The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announces the naming and release of 'Windbreaker' big sacaton for use in the southwestern US.

'Windbreaker' big sacaton ( Sporobolus wrightii Munro ex Scribn. (Poaceae)) is released as a foundation class of certified seed from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and in cooperation with the New Mexico State Uni - versity located in Las Cruces. This cultivar release is justified primarily because it can alleviate conservation concerns, allow - ing ecosystems to stabilize from the effects of erosion processes found in its area of adaption. Propagation of this species is needed to increase its availability to the commercial industry in the southwestern US. There is a high potential for immediate use of this species. This cultivar will be an essential tool for conservationists in the protection of several different land uses.