Bald Hills prairies and pastures throughout Humboldt County and elsewhere. Tall oatgrass was introduced about 100 years ago as forage for livestock. It has expanded it range in the Bald Hills prairies of the Redwood National and State Parks. Tall oatgrass is taller and more aggressive than any of the native Bald Hills prairie plants. Unless grazed or burned, it spreads year after year, displacing native species.
Research shows that the native Roosevelt elk make little use of tall oatgrass in the diets.
Tall oatgrass is a threat to the integrity of the Bald Hills prairie ecosystem. Intense livestock grazing keeps it short so that it cannot outcompete other plants, especially when the grazing is concentrated in late spring. One of the goals of the parks' prescribed burn program in the Bald Hills is to slow the spread of this invasive grass. The newly burned grasslands attract elk because of their greater forage value. Eliminating tall oatgrass from areas where it is already well established is presently beyond our means.