The Rangeland Cup team problem solving competition is an activity to promote critical thinking and cooperative, collaborative work on current topics and/or topics of historical importance to rangeland ecology and management. As we progress in our careers, much of our work is performed as part of a group. This competition is intended to build skills in interpersonal communication and group-problem solving, both of which are highly desired qualities in the workplace.

Non-native invasive species are held responsible for widespread negative economic and ecological effects ranging from reduction of biological diversity to loss of forage production in agro-ecosystems. Invasive species are often listed as a primary resource concern in rangeland systems, but lasting control on a functional scale continues to be elusive. A recent publication questions the wisdom of broad-scale control of invasive species in certain situations by stating that "the treatment can be worse than the disease."

1. For a rangeland region or ecosystem of your choice, identify current trends in the abundance, distribution and issues around invasive species. Using that information and considering today’s social, political, economic and eco-logical dynamics, develop a prediction of the impacts of invasive species in your range region or ecosystem by the year 2030.
2. Devise a strategy to improve the management of one or more primary invasive species in your chosen area. Explain how the implementation of your strategy would alter the outcomes of your prediction above (in task #1).
   • Use logic and literature to support your conclusions for your poster.
   • 2010 Additional task: Produce a digital video describing your project above to be displayed on the internet and as part of the meeting in Denver. Teams that produce a video will receive additional Rangeland Cup points.

To register your team send an email to rangelandcup@rangelands.org, including your school/university, names of team members and mentor, contact information (email, phone, address) of at least one team member. Contest guidelines and regulations may be found at http://agronomy.unl.edu/range/Rangelandcup.htm or by emailing the address above. We look forward to the strong competition and creative ideas on this challenging topic. Good luck!

Registration DEADLINE for the 2010 Rangeland Cup Competition: October 31, 2009