2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 320-273-2191 |
Dynamic Fish and Wildlife Populations ...
From the raspy song of the savannah sparrow to the eerie cry of a solitary coyote, the Tallgrass Prairie provides excellent habitat for many fish and wildlife species. Some of the most common waterfowl of prairie wetlands and grasslands include mallard, pintail, canvasback, and blue-winged teal. Prairie wetland inhabitants frequently heard but seldom seen include American bittern, sora and yellow rail. The praririe also provides important migratory habitat for such arctic nesters as the snow goose.
Many resident wildlife common to the prairie are economically important. Among these include white-tailed deer, red fox, mink, and muskrat. Recreationally, important fish that inhabit the rivers, streams, and lakes of the prairie include northern pike, largemouth bass, perch, crappie, and bluegill. The prairie is also inhabited by rare and important insects such as Dakota skipper butterfly.
Fish and wildlife of the prairie are dependent upon diverse plant communities that are rooted in the deep, fertile soils. Praririe grasses historically abundant throughout the Tallgrass prairie include big bluestem, little bluestem, switchgrass, and sideoats gramma. Among the prairie forbs and flowers that beautify the grasslands are the prairie crocus, blazing star, prairie coneflower, and purple prairie clover. These communities developed under extreme conditions and are dependent upon periodic fires to maintain their vigor and prevent the invasion of woody species.
... Deeply Rooted Rural Communities
Throughout the Tallgrass Prairie are scattered rural communities rich in heritage. From the stately town square of local villages to the silhouettes of abandonned grain elevators anbd tranquil rural churches, generations of small town and rural Americans have existed and evolved with the splendors of these native habitats.
The primary industry of the prairie continues to be agriculture. Corn, soybeans, small grains, livestock, and dairy products are the commodities upon which most rural incomes are based. With a heightened environmental consciousness, many rural communities are re-examining the social, environmental, and econominc benefits of clean water, open space, and wild creatures in natural habitats.
With the support and participation of farmers, ranchers, concerned citizens, teachers, and others, we can restore and protect the Tallgrass Praitrie for future generations. Without the support, future generations may never truly sense the vastness of the prairie as they see a blazing star, hear the meadowlark's song, or feel the gentle breeze of a prairie dawn.
