This mix is intentionally conservative on forbs, focusing instead on species that contribute to soil stability, long-term stand persistence, and reduced fire risk. Select native forbs are included at light rates to support pollinators and ecosystem function without sacrificing grass dominance.
Ricegrass, Indian (0.8), Bottlebrush squirreltail (0.6), Wheatgrass, Thickspike (1), Wheatgrass, Snake River (1.5), Junegrass, Prairie (0.5), Biscuitroot, Nineleaf (0.1), Bluegrass, Sandberg (VNS) (0.6), Wheatgrass, Bluebunch (2), Globemallow, Monro's (0.05). Created January 2026.
Why Choose this mix?
- Designed for arid sites and annual-grass pressure
- Emphasizes native perennial grasses that hold ground
- Helps reduce cheatgrass re-invasion over time
- Excellent base for phased restoration (forbs can be added later)
- Lower-maintenance and cost-effective for large acreages
Ideal Uses
- Grassland restoration and fire rehabilitation
- NRCS conservation plantings
- Large-acreage rangeland projects
- Pre-habitat foundation for wildlife or pollinator upgrades
Best Fit
- Snake River Plain
- Southern Idaho valleys and benches
- Dry to semi-arid sites with invasive annual grass pressure
This mix is commonly used in support of the following NRCS practices (final approval always rests with the local planner):
NRCS 327 – Conservation Cover
Establishes permanent vegetative cover to reduce erosion, improve soil condition, and suppress invasive annual grasses.
NRCS 528 – Prescribed Grazing
Provides a resilient perennial grass base suitable for deferred or managed grazing systems once established.
NRCS 645 – Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
Creates foundational structure for upland wildlife habitat, with the option to layer in future forb or shrub enhancements.
Installer Notes & Establishment Guidance
Seeding Timing
- Dormant fall seeding (late October–December) is strongly recommended for the Snake River Plain.
- Early spring seeding is possible, but fall seeding generally provides better moisture timing and weed suppression.
Seedbed Preparation
- Control cheatgrass and other annual weeds before planting (chemical or mechanical).
- A firm, clean seedbed is critical—boot heel should sink no more than ½ inch.
- Avoid excessive soil disturbance that brings up additional weed seed.
Planting Method
- Drill seeding preferred using a native-seed or rangeland drill.
- Broadcast seeding can work if followed by light harrowing or packing, but establishment risk is higher.
Seeding Depth
- Target ¼ inch depth or shallower.
- Do not bury seed deeper than ½ inch—most native grasses fail when planted too deep.
- Post-Seeding Management
- Expect slow first-year growth—this is normal for native grasses.
- Avoid grazing for at least 2 full growing seasons.
This mix is your “get the grasses right first” mix — a practical, biologically sound starting point for long-term success on Idaho’s toughest landscapes.
This single mix is designed to replace multiple overlapping Idaho CRP / Range mixes that were previously split by minor species differences but served the same ecological purpose.
CRP / Range Native Grass w/ Forbs series
- ID PF CRP/Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix 1
- ID PF CRP/Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix 2
- ID PF CRP/Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix 3
- ID PF CRP/Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix 4
Lower-diversity range foundations
- ID PF Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix D
- ID PF Range Native Grass w/forbs Mix E
If you would like to order any of these retired mixes, please contact Brooke at bmorgan@pheasantsforever.org
