Feb. 07–The lesser prairie chicken is not yet officially listed as threatened, but few would argue their numbers have remained stable in recent years.
The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is asking agricultural producers to participate in a voluntary program to help conserve the bird. The association is accepting applications through Feb. 28.
“We feel like if fully implemented, we would have the species going upward,” said Bill Van Pelt, grassland coordinator for the agencies.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is anticipated to rule within a few weeks whether to offer the bird special legal protection. The determination will be years in the making, after officials have eyed its numbers and sought input.
It’s been a candidate for threatened status since 1998, drawing conflicts between environmental-protection groups and landowners concerned a listing could affect their property rights.
Van Pelt said his organization favors voluntary conservation efforts to prevent the bird’s extinction, but not special legal measures.
“We believe the data supports a non-listing,” he said. “This plan provides protection for the lesser prairie chicken.”
Under the plan, conservation efforts could include mechanical brush removal, prescribed grazing and establishment and management of planted native grass stands. Producers may apply for five- and 10-year contracts only if they are not enrolled in programs with the federal farm bill.
After the Feb. 28 deadline, officials with the agencies will evaluate applications based on their value to prairie-chicken conservation. Landowners with the highest-ranking applications will be selected to receive payments up to 125 percent of the estimated cost of establishing their conservation plan.
The lesser prairie chicken has seen its population reduced by 84 percent in recent years, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The service originally scheduled a listing-determination for December, but then granted an extension.
Under the Endangered Species Act, threatened species are in less immediate danger of extinction than those with “endangered” status. Their populations are dwindling rapidly enough, however, to warrant more attention than non-threatened species.
“Based on what we have observed, it’s a species that’s likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future,” said Lesli Gray, a spokeswoman for the service.
The critter behind the controversy can be recognized by its light- and dark-brown feather pattern. Males are known for displaying their bright-orange eye combs and reddish-purple air sacs while strutting to attract mates.
Along with Texas, its range occupies portions of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
Prospective participants in the voluntary conservation program may contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to apply.
To view the full the range-wide plan, visit www.wafwa.org.
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