Presently, a variety of issues threaten the
stability of the region. Some of these are as follows:
- Invasive species
- Lack of state and federal incentives to
manage prairies in a sustainable manner
- Decline in agricultural profitability
- Loss of native plant and animal
- Lack of public understanding of the
value of native prairies
The cornerstone of the Kansas Partners
for Fish and Wildlife Program is the recognition that in order to save the prairies, we
must first keep the ranching community healthy and on the landscape. This premise is
facilitated by working through producer organizations such as the Kansas Livestock
Association, the Kansas Farm Bureau, and numerous other state, federal, and private
The Kansas Partners Program works hand
in hand with private landowners to tailor conservation projects to truly fit the needs of
the individual producer and the needs of the environment.
As an example, invasive species control
benefits both ranch profitability and biological diversity. The two together generate
stability. Assistance with improved grazing strategies can lead to improved profit margin
and greatly improved habitat for a large number of prairie species, such as the lesser and
greater prairie chicken.
In general, native prairie restoration
and enhancement projects average $50 per acre to complete.
Protecting and enhancing streamside
corridors improves fish and wildlife habitats and water quality by limiting livestock
access. Riparian restoation activities cost about $6,000 per mile of stream.
Wetland restorations provide economic
opportunities in the form of recreational use and, at the same time, offer tremendous
water quality and trust species benefits for society as a whole. A "win-win"
project is the definition of success for the Kansas Partners Program. The
cost of wetland restorations in Kansas is currently estimated at $400 per acre.
Native prairie is our number one
priority. Tallgrass prairie is considered to be the most altered biome in North America,
making it a habitat type of concern. Grassland nesting birds are the fastest declining
guild of birds in North America today. Preservation efforts of the prairie ecosystem will
be through educational and financial alliances/partnerships, on-the-ground grassland
management assistance and grassland easement programs.
Playa lakes, other
wetlands and riparian areas are the second priority of the Kansas Partners for Fish and
Wildlife Program conservation efforts. Wetlands and riparian areas have been significantly
altered in Kansas, especially playas, oxbows and saline wetlands which are considered
habitats of special concern.
Our long term goal is
to restore and enhance wildlife habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, and threatened and
endangered species. It is our goal to prevent further listing of plant and animal species
within the state and to show positive gains in terms of acres preserved or restored
relative to all habitats of concern.
- New conservation
partnerships with 100 landowners per year.
- Restore/Enhance 150,000
acres of native tallgrass prairie per year.
- Restore/Enhance 150,000
acres of mid and short grass prairie per year.
- Enhance 30 miles of
prairie streams per year
- Restore 500 acres of
wetlands per year.