats will be forced to migrate. These species will find it difficult to adapt to new environments that do not suit their chances for survival (Shafer). North Dakota hosts 40% of the 1 million waterfowl that settle in the region (Rashford). Waterfowls are expected to move from North Dakota to Montana and South Dakota; thus, implicating a greater significance on wetlands in these areas in order to protect the waterfowls (Rashford).

          If more changes are introduced into the ecosystem, the biological balances within the ecosystem will be disturbed and affect the species that are dependent on various natural factors. Human activities must find a manner to simultaneously exist with species that thrive within the ecosystem.