All across the northern great plains, select refuges came together to work on a study that would focus on management of native prairie, referred to as Native Prairie Adaptive Management (NPAM). The study is intended to help land managers better respond to threats of invasive species in our native ecosystems. 

 To enroll in the study each Refuge conducted an all-inclusive inventory of their uplands. The study is designed to focus on better management of native prairie, areas never been plowed, so determining a non-native or invasive vegetation component within the native prairie was essential. Data from the inventory was then entered into a computer model that not only analyzed percent of native versus non-native plants but accounts for prior management practices within the study plot areas. Based on the results of data entered, the computer model then makes a suggestion in management technique, such as resting, prescribed burning, grazing, or a combination of these techniques to be conducted the following year to better assist in reducing the percentage of non-natives within the study plot area. The entire process is then repeated each year and another management technique is suggested.