The goals and mission statements of several grassland conservation organizations are presented here to illustrate the range of programs in this region. The mission statements of these groups have several similar points:
- a voluntary, cooperative process;
- emphasis on economic, social and cultural concerns as well as wildlife; and
- involvement of a growing diversity of stakeholders.
You are encouraged to contact any of these groups for more information. Hopefully, you will join one of them, as well.
Northern Plains Conservation Network
Over twenty plains-based conservation organizations participate in the Northern Plains Conservation Network, sharing a vision of restoring a portion of the northern Great Plains to as natural a state as is possible. The group prepared a major computer-based conservation assessment of the entire northern Great Plains, determining which areas are most suited for landscape-scale restoration. Palliser's Country was recognized as one of the ten best sites.
Organizations or individuals interested in learning more about this group are invited to contact Jonathan Proctor at jproctor@defenders.org.
National Association of Conservation Districts
The need for local leadership in managing our natural resources was one of the most important factors leading to the establishment of conservation districts nearly 60 years ago. Over the years, federal, state and local governments have channeled assistance through conservation districts to address virtually every aspect of natural resource conservation.
This process of local people working to assess community conservation needs, make decisions and implement solutions is called Locally Led Conservation.
Several, if not all, of the states have local conservation districts that are coordinated by a state-wide association. This two-tier structure seems to be useful. It would be interesting to learn how these were set up, and how the system can best be imported to Canada.
Association of Montana Conservation Districts
Great Plains Restoration Council
The Great Plains Restoration Council (GPRC) presents this mission statement:
"To restore the ecological health of a significant portion of the North American Great Plains ecosystem, so that all native wildlife and ecological processes exist into perpetuity. GPRC believes that all native wildlife has a right to a free-roaming, self-determined existence inside healthy, traditional homelands. GPRC also works to restore the health of our human communities on the Great Plains, from the rural reservation to the inner city and beyond. People are a part of Nature."
North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation
The Vision Statement of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (Canada, United States and Mexico) working on Grassland Species of Common Conservation Concern:
WHEREAS most grasslands in North America are degraded and/or transformed; and
WHEREAS the integrity of grasslands is important for the survival of prairie wildlife, in particular, species of common conservation concern, and all biological diversity; and
WHEREAS grasslands are linked to the viability of ranching and agricultural communities; and
WHEREAS we recognize the direct, human benefits of ranching and agriculture, all that rely on healthy grasslands and wise stewardship;
WHEREAS we recognize the need to reestablish the integrity of grasslands in North America;
THEREFORE WE RESOLVE AS OUR VISION
To develop a network of functioning, sustainable, workable grassland landscapes through the principles and practices of maintenance, prevention and recovery of species of common conservation concern in North America through multilevel collaboration.
Big Open
The first broad grassland conservation initiative was Montana's "Big Open" (choose "Focus Areas"). A small group of volunteers has promoted this simple concept for fifteen years. If you would like to get involved, e-mail Bob Scott at bob@bigopen.org or phone him at (406) 363-5067.
Sandhills Task Force
The Sandhills Task Force, working under the slogan "where people and land are one", promotes the conservation of this large but sensitive region of central Nebraska. This group coordinates the distribution of funds from several state and non-government agencies to ranchers implementing conservation projects. Overall, about 19,000 sq mi of native mixed and tallgrass prairie are managed. Within this enormous dune complex can be found over a million acres of wetlands that are important for migrating waterfowl as well as the local cattle. Membership is generally limited to landowners in the area, but more information can be obtained by calling Byron Eatinger at 308 748-2228.
Conservation Alliance of the Great Plains
The Conservation Alliance of the Great Plains, based in Lincoln NE, has this mission statement: "To preserve and restore native grassland ecosystems and to advance eco-cultural restoration and sustainable communities on the Great Plains". The Alliance is promoting the creation of a large, restored prairie landscape, perhaps centred on the Black Hills. At the same time, more local issues are also used to raise awareness.
Colorado's Financial Incentives Program
Colorado Department of Natural Resources has recently established the Species Conservation Partnership, a program that will pay landowners to maintain habitat that is suitable for certain endangered or threatened wildlife. Participation is entirely voluntary, and it is hoped that sufficient land will come under this program to prevent wildlife population declines that could trigger the strict requirements of the Endangered Species Act. We should follow this project to see if it could be used as a model elsewhere, and at the same time, encourage the State of Colorado to ensure that sufficient funding is available to make a significant difference.
MOYOCO (Upper Missouri, Yellowstone, and Upper Columbia River) Ecosystem Plan
December 2001
PURPOSE AND MISSION STATEMENT
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has practiced an ecosystem approach to landscape and wildlife conservation from the first acquisition of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge to more recent efforts to protect endangered species. These efforts have been dedicated to the Service's mission:
"to conserve, protect, and enhance the Nation's fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people".
"This document outlines a strategic plan of action for the Upper Missouri/Yellowstone/ Upper Columbia River (MOYOCO) ecosystem in accordance with Service ecosystem management policy. The plan establishes three geographic focus areas within the ecosystem, defines the Service's vision for each focus area, and sets specific goals and objectives. Timely accomplishment of the goals set forth in this plan are dependent upon both internal staff and financial resources, and the participation of partners. This plan also contains a decision matrix for the MOYOCO to provide guidance when opportunities to address natural resource issues arise within the ecosystem. The role of the MOYOCO Core Team is to lead the effort to accomplish the mission of the Service in the Upper Missouri, Yellowstone, and Upper Columbia watersheds.
"This plan is a working document that will change over time as new information and technology becomes available or Service policy changes. At a minimum, the plan will be reviewed and revised as appropriate at least every five years.
MOYOCO ECOSYSTEM VISION:
"The vision of the Ecoteam is a MOYOCO ecosystem in which:
- natural, healthy ecological processes dominate;
- threatened, endangered, and endemic species are protected:
- recreational opportunities are enjoyed in a way compatible with resource protection;
- economic development complements environmental protection;
- decisions are based on the best available scientific data;
- all stakeholders are involved in a collaborative decision-making process;
- actions are guided by adaptive, flexible management and monitoring; and
- partnerships are the norm."
Bootstraps Program
The Bootstraps program is a grass-roots effort that addresses community need by providing the tools and atmosphere for self-help to people interested in
lifelong learning.
The program was developed during 1988-90 by a group of community leaders from south central South Dakota. It grew out of the innovation and the dedication of community leaders who analyzed the challenges facing not only their profitability, but also their
community and their families.
Great Plains Partnership
The Great Plains Partnership was an initiative of the Western Governors Association that presented this vision for the future of the Great Plains:
"We, the people of the Great Plains Region, share a Vision for the future. In this Vision, we have the freedom and opportunity to achieve our personal, family, business and career goals. We are prosperous, healthy and safe. We are proud and protective of our heritage, which includes the natural systems and species characteristic of the Plains. We value and accept a wide diversity in age, culture, spiritual belief, and ability.
"We rely on each other and on healthy ecosystems, prosperous rural communities, and healthy, prosperous cities. Opportunity for future generations is guaranteed because we protect the natural and environmental resources upon which all goals ultimately depend. We are served by responsive and effective government. Our health, prosperity and generational sustainability is expressed and perpetuated through economic, biological, social and cultural diversity."
Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association
Ranchers surrounding Wyoming's largest National Grassland have recently formed the Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association. This group hopes to cooperatively develop an ecosystem management plan for upwards of five hundred thousand acres of private and public land. Support from U.S. Senator Mike Enzi has encouraged the federal and state management agencies to join in. A symposium was held in November 2001 to assess the resources of the area and to begin to identify the important issues.
