This research paper compares the costs of converting 139 chaparral areas to grass and maintaing the conversion over a 50-year period with the benefits to society in terms of increased water yield and forage for livestock, and reduced firefighting costs.

Chaparral in Arizona is used far below its potential. Conversions to grass can greatly increase water and grass production, and improve wildlife habitat. Management options include conversion to grass, maintaining shrubs in a sprout stage, changing shrub composition, reseeding, and using goats to harvest shrub forage.