Early travelers on the Jornada del Muerto such as Susan Shelby Magoffin of El Paso reported in her diary that the area was predominately grama grass. Interpretations from an 1858 land survey indicate much larger areas of grassland than today. Shrubs were restricted to gravelly upland, arroyos and river sites. Early researchers at the CDRRC such as Ken Valentine and John Norris saw an increase in the number of undesirable shrubs and the reduction in the size of grassland... The decision was made to begin a brush control program that would try to preserve the desert grassland for future researchers. Today that program continues to control shrub invasion which threatens to eliminate much of the grassland.

The following maps have been constructed to allow researchers to be aware of when and where herbicide applications have been made at the ranch.

Small Experimental Herbicide Plots

In 1984 and 1985 large experimental plots were treated with various herbicides at different rates. These plots were applied with a fixed wing aircraft.

Recent Individual Plant Treatments

Since 1985, only individual mesquite plants have been treated. In general, only plants interfering with roadways, pasture fences or creating difficulties when handling animals have been subject to treatment.