2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 320-273-2191 |
effort by the fullest diversity of agencies, organizations, and individuals.
Identifying Stakeholders
The identification of stakeholders is critical to success. Farmers, ranchers, business men and women, nature enthusiasts, teachers, and children, just to name a few, all have a stake in the prairie and need to be involved with this effort from the beginning. Stakeholders can be identified through public meetings and other forms of outreach.
Assessing Natural and Economic Resource Needs
Most of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie are scattered throughout portions of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa. Stakeholders need to locate these tracts and decide how best to protect or restore them, in concert with landowner and local governments' needs.
Defining Objectives
Following assessments of needs, stakeholders will help determine which areas of prairie, and the manner in which to protect, restore, and manage them. These objectives will be specific to geographic areas where remnant Tallgrass Prairie still exists.
Developing and Implementing Strategies
Opportunities for a wide variety of land treatments exists, ranging from the simplest form of prairie management to acquisition of prairie tracts. Some management techniques can be compatible with livestock operations where both haying and grazing are needed. Once desired land treatments are identified, contributing partners begin implementation.
Continuing Support
Communication and cooperation are necessary in any effort where partners as stakeholders are committed to a common goal. Passing on our prairie legacy will depend on consensus and support from a variety of individuals, groups, and agencies. Information provided through an effective outreach effort is important to keep actions "alive."
